Conventional ceiling light fixtures employ traditional fluorescent lights and high voltage fluorescent lighting fixtures as the lighting system to illuminate a predetermined area. These configurations pose several problems. For example, these configurations generally do not provide a uniform distribution of light, namely, black spots are present near the edges of the fixtures due to a lack of illumination at the ballasts of the conventional lighting fixtures. Furthermore, fluorescent lights do not produce a continuous steady output of light due to fluctuations in the frequency of the driving voltage. Additionally, some find the conventional fluorescent light color displeasing.
Thus, light emitting diodes (LEDs) have become more popular and prevalent, and it has become desirable to replace conventional lighting fixtures, ceiling or otherwise, with LED lighting units. Conventional LED lighting units, however, suffer from thick, heavy, and less than clear (optically yellow-green) glass elements. Therefore, there is a need to provide an improved LED lighting unit, lighting fixture or light panel.
The present disclosure generally relates to interior architectural elements and the design and manufacture of light-weight, fusion drawn glass and/or chemically strengthened fusion drawn glass LED lighting fixtures. Due to the superior strength and optical clarity of embodiments of the present disclosure, diffuser elements in conventional LED lighting fixtures can be eliminated.
Some embodiments provide an edge-lit LED lighting fixture or construction having one or more sheets of chemically strengthened glass (e.g., Gorilla® Glass), or an LED lighting fixture having a laminate structure with one or more sheets of chemically strengthened glass. Additional embodiments provide an LED lighting fixture having clear and/or super-clear interlayer products for optimal illumination and true color representation or an LED lighting fixture having a laminate structure with one or more sheets of chemically strengthened glass along with a thin white poly vinyl butyral (PVB) interlayer to provide superior light diffusion performance and to allow for the elimination of a separate plastic light diffusing sheet. Further embodiments provide an LED lighting fixture having improved strength lighted panels for walls and ceilings or an LED lighting fixture having low weight. Additional embodiments provide an LED lighting fixture having one or more chemically strengthened glass sheets with an acrylic light diffusing panel construction that is low weight and resists scratches, damage, and chemical cleaners. Other embodiments of the present disclosure include a transparent-to-opaque privacy glass product and applications therefor based on LED edge-lit technology.
One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a lighting fixture having a glass structure having a first sheet of fusion drawn, chemically strengthened glass. The lighting fixture also includes a clear sheet element, a diffusing element having a first surface and a second surface, and a light source situated along one or more edges of the clear sheet element to thereby direct light into the clear sheet element.
Another embodiment of the present disclosure provides a lighting fixture having an acrylic sheet with dispersive particles embedded therein that transfer light perpendicular to an axis of injection of the dispersive particles, the acrylic sheet having a first surface and a second surface. The lighting fixture also includes a first sheet of fusion drawn, chemically strengthened glass positioned on the first surface and a light source situated along one or more edges of the acrylic sheet to thereby direct light into the clear sheet element.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments of the present disclosure, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claimed subject matter. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operations of the claimed subject matter.
For the purposes of illustration, there are forms shown in the drawings that are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the embodiments disclosed and discussed herein are not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
With reference to the figures, where like elements have been given like numerical designations to facilitate an understanding of the present disclosure, the various embodiments for light emitting diode light panels are described.
In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views shown in the figures. It is also understood that, unless otherwise specified, terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “outward,” “inward,” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms. In addition, whenever a group is described as comprising at least one of a group of elements and combinations thereof, it is understood that the group may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of any number of those elements recited, either individually or in combination with each other.
Similarly, whenever a group is described as consisting of at least one of a group of elements or combinations thereof, it is understood that the group may consist of any number of those elements recited, either individually or in combination with each other. Unless otherwise specified, a range of values, when recited, includes both the upper and lower limits of the range. As used herein, the indefinite articles “a,” and “an,” and the corresponding definite article “the” mean “at least one” or “one or more,” unless otherwise specified
The following description of the present disclosure is provided as an enabling teaching thereof and its best, currently-known embodiment. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes can be made to the embodiment described herein while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present disclosure. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present disclosure can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present disclosure without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations of the present disclosure are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are part of the present disclosure. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many modifications to the exemplary embodiments described herein are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the description is not intended and should not be construed to be limited to the examples given but should be granted the full breadth of protection afforded by the appended claims and equivalents thereto. In addition, it is possible to use some of the features of the present disclosure without the corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, the foregoing description of exemplary or illustrative embodiments is provided for the purpose of illustrating the principles of the present disclosure and not in limitation thereof and can include modification thereto and permutations thereof.
