United States Patent
`Williamson
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`[19]
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`US005210656A
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`[11] Patent Number:
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`5,210,656
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`[45] Date of Patent:
`
`May 11, 1993
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`[54] LIGHT REFLECTING DEVICE
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`Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Larson and Taylor
`
`[76]
`
`Inventor:
`
`Stuart G. Williamson, 5 Union Place,
`Truro, Cornwall TRl IEP, England
`
`[21] Appl. No.: 794,874
`
`[22] Filed:
`
`Nov. 19, 1991
`
`.
`
`Int. Cl.5 .............................................. .. G02B 7/18
`[51]
`[52] U.S. Cl. .................................. .. 359/855; 359/865;
`359/871; 248/474
`[58] Field of Search ............. .. 359/850, 855, 865, 871,
`359/872; 248/469, 472, 474
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`423,434 3/1890 Lotto ................................... 359/865
`1,220,069
`3/1917 Capdevila
`298/474
`3,709,585
`1/1973 Tsai ........... ..
`359/865
`4,004,850
`1/1977 Nelson
`248/472
`4,852,986
`8/1989 Yu ...........
`.. 359/865
`
`
`
`Primary Examiner—Bruce Y. Arnold
`Assistant Examiner-—J. P. Ryan
`
`[57]
`
`ABSTRACI‘
`
`A light-reflecting device incorporates a central light-
`reflecting frame (10) of polygonal shape fitted with a
`cross bar (17) carrying at the centre a universal joint
`assembly (24) one element (21) of which is fixed to the
`cross bar (17) and the other relatively movable element
`(29) is formed for attachment to a supporting rod (25)
`and there are provided adjacent each end of the cross
`bar (17) a universal joint assembly (20) one element of
`which is fastened to the cross bar and the other rela-
`
`tively movable element (21) of which is attached to an
`edge of a respective outer light-reflecting frame (10)
`also of polygonal shape. In use the frames may be
`swung to an infinite number of positions and configura-
`tions to provide in conjunction with a given light source
`any desired lighting conditions. The device is also
`readily dismantled for easy portability.
`
`9 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
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`SpaceCo
`Exhibit 1003
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 11, 1993
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`Sheet 1 of 4
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`5,210,656
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 11, 1993
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`Sheet 2 of 4
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`5,210,656
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`23
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`U.S. Patent
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`May 11, 1993
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`Sheet 3 of 4
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`5,210,656
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`5,210,656
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`1
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`LIGHT REFLECIING DEVICE
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`5,210,656
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`The subject of this invention is a light reflecting de-
`vice particularly for photographic purposes.
`Ever since the invention of the first “camera” in 1826
`attempts have been made to devise better and more
`realistic presentations of objects and personalities.
`Apart from the extreme efficiency of present day cam-
`era lenses, the attention being given to the reflection or
`direction of light, whether artificial or from the sun is
`extensive.
`
`Commerically successful photographic processes
`involve the use of reflective surfaces which focus light
`on to an object or persons to remove the “dark” shad-
`ows and provide an all round “balanced” lifelike repro-
`duction. In many instances it is necessary to position
`reflectors at different locations to focus light from vari-
`ous angles to identify some particular aspect of a “sub-
`ject”. This often requires the use of a number of mount-
`ings to hold the reflector in the correct position or at the
`precise angle. Numbers of tripods and reflectors often
`present problems in themselves, since they restrict
`movement and delay action.
`It is an object of the present invention to provide a
`single-mount cluster of light reflectors which can be set
`in numerous configurations to accept and direct light on
`to a subject from a wide range of chosen angles.
`According to the invention a light-reflecting device
`incorporates several light-reflecting frames and is char-
`acterized in that a central light-reflecting frame of po-
`lygonal shape is fitted with a cross bar carrying at the
`centre a universal joint assembly one element of which
`is fixed to the cross bar and the other relatively movable
`element is formed for attachment to a supporting rod
`and there are provided adjacent each end of the cross
`bar a universal joint assembly one element of which is
`fastened to the cross bar and the other relatively mov-
`able element of which is attached to an edge of a respec-
`tive outer light-reflecting frame also of polygonal
`shape.
`At least one of the light-reflecting frames may be of
`the shape of a trapezium.
`At least one of the light-reflecting frames may be of
`the shape of a rhombus.
`Each universal joint assembly may be a ball and
`socket joint assembly.
`Means may be provided for locking each universal
`joint assembly in a chosen orientation.
`Where the light reflecting device is to be used in
`conjunction with a supporting tripod presenting a sub-
`stantially vertical supporting rod in the form of a tube
`the universal joint assembly at the centre of the cross
`bar may present a spigot insertable into the tubular
`supporting rod.
