The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Aug. 10, 2004
Filed:
Mar. 29, 2002
Michael Packer, Granville, OH (US);
Acuity Brands, Inc., Atlanta, GA (US);
Abstract
Lighting fixtures for illuminating vertical surfaces of predetermined dimensions such as billboards or similar signs, the invention in several embodiments takes the form of primary reflector structures capable of directing light from a light source disposed within each of said fixtures either directly to the vertical surface or to refractive structures located on the fixtures for redirection of light to the vertical surface for even illumination of said surface with minimal light pollution from “spill” light. The primary reflector structures of the invention are curvilinear in conformation and extend from above a light source to a location between the source and the vertical surface, the reflector structures being smoothly contoured or formed into a plurality of reflective segments. The primary reflector structures are preferably complemented by side reflectors of either flat, curved or faceted conformation that act to direct incident light directly onto the vertical surface or to refractive structures for redirection onto the vertical surface. Reflector assemblies configured according to the invention from any one of the primary reflectors either singly or in combination with said side reflectors can be preferably mounted within a housing for movement within said housing to more efficiently illuminate vertical surfaces of differing dimensions. The reflector assemblies of the invention are mounted within weather-tight housings, the refractive structures conveniently being disposed on or formed integrally with a transparent glass or plastic cover that completes the housing and which are located between the light source and the vertical surface to be illuminated. Efficiencies occasioned by the present fixtures permit illumination of billboards and similar signs of standard dimensions with but three of the fixtures and with full and even illumination with minimal light spillage, a capability approached previously with no fewer than four fixtures.