With continued reference to
Other exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure provide edge-lit lighting panels having a bright uniform and diffuse light source for architectural applications such as, but not limited to, ceiling and overhead lighting or for illuminated walls and surfaces. In some embodiments, a series of LEDs can be placed along perimeter edges of an exemplary panel or construction whereby light can be transmitted inward, across, and through the panel or construction toward an area where illumination is desired. Alternative embodiments can also employ Full-Array lighting whereby plural rows of LEDs can be placed behind the entire surface of a panel or construction.
In some embodiments, uniformity of the light emitted by LED light panels can be a major consideration whereby a waveguide or light pipe function can be employed to transmit light from edge-lit LEDs toward the center of the respective panel. In some embodiments, polymeric materials, e.g., acrylic, can be employed for this purpose. Once light is uniformly distributed across the panel, it can be diffused and directed through the panel into an area to be illuminated. Polycarbonate is also another exemplary, non-limiting material that can be employed for its light diffusing properties as a uniformly thick sheet or with three-dimensional features molded therein to provide light diffusion or to achieve a desirable aesthetic appearance. Engineered acrylic materials can also be employed that combine waveguide properties with light diffusing properties. Such exemplary multi-functional polymeric materials can thus be employed in embodiments of the present disclosure to avoid the need for other components in an exemplary light panel. As depicted in
Exemplary glass sheets utilized in embodiments of the present disclosure can be formed from chemically-strengthened glass, thermal tempered glass, heat strengthened glass, annealed glass, soda lime glass, and glass ceramics, just to name a few. Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure can employ exemplary polymeric materials in the place of glass sheets. Exemplary polymeric materials include, but are not limited to, plastics, polyvinyl butryal (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), SentryGlass® or other ionomers, polycarbonates, acrylics, and the like.
In additional embodiments of the present disclosure, thin chemically strengthened glass, e.g., Gorilla® Glass, can be employed to provide a light-weight solution to architectural requirements while providing benefits of durability and scratch and damage resistant surfaces to a respective light panel. Applicant has discovered that by replacing conventionally employed glass products with thin, chemically-strengthened glass, the weight of the respective device or panel can be reduced by at least 50% without compromising the safety or impact performance of the device or panel. Additionally, by employing such light-weight and thin glass elements, touch functionality and wireless communication functionality can be employed in embodiments of the present disclosure.
Suitable glass sheets used in embodiments of the present disclosure, whether in a single glass sheet embodiment or in a multi-layer glass sheet embodiment and used as an external and/or internal glass sheet, can be strengthened or chemically-strengthened by a pre- or post-ion exchange process. In this process, typically by immersion of the glass sheet into a molten salt bath for a predetermined period of time, ions at or near the surface of the glass sheet are exchanged for larger metal ions from the salt bath. In one embodiment, the temperature of the molten salt bath is about 430° C. and the predetermined time period is about eight hours. The incorporation of the larger ions into the glass strengthens the sheet by creating a compressive stress in a near surface region. A corresponding tensile stress is induced within a central region of the glass to balance the compressive stress.
Exemplary ion-exchangeable glasses that are suitable for forming glass sheets or glass laminates can be alkali aluminosilicate glasses or alkali aluminoborosilicate glasses, though other glass compositions are contemplated. As used herein, “ion exchangeable” means that a glass is capable of exchanging cations located at or near the surface of the glass with cations of the same valence that are either larger or smaller in size. One exemplary glass composition comprises SiO2, B2O3 and Na2O, where (SiO2+B2O3)≧66 mol. %, and Na2O≧9 mol. %. In an embodiment, the glass sheets include at least 6 wt. % aluminum oxide. In a further embodiment, a glass sheet includes one or more alkaline earth oxides, such that a content of alkaline earth oxides is at least 5 wt. %. Suitable glass compositions, in some embodiments, further comprise at least one of K2O, MgO, and CaO. In a particular embodiment, the glass can comprise 61-75 mol. % SiO2;7-15 mol. % Al2O3; 0-12 mol. % B2O3; 9-21 mol. % Na2O;0-4 mol. % K2O; 0-7 mol. % MgO; and 0-3 mol. % CaO.
