United States Patent (19)
`Bailey et al.
`
`54 MULTI-COLOR FOCUSABLE LED STAGE
`LIGHT
`
`76) Inventors: James Tam Bailey. 1613 Pleasant Run,
`Carrollton. Tex. 75006; Phillip L.
`Scheldt, 6319 Turner Way, Dallas, Tex.
`75230
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 814,667
`22 Filed:
`Mar 11, 1997
`(51) Int. Cl. ...................... F21V 21/14
`(52) U.S. Cl. .......................... 362/250; 362/231; 362/285;
`362/800
`58) Field of Search ..................................... 362/240, 231.
`362/285. 286, 418, 800, 250
`
`56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4.025.777 5/1977 Hayakawa ............................... 362/250
`4,727,289 2/1988 Uchida ...................................... 35/71
`4,729,076 3/1988 Masami et al. .
`... 362/235
`4,939.426 7/1990 Menard et al. .
`... 35/92
`4.954,822 9/1990 Borenstein .
`... 340/925
`4.963,798 10/1990 McDermott.
`... 35/32
`4,965.488 10/1990 Hihi ................
`... 313/499
`5,036,248
`7/1991 McEwan et al. ....................... 313/500
`
`
`
`USOO5752766A
`Patent Number:
`11
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`5,752,766
`May 19, 1998
`
`5,143,442
`9/1992 Ishikawa et al. ....................... 362,253
`5,400.229 3/1995 Lin ...................
`... 362/249
`5,450.301
`9/1995 Waltz et al.
`... 362/231
`5,561,346 10/1996 Byrne ........
`... 313/512
`Primary Examiner-Stephen F. Husar
`Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Akin, Gump. Strauss, Hauer &
`Feld, L.L.P.
`ABSTRACT
`57
`A multi-color, focusable, lighting apparatus particularly
`adapted for illuminating performance stages and other visual
`displays comprises an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs)
`supported on a flexible base member which in turn is
`supported by a housing of the apparatus. A linear actuator is
`operable to move the base member between a generally
`planar position and a deflected position to cause the LED
`array to change the direction of the optical axes of a
`substantial number of LEDs in the array to focus light
`emitted from the LEDs, respectively. The LEDs are prefer
`ably provided in clusters of three LEDs, each cluster includ
`ing a red, blue and green LED. A generally cylindrical shield
`may be connected to the housing to project light from the
`apparatus. The base member may comprise a moldable
`polymer material wherein the LED array and electrical
`conductors are encapsulated in the base member itself.
`
`19 Claims, 2 Drawing Sheets
`
`VWGoA EX1035
`U.S. Patent No. 9,955,551
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 19, 1998
`May 19, 1998
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`Sheet 1 of 2
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`5,752,766
`5,752,766
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`US. Patent
`U.S. Patent
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`May19, 1998
`May 19, 1998
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`Sheet 2 of 2
`Sheet 2 of 2
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`5,752,766
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`FIG. 5
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`1
`MULTCOLOR FOCUSABLE LED STAGE
`LIGHT
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention pertains to a light source compris
`ing and array of multi-color light emitting diodes (LEDs)
`wherein the array is mounted on a flexible diaphragm-like
`support structure which may be deflected to focus a beam of
`variable colored light. The light source is particularly
`adapted for use in performance stage or other visual display
`lighting applications.
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`support base for the LED array may comprise a flexible
`elastomeric member which may include suitable circuitry
`mounted thereon or embedded therein for providing electri
`cal signals to each LED of the array. The flexible support
`base is operably connected to an actuator which may be
`controlled to deflect the base to change the directional
`characteristics of light beams being projected by each LED
`so that the resultant or collective light beam generated by the
`apparatus may be focused or concentrated on a target distant
`from the apparatus.
`In accordance with further aspects of the present inven
`tion an improved multi-color high intensity stage light
`apparatus is provided utilizing a large array of LEDs and
`wherein the apparatus may be configured to replace con
`ventional incandescent stage lighting devices. Still further.