`Each frame may be formed of tubular members
`jointed to one another at their ends to form a frame. The
`ends of each pair of adjacent frame members may be
`jointed to one another by a connecting piece comprising
`a plug portion fitting tightly into the end of one tubular
`member and a screw threaded portion projecting from
`one end of the plug portion and passing diametrally
`through a hole provided in the other tubular member of
`the pair, a nut engaged with the screw-threaded portion
`holding the two members to one another.
`Additional light-reflecting frames may be arranged to
`be attachable to the side members of the outer light-
`reflecting frames.
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`The light-reflecting frames may carry light-reflecting
`surfaces which are detachably attached to the frames
`e.g. by elasticated cord.
`The reflector frames are light-weight and can be
`made of tubular material which can be metal or plastic
`and the frame can be comprised of separate side mem-
`bers assembled together or of members which are fixed
`securely to one another. Having frame members which
`need to be assembled will facilitate transport when such
`frames are of large dimensions and there is no restric-
`tion on the size to which the reflectors are made. The
`reflective surface is attached to the reflector frames in a
`number of ways as will be described subsequently, since
`it is necessary to stretch the reflective material until it is
`as taut as possible in all directions.
`A specific embodiment of the invention will now be-
`described by way of example only, with reference to the
`accompanying drawing in which:
`FIG. 1 shows a single reflective frame,
`FIGS. la and lb illustrate the fastening members,
`FIG. 2 illustrates a number of reflectors mounted on
`a single tripod,
`FIG. 3 shows the back of the reflector assembly and
`FIG. 4 illustrates some of the combinations achievable
`with the reflective frames.
`Referring to FIG. 1 the preferred shape of the reflec-
`tor frame 10 is in the form of a trapezium because it has
`been found from experience this shape offers the best
`configuration for clusters of such frames 10, to obtain
`maximum light reflection. However other polygonal
`shapes such as that of a rhombus may be employed. The
`four side members 11, 12, 13 and 14 are preferably con-
`structed in lightweight tubular metal but they may alter-
`natively be constructed of rigid plastic tubular material.
`The preferred method of engagement of the four said
`side members is illustrated in an enlarged cut-away
`view la and comprises an insert piece presenting a plug
`15 insertable into an end of the associated tubular mem-
`ber or, alternatively, the extremities of each side piece
`may be flattened to enable a through-bolt to join the
`two flattened ends together and be releasably secured
`thereto by a wing nut 16. Whether the ends are flattened
`or whether an insert piece is used is immaterial to the
`concept of this embodiment — indeed there could be
`other methods of releasable securement in achieving
`construction of the reflector frame 10. The flat support
`bar 17 is provided only for the central frame 10 (see
`FIG. 2) and spans the space between the side members
`12 and 4. The bar 17 extends beyond each side member
`12 and 14 sufficiently far as at 18 and 19 to support a ball
`and socket joint 20 (see cut away view lb). The support
`bar 17 accepts at its central position an extension 21 of
`the ball element of a ball and socket joint, similar to that
`shown in view lb. The hole 22 is provided for that
`purpose and in this attachment facility the ball and
`socket joint is secured to the tripod mounting later to be
`described. The support bar 17 is fixedly secured to the
`side members 12 and 14 by rivets. Other reflector
`frames present the sa.me shape as shown in FIG. 1 but
`do not require a support bar 17. Reference should now
`be made to FIG. 2 which illustrates a supporting tripod
`23. Tripods of various designs and construction can be
`adapted equally effectively to provide support for the
`reflective frames 10. In FIG. 2 therefore any tripod
`which is height adjustable and whose central column
`can accept the ball and socket joint assembly 24, would
`be appropriate to this embodiment. It can be seen that
`the said assembly 24 fits directly on to and over the
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`5,210,656
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`upper extremity of the telescopic height-adjusting cen-
`tral rod 25 of the tripod and is releasably secured there
`by the locking screw 26. It can be seen that the exten-
`sion 21 of the ball element 24 projects upwards and is
`screw threaded for a short distance from its end to
`accept a nut 27. The extension 21 passes through the
`support bar 17 and is releasably secured thereto by the
`nut 27.
`
`4
`The reflective membrane 30 is stretched taut across
`the frames 10 in each direction by tie cords 31 which
`can be elasticated to apply tension to the membrane
`surface. Equally the ties 31 may be of string and suitable
`attachment to the side members 11, 12, 13 and 14 made
`where appropriate.