A further exemplary glass composition suitable for forming hybrid glass laminates comprises: 60-70 mol. % SiO2; 6-14 mol. % Al2O3; 0-15 mol. % B2O3;0-15 mol. % Li2O; 0-20 mol. % Na2O; 0-10 mol. % K2O; 0-8 mol. % MgO; 0-10 mol. % CaO; 0-5 mol. % ZrO2; 0-1 mol. % SnO2; 0-1 mol. % CeO2; less than 50 ppm As2O3; and less than 50 ppm Sb2O3; where 12 mol. % (Li2O+Na2O+K2O)≦20 mol. % and 0 mol. % ≦(MgO+CaO)≦10 mol. %. A still further exemplary glass composition comprises: 63.5-66.5 mol. % SiO2;8-12 mol. % Al2O3;0-3 mol. % B2O3;0-5 mol. % Li2O; 8-18 mol. % Na2O; 0-5 mol. % K2O; 1-7 mol. % MgO; 0-2.5 mol. % CaO;0-3 mol. % ZrO2; 0.05-0.25 mol. % SnO2; 0.05-0.5 mol. % CeO2; less than 50 ppm As2O3; and less than 50 ppm Sb2O3; where 14 mol. % (Li2O+Na2O+K2O)≦18 mol. % and 2 mol. % (MgO+CaO)≦7 mol. %.
In a particular embodiment, an alkali aluminosilicate glass comprises alumina, at least one alkali metal and, in some embodiments, greater than 50 mol. % SiO2, in other embodiments at least 58 mol. % SiO2, and in still other embodiments at least 60 mol. % SiO2, wherein the ratio
where in the ratio the components are expressed in mol.% and the modifiers are alkali metal oxides. This glass, in particular embodiments, comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of: 58-72 mol. % SiO2; 9-17 mol. % Al2O3; 2-12 mol. % B2O3; 8-16 mol. % Na2O; and 0-4 mol. % K2O, wherein the ratio
In another embodiment, an alkali aluminosilicate glass comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of: 61-75 mol. % SiO2; 7-15 mol. % Al2O3; 0-12 mol. % B2O3; 9-21 mol. % Na2O; 0-4 mol. % K2O; 0-7 mol. % MgO; and 0-3 mol. % CaO. In yet another embodiment, an alkali aluminosilicate glass substrate comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of: 60-70 mol. % SiO2; 6-14 mol. % Al2O3; 0-15 mol. % B2O3; 0-15 mol. % Li2O; 0-20 mol.% Na2O; 0-10 mol. % K2O; 0-8 mol. % MgO; 0-10 mol. % CaO; 0-5 mol. % ZrO2; 0-1 mol.% SnO2;0-1 mol. % CeO2; less than 50 ppm As2O3; and less than 50 ppm Sb2O3; wherein 12 mol. % Li2O+Na2O+K2O 20 mol. % and 0 mol. % MgO+CaO≦10 mol. %. In still another embodiment, an alkali aluminosilicate glass comprises, consists essentially of, or consists of: 64-68 mol. % SiO2;12-16 mol. % Na2O; 8-12 mol. % Al2O3; 0-3 mol.% B2O3; 2-5 mol. % K2O; 4-6 mol. % MgO; and 0-5 mol. % CaO, wherein: 66 mol. % SiO2+B2O3+CaO≦69 mol. %; Na2O+K2O+B2O3+MgO+CaO+SrO>10 mol. %; 5 mol.% MgO+CaO+SrO≦8 mol. %; (Na2O+B2O3)-Al2O3≦2 mol. %; 2 mol. % Na2O -Al2O3≦6 mol. %; and 4 mol. % ≦(Na2O+K2O)- Al2O3≦10 mol. %.