`the invention contemplates the provision of a lighting appa
`ratus which includes a housing for supporting a flexible
`support or base member for a large array of LEDs and
`wherein certain control components for energizing and
`controlling the LED array, such as electrical control circuitry
`and voltage conversion or rectifier devices may be mounted
`on the housing and easily replaced when defective or in need
`of repair.
`Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the above
`mentioned advantages and superior features of the invention
`upon reading the detailed description which follows in
`conjunction with the drawing.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
`FIG. 1 is an end elevation of a multi-color, focusable light
`apparatus in accordance with the invention:
`FIG. 2 is a longitudinal central section view of the
`apparatus taken from the line 2-2 of FIG. 1:
`FIG. 3 is an elevation of the opposite end of the apparatus
`shown in FIGS. 1 and 2:
`FIG. 4 is a detail plan view showing one preferred pattern
`of LEDs used in the array of the apparatus of the invention;
`and
`FIG. 5 is a detail section view taken along line 5-5 of
`FIG. 4 showing one preferred arrangement of mounting the
`individual LEDs on the flexible base.
`DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
`EMBODIMENT
`In the description which follows like elements are marked
`throughout the specification and drawing with the same
`reference numerals. respectively. The drawing figures are
`not necessarily to scale and certain elements may be shown
`in generalized or schematic form in the interest of clarity and
`conciseness.
`Referring primarily to FIGS. 1 and 2. a light source or
`apparatus in accordance with the invention is generally
`designated by the numeral 10. The light apparatus 10
`comprises a generally cylindrical support housing 12 having
`a rear transverse wall 14, a generally cylindrical, stepped
`intermediate wall 15 and a circumferential flange 16 defin
`ing an annular recess 18. Recess 18 is adapted to support a
`generally circular, planar. relatively thin, flexible base or
`support member 20. The flexible base 20 is adapted to
`support an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 22 disposed
`spaced apart on the base 20 in a gridlike pattern. as indicated
`in FIGS. 1, and 4. The base 20 also includes a hub portion
`24, FIG. 2, which may be integrally formed with or bonded
`to the base and which is suitably connected to an extensible
`rod 26 of a linear actuator 28. The actuator 28 is suitably
`mounted on the transverse wall 14 of the support housing 12.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`Light emitting diodes (LEDs) have found commercial
`success in many requirements for light sources including
`individual signal or indicator lights and in arrays of multiple
`LEDs for both indoor and outdoor signal and indicator
`lighting applications. Large arrays of LEDs have also been
`developed for various types of graphic displays, including
`indoor and outdoor advertising and information displays as
`well as large scale video displays. The relatively low power
`consumption, long service life and reliability of light sources
`made up of LEDs has contributed to their success in the
`above mentioned applications.
`Another application wherein, according to the present
`invention, light emitting diodes may be used advantageously
`is with regard to lighting for performances stages and other
`visual displays which require, or desirably should have.
`variable color and intensity of light as well as selective
`concentration or focusing of light on particular areas of the
`display or the stage. Heretofore, high intensity incandescent
`lights have been used, particularly, for stage lighting. Such
`lights require multi-color mechanical/optical filter devices to
`effect changes in projected light color. However, the range of
`colors of such light sources is somewhat limited and the
`power requirements for such lights is substantial.
`The efficiency and reliability of light emitting diodes for
`lighting applications of the type described above can be
`advantageous and, in particular, by providing light sources
`comprising arrays of LEDs of certain primary colors, for
`example, which may be controlled selectively to be "on" or
`"off" or be "on" at a certain intensity, a wide range of colors
`and light intensities is possible. An LED light source or light
`apparatus in accordance with the present invention substan
`tially meets the desiderata and requirements of performance
`stage and visual display lighting mentioned above as will be
`appreciated by those skilled in the art from the following
`summary and detailed description of the invention.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention provides an improved light source
`or lighting apparatus, particularly adapted for use in perfor
`mance stage lighting and other visual display lighting appli
`cations.
`In accordance with an important aspect of the invention a
`lighting apparatus is provided which is characterized by an
`array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) which are provided in
`a pre-determined pattern of selected colors and which may
`be controlled to provide a wide variety of color lighting
`projected by the array.
