Patent Application
20090103314
The present invention relates generally to lighting cover systems and methods for covering lights. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to flexible, decorative covers for use with fluorescent lights.
Fluorescent lighting is commonly used in residential and commercial buildings due to its inexpensive cost and low energy consumption. In addition, fluorescent lights are typically mounted flush with the ceiling and are therefore often used in low ceiling height areas, such as basements or office space. Generally, fluorescent light fixtures are in a large rectangular configuration to accommodate the long fluorescent light bulb shape. In recent years, and in response to consumer dissatisfaction with the unnatural light cast by fluorescent lights, fluorescent light manufacturers have started producing natural light, pink light and other hues. Although this may produce a more pleasing light emission, the general appearance of the fluorescent light fixture has remained unchanged.
While use of fluorescent light fixtures achieves energy usage reductions over incandescent lighting, there are drawbacks to such lighting, including exposure by persons to fluorescent light and the harshness of the illumination that may bother some persons as well as impact coloring and appearances of persons and interiors.
Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved covering for fluorescent lighting. It is to such that the present invention is directed.
In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Further, the particular shapes of the elements as drawn are not intended to convey any information regarding the actual shape of the particular elements, and have been solely selected for ease of recognition in the drawings.
The present disclosure describes devices, systems and methods for covering light fixtures. It will be appreciated that several of the details set forth below are provided to describe the following embodiments in a manner sufficient to enable a person skilled in the relevant art to make and use the disclosed embodiments. Several of the details and advantages described below, however, may not be necessary to practice certain embodiments of the invention. Additionally, the invention can include other embodiments that are within the scope of the claims but are not described in detail with respect to the drawing figures.
Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the occurrences of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the claimed invention.
The present invention is directed toward a system of covering a light fixture with a decorative panel with at least two opposing, non-snagging side edge portions in close proximity to the ceiling. The system includes a cover positioned adjacent to the light fixture and fixation devices attaching the cover in covering relation adjacent the light fixture. According to an embodiment of the invention, the cover may be a decorative fluorescent light cover constructed out of a variety of fire-resistant, flame-retardant stylish and attractive fabrics used to camouflage and conceal unattractive and unsightly fluorescent light fixtures. Alternatively, the cover may be a rigid or semi-rigid opaque or translucent panel. According to yet another embodiment, the cover may be a combination of flexible and rigid or semi-rigid panels combined to cover the entire light fixture. Alternatively the cover may cover a selected region of the light fixture, wherein the selected region may be less than or greater than the size of the light fixture.
Another embodiment of a cover for light fixtures includes individual panels suspended from the ceiling by ornamental hooks, clips, tassels, flexible hook and loop (such as Velcro® brand fasteners), or assorted fasteners of metal, plastic or other suitable material. According to one embodiment, the fixation devices are placed along two opposing sides of the cover or fabric panel and spaced at about eight to ten inches. Alternatively, fixation devices are placed along all four sides of the fabric panel. Depending on the length and size of the light fixture, placement of the fixation devices may vary. According to still further embodiments, the fixation devices along a first and third opposing sides, or ends of the panel, are different than the fixation devices along a second and fourth opposing sides of the panel. With respect to this embodiment, a variety of closures for each end is possible by single or multiple fasteners or decorative clips depending on the individual consumer needs or desires.
In yet another embodiment, a wood, plastic or metal dowel or rod is inserted down each long side of the flexible cover in a channel or passageway, defined, for example by an overlapping side portion of the fabric panel, to maintain the integrity and proper shape of the panel in non-sagging relation to the ceiling. The cover is attached to the ceiling with fixation devices, for example, plastic or metal hooks and screwed into the ceiling or double stick tape to secure and provide an anchor for suspending the cover therefrom. According to one embodiment, the cover is affixed to the ceiling and positioned to substantially encompass the fluorescent light fixture.
According to one embodiment, the cover 24 includes a body of fabric having a width 28a and a length 28b. The cover 24 is sized to exceed a width and a length of a fluorescent light fixture mounted to the ceiling 25. According to this embodiment, the cover 24 creates a draping reverse-tent effect. In other words, the cover 24 depends from the opposing supports or fixation devices inwardly from a ceiling of a room. Alternatively the cover may cover a selected region of the light fixture, wherein the selected region may be less than or greater than the size of the light fixture.