Exemplary chemically-strengthened as well as non-chemically-strengthened glass, in some embodiments, can be batched with 0-2 mol. % of at least one fining agent selected from a group that includes Na2SO4, NaC1, NaF, NaBr, K2SO4, KC1, KF, KBr, and SnO2. In one exemplary embodiment, sodium ions in exemplary chemically-strengthened glass can be replaced by potassium ions from the molten bath, though other alkali metal ions having a larger atomic radii, such as rubidium or cesium, can replace smaller alkali metal ions in the glass. According to particular embodiments, smaller alkali metal ions in the glass can be replaced by Ag+ions. Similarly, other alkali metal salts such as, but not limited to, sulfates, halides, and the like may be used in the ion exchange process. The replacement of smaller ions by larger ions at a temperature below that at which the glass network can relax produces a distribution of ions across the surface of the glass that results in a stress profile. The larger volume of the incoming ion produces a compressive stress (CS) on the surface and tension (central tension, or CT) in the center of the glass. The compressive stress is related to the central tension by the following relationship:
where t represents the total thickness of the glass sheet and DOL is the depth of exchange, also referred to as depth of layer.
According to various embodiments, glass sheets and/or glass laminate structures comprising ion-exchanged glass can possess an array of desired properties, including low weight, high impact resistance, and improved sound attenuation. In one embodiment, a chemically-strengthened glass sheet can have a surface compressive stress of at least 250 MPa, e.g., at least 250, 300, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750 or 800 MPa, a depth of layer at least about 20 μm (e.g., at least about 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 μm) and/or a central tension greater than 40 MPa (e.g., greater than 40, 45, or 50 MPa) but less than 100 MPa (e.g., less than 100, 95, 90, 85, 80, 75, 70, 65, 60, or 55 MPa). A modulus of elasticity of a chemically-strengthened glass sheet can range from about 60 GPa to 85 GPa (e.g., 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 or 85 GPa). The modulus of elasticity of the glass sheet(s) and the polymer interlayer can affect both the mechanical properties (e.g., deflection and strength) and the acoustic performance (e.g., transmission loss) of the resulting glass laminate.
Exemplary glass sheet forming methods include fusion draw and slot draw processes, which are each examples of a down-draw process, as well as float processes. These methods can be used to form both chemically-strengthened and non-chemically-strengthened glass sheets. The fusion draw process generally uses a drawing tank that has a channel for accepting molten glass raw material. The channel has weirs that are open at the top along the length of the channel on both sides of the channel. When the channel fills with molten material, the molten glass overflows the weirs. Due to gravity, the molten glass flows down the outside surfaces of the drawing tank. These outside surfaces extend down and inwardly so that they join at an edge below the drawing tank. The two flowing glass surfaces join at this edge to fuse and form a single flowing sheet. The fusion draw method offers the advantage that, because the two glass films flowing over the channel fuse together, neither outside surface of the resulting glass sheet comes in contact with any part of the apparatus. Thus, the surface properties of the fusion drawn glass sheet are not affected by such contact.
The slot draw method is distinct from the fusion draw method. Here the molten raw material glass is provided to a drawing tank. The bottom of the drawing tank has an open slot with a nozzle that extends the length of the slot. The molten glass flows through the slot/nozzle and is drawn downward as a continuous sheet and into an annealing region. The slot draw process can provide a thinner sheet than the fusion draw process because a single sheet is drawn through the slot, rather than two sheets being fused together.
Down-draw processes produce glass sheets having a uniform thickness that possess surfaces that are relatively pristine. Because the strength of the glass surface is controlled by the amount and size of surface flaws, a pristine surface that has had minimal contact has a higher initial strength. When this high strength glass is then chemically strengthened, the resultant strength can be higher than that of a surface that has been a lapped and polished. Down-drawn glass may be drawn to a thickness of less than about 2 mm. In addition, down drawn glass has a very flat, smooth surface that can be used in its final application without costly grinding and polishing
In the float glass method, a sheet of glass that may be characterized by smooth surfaces and uniform thickness is made by floating molten glass on a bed of molten metal, typically tin. In an exemplary process, molten glass that is fed onto the surface of the molten tin bed forms a floating ribbon. As the glass ribbon flows along the tin bath, the temperature is gradually decreased until a solid glass sheet can be lifted from the tin onto rollers. Once off the bath, the glass sheet can be cooled further and annealed to reduce internal stress.