`In accordance with another important aspect of the inven
`tion a lighting apparatus is provided wherein an array of
`LEDs is supported on a flexible base or support structure
`which may be selectively deflected to effect focusing of a
`light beam generated by the multiple LEDs of the array. The
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`The actuator 28 is operable to move the rod 26 in opposite
`directions along the central axis 11 of the apparatus 10
`between a position as indicated the solid lines in FIG. 2 and
`a selected one of alternate working positions, a limit one of
`which is indicated by the alternate position lines in FIG. 2.
`The actuator 28 may comprise a solenoid type actuator or
`other suitable linear servo motor or actuator which may be
`controlled to deflect the flexible base 20 in such a way as to
`form a somewhat arcuate concave, surface of revolution
`shape as indicated by the one alternate position shown. The
`shape of the surface of revolution formed by the base
`member 20, in a deflected position, is preferably parabolic.
`Accordingly, the direction of light projected from the LEDs
`22 may be altered to provide a somewhat focused beam
`directed to the centroid or focal point of the altered shape of
`the base 20.
`The flexible base 20 may be suitably supported in the
`recess 18 by a ring-like retainer 29, which may be retained
`in its working position by suitable means, including for
`example, a flange 30 of a generally cylindrical elongated
`light shield or "can" 32 comprising part of the apparatus 10.
`An axially projecting collar portion 34 of the shield 32 is
`engageable with the flange 16 of the housing 12 and may be
`suitably secured thereto by means. not shown, to retain the
`apparatus 10 in assembly, as illustrated. Those skilled in the
`art will appreciate that the specific manner in which the
`flexible LED support base 20 is mounted in the housing 12
`and cooperates with the light shield 32 may be modified
`without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.
`As further shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cylindrical
`can-like shield 32 may have opposed bosses 35 formed on
`the exterior thereof whereby the apparatus 10 may be
`suitably mounted on support structure, including a bail 36.
`in a conventional manner. Winghead screws 38 are operable
`to connect the bail 36 to the shield 32 and for adjusting the
`attitude of the axis 11 of the apparatus 10 with respect to the
`bail.
`As shown in FIG. 2, the end of the shield 32 opposite the
`flange 30 is provided with a cylindrical opening 37 defined
`by the cylindrical tubular wall 33 of the shield for projecting
`substantially parallel light beams 39a therefrom, which light
`beams are generated by the LEDs 22 when the support base
`20 is in the position shown by the solid lines in FIG. 2.
`However, the axes of the light beams being projected by the
`LED array may be altered to generally follow the beam path
`lines 39b, for example, which beam path lines converge
`toward each other when the base 20 is deflected to the
`position shown by the alternate position lines in FIG. 2.
`For applications of the apparatus 10 to replace convention
`incandescent stage lighting and similar lighting apparatus,
`the apparatus 10 is adapted to be connected to conventional
`connector means providing alternating current electrical
`power to the apparatus so that the apparatus may be easily
`substituted for conventional incandescent stage lights. As
`shown in FIG. 3, the housing 12 supports a conventional
`connector member 40 which may be connected to a con
`ventional alternating current source of electrical energy, not
`shown.
`Still further, the housing 12 is adapted to support plug-in
`type control elements, such as a voltage rectifier 42, see
`FIGS. 2 and 3, and other control elements indicated at 44, for
`example. The control elements 42 and 44 each include
`suitable releasable connectors 42a and 44a, respectively.
`wherein these elements may be quickly connected to or
`disconnected from the apparatus 10. A suitable control cable
`connector 46. FIG. 3. is also provided at the transverse rear
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`4
`wall 14 of housing 12 for connecting the apparatus 10 to a
`suitable controller, not shown, for varying the color and
`intensity of light emitted by the apparatus 10 and, of course,
`for varying the focus of the array of LEDs 22 by movement
`of the actuator 28 to deflect the flexible base 20. Remote
`control of the apparatus 10 is desirable for many lighting
`applications, including live stage performances. and certain
`types of visual displays.