The cover 24 may be a decorative light transmissive cover constructed out of a variety of fire-resistant, flame-retardant stylish and attractive fabrics used to camouflage and conceal unattractive and unsightly fluorescent light fixtures. Alternatively, the cover may be a rigid or semi-rigid opaque or translucent panel. According to yet another embodiment, the cover may be a combination of flexible and rigid or semi-rigid panels combined to cover the entire light fixture, a portion of the light fixture or a region larger than the light fixture.
The system 20 further includes an elongated member 30, such as a wood, plastic or metal dowel or rod. The elongated member 30 inserts within a passageway or channel 32 defined in opposing side edge portions of the cover 24, such as a hemmed long side or length of the fabric of the flexible cover 24. The sheet of fabric for the cover 24 includes a main portion 34 and at least two opposing side portions 36, 38 adjacent respective side edges 40, 42. The opposing side portions 36, 38 overlap towards each other. The respective side edge 40, 42 of the panel secures longitudinally to the main portion 34. This defines the opposing longitudinal side channels 32, which channels receive the respective elongated member 30. In operation, the elongated member 30 provides stability and structure to the cover 24 in order to maintain a predetermined shape. The cover 24 thereby suspends in non-sagging relation to the ceiling 25. Alternatively, the cover 24 may include a frame or other support structure to provide stability and structure when in use.
As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 3-9 illustrated various systems for covering light fixtures in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the cover 24 of the system operates to disguise, distract, conceal and take attention away from the unsightly and off-putting glare of bright shining fluorescent lights. Further, the covers protect and shield the eye from the intensity of the rays of flaming incandescent and also act as a modern well-designed cover-up that is pleasing to the eye creating a softening of the room, which in turn creates a more relaxing and inviting environment. Various covers can provide varying degrees of shielding for the eye from overexposure of harsh, bright, intense, strong light.
Practical examples of the system in installation and use includes a doctor's office where a patient may lie on his back atop the examining table, facing upwardly into the glare of the harsh lighting cascading down from the fluorescent light fixture. The result for some is painful. Not only does the light hurt the eyes but the light creates a cold and unnerving environment. The system for covering light fixtures described above acts as a shield to protect the eyes from the overexposure along with softening the lighting to create a more relaxing experience. Yet another example of use installs the cover over lights at a dentist's office; use of these covers would give the patient something to gaze upon. For children, such is beneficial, especially if the covers were patterned with child-friendly prints, thus helping the child to breathe deeply and relax into the chair. Use of the above described system for covering light fixtures may lead to a calmer, more positive experience at a dentist, doctor or place that is otherwise a stressful environment.
The system accordingly provides an aesthetic purpose by creating ambience. The light fixture thus may not be the first thing one's eye immediately focuses on. The system instead creates a welcoming, comforting atmosphere. Additionally, fluorescent lights are ecologically friendly and by disguising them, a builder, homeowner, or employer can create a softer, soothing and more inviting atmosphere.
According to another aspect of the invention, a manufacture may ship the cover system as part of a lighting fixture to provide a kit. With reference to
According to further aspects of the invention, with reference to
According to still further aspects of the invention, the system may be used in with drop ceilings 94, for example, having a 24″×24″ grid or a 24″×48″ grid of tiles 96 as illustrated in
According to still further aspects of the invention, the system may be used with a ceiling fan 110 having a down pole 111 extending from a canopy attached to the ceiling, as shown in
According to a further aspect of the invention,
It will be apparent that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the fabric of a flexible cover may be altered or varied to include assorted patterns/prints/textures. The size of the cover may be varied depending on length and size of individual light fixture, the amount of draping. The dowels or rods used to insure the shape and integrity of the panels may be changes in size, length or material stiffness to provide different looks and different levels of support. Alternatively, the fixation devices may be varied, for example, an assortment of clips can vary for hanging the panels from the hooks attached to the ceiling.
Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively. When the claims use the word “or” in reference to a list of two or more items, that word covers all of the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.
The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. All of the U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ covers and fixation devices with various configurations, and concepts of the various patents, applications, and publications to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.
These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the above-detailed description. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all systems that operates in accordance with the claims. Accordingly, the invention is not limited by the disclosure, but instead its scope is to be determined entirely by the following claims.
The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/980,911, filed Oct. 18, 2007, and incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60980911 | Oct 2007 | US |