As noted above, exemplary glass sheets can be used to form glass laminates or glass laminate structures. The term “thin” as used herein means a thickness of up to about 2.0 mm, up to about 1.5 mm, up to about 1.0 mm, up to about 0.7 mm, or in a range of from about 0.5 mm to about 2.0 mm, from about 0.5 to about 1.5 mm, from about 0.5 to about 1.0 mm, or from about 0.5 mm to about 0.7 mm. The terms “sheet”, “structure”, “glass structures”, “laminate structures” and “glass laminate structures” may be used interchangeably in the present disclosure and such use should not limit the scope of the claims appended herewith. As defined herein, a glass laminate can also comprise an externally or internally-facing chemically-strengthened glass sheet, an internally or externally facing non-chemically-strengthened glass sheet, and a polymer interlayer formed between the glass sheets. The polymer interlayer can comprise a monolithic polymer sheet, a multilayer polymer sheet, or a composite polymer sheet. The polymer interlayer can be, for example, a plasticized poly(vinyl butyral) sheet.
Conventional glass to glass laminations utilize glass sheets thicker than 3 mm in their constructions due to the difficulty of manufacturing and strengthening of thinner glass sheets. The clarity of these laminations are not optimized for a white light application due to the green-yellow color obtained from soda-lime glass constructions or even iron-free soda-lime glass constructions. Additionally, these conventional constructions are too thick and heavy for LED light panels that are to be suspended horizontally or vertically. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide front glass elements constructed with fusion drawn compositions, such as Gorilla® Glass, either as single layers or as multi-layer laminations. These embodiments are thinner than conventional standard float glass products, provide thinner and stronger front glass elements in lighting panels than conventional glass elements resulting in new lighter-weight LED panel constructions, provide pristine and optically clear glass, and provide glass laminate solutions having a wide variety of color options when color is required to be directed (light panel applications) or observed (signage light panel applications). Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure providing front glass elements constructed with fusion drawn compositions, such as, Gorilla® Glass either as single layers or as multi-layer laminations also provide a simplified LED panel construction when the diffuser element is incorporated into the fusion drawn glass front glass element. Further embodiments can employ acrylic or other materials (e.g., ACRYLITE®) to provide waveguide and light diffusing optical properties and can reduce the use or eliminate the need for a diffuser element in an LED light panel design.
With continued reference to
Exemplary glass panels employing fusion drawn glasses, e.g., Gorilla® Glass, can be utilized in thicknesses of less than about 2 mm. Preferable thicknesses for single layer constructions can be greater than about 0.3 mm and can be less than about 1.0 mm. In some embodiments, thicknesses for laminations having Gorilla® Glass can be between about 0.5 mm to less than about 3 mm (i.e., the total front glass element thickness). Of course, additional fusion drawn compositions, such as, but not limited to Eagle XG, Willow glass, and the like, can be utilized in embodiments of the present disclosure and can have thicknesses varying from greater than about 10 microns to less than about 1 mm. Table 1 provided below provides summaries of strength comparisons between conventional heat strengthened glass and fusion drawn chemically strengthened glass, e.g., Gorilla® Glass.
Utilizing an LED light panel embodiment depicted in
As noted above, in some of the embodiments described herein, the intensity of emitted light can be controlled by several mechanisms such as, but not limited to, dimmers, manual variable controls, voice, motion or heat activated controls (or other automated, computer controlled, manually controlled mechanisms) to reduce heat produced by radiant energy. To reduce or eliminate lighting “hot spots” (areas where people perceive the light source) and to create a uniform lighting, the glass or laminate material can be etched to create a diffuse surface. For example, opal glass can be employed to produce uniform lighting for microscopy or photography or holography. Other means of creating uniform lighting through the use of holographic diffusers, chemical etchants, sand or bead blasting glass can also be employed in embodiments of the present disclosure. Exemplary diffusion profiles can range from narrow line to a broad Lambertian profile to homogenize non-uniform light emitted from many sources, including LEDs. Thus, in some embodiments the glass or glass laminate panel can also include a variety of materials selected for their unique properties in creating a light-weight, strong, visually appealing and user interactive panel.