`Referring now to FIG. 4, a portion of the array of LEDs
`22 is illustrated in plan view wherein the array preferably
`includes clusters of three LEDs 22a, 22b and 22c, each
`cluster being preferably arranged in a generally triangular or
`diamond shaped pattern. Each cluster preferably includes
`one red LED 22a, one blue LED 22b and one green LED
`22c. When all LEDs 22a, 22b and 22c are illuminated at the
`same intensity substantially white light is emitted by the
`apparatus 10. Each of the LEDs 22a, 22b and 22c may be
`energized for selective periods of time and/or illuminated
`with different degrees of intensity in a known manner.
`Accordingly, the perceived color of light emitted from the
`apparatus 10 may be selectively varied over a wide range of
`colors. The particular orientation or position of each of the
`LEDs 22a, 22b and 22c in each cluster may be varied and
`a uniform color field of light projected by the apparatus 10
`may be obtained in any case. The LEDs 22a, 22b and 22c
`may be of types commercially available and of conventional
`construction.
`Preferably, the LEDs, generally designated by the
`numeral 22, each include glass capsule structures, as
`illustrated, with suitable conductor means in the base of the
`capsule and the capsules are embedded in or molded into the
`flexible base member 20 or otherwise supported on the base
`in a preferred manner. Suitable conductor means may be
`"printed" on or embedded in the material of the flexible base
`20, as indicated at numerals 50 and 52. for example, in FIG.
`5. In other words, the LEDs 22 may be suitably engaged
`with their electrical conductors 50 and 52 and encapsulated
`in the material of the flexible base 20 at the time of
`manufacture. Each of the LEDs 22 also, preferably, includes
`an optical axis 22e. FIG. 5, representatives one of which are
`illustrated, which are aligned in generally parallel relation
`ship with the axis 11 when the base 20 is in the position
`shown by the solid lines of FIG. 2. However, when the base
`20 is deflected, as shown in FIG. 2, the optical axes 22e may
`be reoriented to provide the converging light beams indi
`cated by lines 39b in FIG. 2. The LEDs 22 are preferably of
`a type having low light dispersion about their optical axes
`and preferably have an angle of light directivity of less than
`about thirty degrees with respect to the optical axes 22e,
`respectively.
`The surface of the base 20 from which the LEDs 22
`project may be suitably coated with a light reflective coating
`54. as indicated in FIG. 5. The material composition of the
`base 20 may be a suitable polymer or elastomer material,
`such as vinyl. natural or synthetic rubber or another sub
`stantially heat resistant, flexible or stretchable polymer-like
`material which is substantially electrically nonconductive.
`In this way the base 20 may be elastically defected from the
`position indicated by the solid lines in FIG. 2 to a limit
`position indicated by the alternate position lines in FIG. 2 or
`to any position therebetween controlled by movement of the
`actuator 28.
`Except as noted herein, the apparatus 20 may be con
`structed using conventional materials for high intensity
`lighting apparatus, such as stage lighting or spotlighting for
`visual displays of virtually any type. The LEDs 22a, 22b and
`22c may be of a type commercially available and which are
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`operable on continuous or pulsed voltages from zero volts
`DC to about fifteen volts DC. The LEDs 22 may have
`nominal diameters of from about 3.0 mm to about 10.0 mm,
`for example. Control circuits for energizing the respective
`LEDs may be provided in accordance with known methods
`and apparatus for LED displays and the like. for example.
`The construction and operation of the apparatus 10 is
`believed to be within the purview of one of ordinary skill in
`the art from the foregoing description. Those skilled in the
`art will appreciate that a unique multi-color or so called
`"full" color high intensity lighting apparatus which is oper
`able to focus or concentrate a light beam emitted therefrom
`is provided by the present invention and that various sub
`stitutions and modifications may be made to the embodiment
`described within departing from the scope and spirit of the
`appended claims.
`What is claimed is:
`1. An electrical light source characterized by an apparatus
`including an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs), said
`apparatus comprising:
`a housing;
`a flexible base member supported on said housing:
`an array of LEDs supported on said base member and
`operable to be connected to a source of electric energy
`for generating light emitted therefrom; and
`an actuator connected to said base member and operable
`to move said base member to selected working posi
`tions to redirect light emitted by at least some of said
`LEDS.
`2. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 including:
`a shield operably connected to said housing and including
`an opening at one end for emitting light from said array
`of LEDs to be projected toward a target.
`3. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein:
`said base member comprises a generally circular flexible
`member and said LEDs are mounted on said base
`member and project from a surface thereof.
`4. The apparatus set forth in claim 3 wherein:
`said LEDs each have an optical axis and said optical axis
`is substantially normal to said surface of said base
`member.
`5. The apparatus set forth in claim 4 wherein:
`said surface of said base member includes a light reflec
`tive coating disposed thereon.
`6. The apparatus set forth in claim 3 wherein:
`said actuator comprises a linear actuator operable to move
`said base member between a generally planar position
`wherein said LEDs project light in a direction generally
`along a central axis of said apparatus normal to said
`base member and a position wherein said base member
`has a generally arcuate surface of revolution shape
`whereby the optical axes of said LEDs are operable to
`project light along beam paths which converge toward
`each other.
`7. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 including:
`a rectifier circuit supported on said housing and releasably
`connected thereto by cooperable connector means.
`8. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 including:
`a control circuit mounted on said housing and releasably
`connected thereto by releasable connector means.
`9. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein:
`selected ones of said LEDs are operable to emit light of
`different colors, respectively.
`10. The apparatus set forth in claim 9 wherein:
`
`6
`said LEDs are arranged in clusters of three LEDs, each
`cluster comprising a red LED, a blue LED and a green
`LED.
`11. A multi-color, focusable light apparatus adapted for
`illuminating at least one of a performance stage and a visual
`display, said apparatus comprising:
`a Support housing:
`a generally cylindrical, flexible base member supported
`on said housing and moveable between selected work
`ing positions;
`actuator means connected to said base member for mov
`ing said base member to said working positions:
`an array of LEDs mounted on said base member and
`projecting from a surface of said base member, said
`LEDs being operable to emit light of at least two
`primary colors along an optical axis of said LEDs.
`respectively; and
`a generally circular shield disposed adjacent said array of
`LEDs for projecting light emitted from said LEDs
`toward said one of said stage and said visual display.
`12. The apparatus set forth in claim 11 wherein:
`said LEDs are provided in clusters of three LEDs. each
`cluster including a red LED, a blue LED and a green
`LED, respectively.
`13. The apparatus set forth in claim 11 wherein:
`said base member is formed of a flexible elastomeric
`material and said base member includes electrical con
`ductor means disposed thereon for conducting electric
`energy to said LEDs, respectively.
`14. The apparatus set forth in claim 13 wherein:
`said conductor means are encapsulated in said base men
`ber.
`15. The apparatus set forth in claim 13 wherein:
`said LEDs are encapsulated in said base member.
`16. A light apparatus adapted for illuminating at least one
`of a performance stage and a visual display, said apparatus
`comprising:
`a Support housing;
`a generally cylindrical, flexible base member supported
`on said housing and operable to be deflected to selected
`working positions;
`actuator means connected to said base member for mov
`ing said base member to said working positions;
`an array of LEDs mounted on said base member, said
`LEDs being arranged in clusters of three LEDs, each
`cluster including a red LED, a blue LED and a green
`LED, respectively; and
`a shield disposed adjacent said array of LEDs for pro
`jecting light emitted from said LEDs toward said one of
`said stage and said visual display.
`17. The apparatus set forth in claim 16 wherein:
`said base member is formed of a flexible elastomeric
`material and said base member includes electrical con
`ductor means disposed thereon for conducting electric
`energy to said LEDs, respectively.
`18. The apparatus set forth in claim 17 wherein:
`said conductor means are encapsulated in said base mem
`ber.
`19. The apparatus set forth in claim 17 wherein:
`said LEDs are encapsulated in said base member.
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