One embodiment of the present disclosure provides a lighting fixture having a glass structure having a first sheet of fusion drawn, chemically strengthened glass. In some embodiments, the glass structure further comprises a second sheet of glass and an interlayer intermediate the first sheet of fusion drawn, chemically strengthened glass and the second sheet of glass. In other embodiments, the second sheet of glass can be, but is not limited to, a sheet of fusion drawn, chemically strengthened glass, a sheet of float glass, a sheet of tempered glass, a sheet of soda lime glass, and a sheet of heat annealed glass. Exemplary interlayers can be polyvinyl butryal (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), an ionomer, a polycarbonate, an acrylic, and a polymeric material. The lighting fixture also includes a clear sheet element, a diffusing element having a first surface and a second surface, and a light source situated along one or more edges of the clear sheet element to thereby direct light into the clear sheet element. In some embodiments, the lighting fixture includes a reflector overlying a surface of the clear sheet element opposite the diffusing element. A frame can be provided to hold the glass structure, diffusing element, clear sheet element, and light source in a predetermined space. Exemplary light sources can be, but are not limited to, an LED, an array of LEDs, and the like. Further embodiments can include a clear, white or tinted interlayer intermediate the first glass sheet and diffusing element. Of course, the lighting fixture can be any suitable lighting fixture, e.g., a horizontal or vertical lighting fixture. An exemplary clear sheet element can comprise an acrylic, polycarbonate, glass or glass-ceramic material. Exemplary thicknesses of the first sheet (and second sheet) of fusion drawn, chemically strengthened glass can be between about 0.5 mm to about 2.0 mm, between about 0.5 to about 1.5 mm, between about 0.5 to about 1.0 mm, or between about 0.5 mm to about 0.7 mm. Exemplary thicknesses of the glass structure can be between about 0.3 mm and about 3 mm or between about 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm.
A further embodiment of the present disclosure provides a lighting fixture having an acrylic sheet having dispersive particles embedded therein that transfer light perpendicular to an axis of injection of the dispersive particles, the acrylic sheet having a first surface and a second surface. The lighting fixture also includes a first sheet of fusion drawn, chemically strengthened glass positioned on the first surface and a light source situated along one or more edges of the acrylic sheet to thereby direct light into the clear sheet element. Another embodiment of the lighting fixture can include a second sheet of glass positioned on the second surface of the acrylic sheet. In other embodiments, the second sheet of glass can be, but is not limited to, a sheet of fusion drawn, chemically strengthened glass, a sheet of float glass, a sheet of tempered glass, a sheet of soda lime glass, and a sheet of heat annealed glass. In some embodiments, the lighting fixture can include a second sheet of glass and an interlayer intermediate the first sheet of fusion drawn, chemically strengthened glass and the second sheet of glass. As noted above, this second sheet of glass can be, but is not limited to, a sheet of fusion drawn, chemically strengthened glass, a sheet of float glass, a sheet of tempered glass, a sheet of soda lime glass, and a sheet of heat annealed glass. Exemplary interlayers can be polyvinyl butryal (PVB), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), an ionomer, a polycarbonate, an acrylic, and a polymeric material. A frame can be provided to hold the acrylic sheet, first sheet of fusion drawn, chemically strengthened glass, and light source in a predetermined space. Exemplary light sources can be, but are not limited to, an LED, an array of LEDs, and the like. Further embodiments can include a clear, white or tinted interlayer intermediate the first glass sheet and diffusing element. Of course, the lighting fixture can be any suitable lighting fixture, e.g., a horizontal or vertical lighting fixture. Exemplary thicknesses of the first sheet (and second sheet) of fusion drawn, chemically strengthened glass can be between about 0.5 mm to about 2.0 mm, between about 0.5 to about 1.5 mm, between about 0.5 to about 1.0 mm, or between about 0.5 mm to about 0.7 mm. Exemplary thicknesses of the glass structure can be between about 0.3 mm and about 3 mm or between about 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm. In some embodiments, the lighting fixture includes a reflector overlying a surface of the acrylic sheet opposite the first sheet of fusion drawn chemically strengthened glass.
While this description can include many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope thereof, but rather as descriptions of features that can be specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that have been heretofore described in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features can be described above as acting in certain combinations and can even be initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.
Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings or figures in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing can be advantageous.
As shown by the various configurations and embodiments illustrated in
While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described, it is to be understood that the embodiments described are illustrative only and that the scope of the invention is to be defined solely by the appended claims when accorded a full range of equivalence, many variations and modifications naturally occurring to those of skill in the art from a perusal hereof
This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61/869291 filed Aug. 23, 2013, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US14/51772 | 8/20/2014 | WO | 00 |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
61869291 | Aug 2013 | US |