`Thus it can be seen that the light-reflecting assembly
`of the invention describes a very flexible and effective
`manner of reflecting, focussing and deflecting light
`whether natural or artificial to aid the photographic
`reproduction of articles, persons, scenes, objects and
`features, while also enabling specific details to be em-
`phasized and photographically defined.
`The light-reflecting frames are all readily disconnect-
`ible from one another for ease of transport.
`I claim:
`1. A light-reflecting device incorporating several
`light-reflecting frames is characterized in that a central
`light-reflecting frame (10) of polygonal shape is fitted
`with a cross bar (17) carrying at the centre a universal
`joint assembly (24) one element (21) of which is fixed to
`the cross bar (17) and the other relatively movable
`element (29) is formed for attachment to a supporting
`rod (25) and there are provided adjacent each end of the
`cross bar (17) a universal joint assembly (20) one ele-
`ment of which is fastened to the cross bar and the other
`relatively movable element (21) of which is attached to
`an edge of a respective outer light-reflecting frame (10)
`also of polygonal shape.
`2. A light-reflecting device according to claim 1,
`characterized in that at least one of the light-reflecting
`frames (10) is of the shape of a trapezium.
`-
`3. A light-reflecting device according to claim 1,
`characterized in that at least one of the light-reflecting
`frames (10) is of the shape of a rhombus.
`4. A light-reflecting device according to claim 1,
`characterized in that each universal joint assembly (20
`or 24) is a ball and socket joint assembly.
`5. A light-reflecting device according to claim 1,
`characterized in that means (26) is provided for locking
`each universal joint assembly in a chosen orientation.
`6. A light-reflecting device according to claim 1,
`characterized in that the universal joint assembly at the
`centre of the cross bar presents a spigot insertable into a
`tubular supporting rod.
`'
`7. A light-reflecting device according to claim 1,
`characterized in that each frame is formed of‘ tubular
`members jointed to one another at their ends to form a
`frame, the ends of each pair of adjacent frame members
`being jointed to one another by a connecting piece
`comprising a plug portion (15) fitting tightly into the
`end of one tubular member and a screw-threaded por-
`tion projecting from one end of the plug portion and
`passing diametrally through a hole provided in the
`other tubular member of the pair, a nut (16) engaged
`with the screw-threaded portion holding the two mem-
`bers to one another.
`
`8. A light-reflecting device according to claim 1,
`characterized in that additional light-reflecting frames
`are arranged to be attachable to the side members of the
`outer light-reflecting frames (10).
`9. A light-reflecting device according to claim 1,
`characterized in that the light-reflecting frames carry
`light-reflecting surfaces which are detachably attached
`to the frames.
`
`At each end of the support bar 17 and into the circu-
`lar holes provided therein are fitted a ball and socket
`_joint 20. Each of these ball and socket joints 20 has a
`screw-threaded extension 28 of the ball element of the ‘
`joint which passes through and is releasably secured to
`a respective one of the side members 12 and 14 of each
`reflector frame 10. FIG. 2 shows the tripod 23 with a
`central reflector frame 10 mounted on the ball and
`socket joint 24 and two other reflector frames 10 fitted
`to the support bar 17 from the ball and socket joints 20.
`It can therefore be seen that each of the three reflector
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`10
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`frames 10 can be turned into a desired position to pick
`up and reflect light in the desired direction. Each of the
`frames 10 shown in FIG. 2 is illustrated with the reflec-
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`tive membranes removed for purposes of pictorial clar-
`ity.
`FIG. 4 illustrates various configurations into which
`the reflector frames may be adjusted and temporarily
`fixed. FIG. 3 shows in more detail the rear side of the
`central or master reflector 10. This figure illustrates the
`upper end of the central rod 25 of a tripod with the
`trunk or body 29 of the ball and socket joint 24 fitting
`into the upper end of the central rod 25 and releasably
`secured thereto by the locking screw 26.
`There are alternative methods of providing for releas-
`able attachment between the body 29 of the ball and
`socket joint 24 and the upper end of the central rod 25
`of the supporting tripod such as providing a shallow
`groove around the upper end of the central rod 25 into
`which would be tightened a threaded set screw. The
`method indicated in FIG. 2 is the preferred method
`because it offers stability to the whole reflective assem-
`bly.
`-The support bar 17 lies normally horizontally across
`the upper end of the central rod 25, but as has already
`been mentioned,
`this support bar 17 can be turned
`through any angle up to 360° and is only slightly re-
`stricted by the presence of the tripod 23. Reference may
`now be made to FIG. 4 which illustrates a number of
`configurations into which the reflective frames 10 may
`be placed on the tripod.
`Very obviously the positions illustrated are but a few
`since the three reflective frames can be placed at any
`desired angle to the object being photographed and to
`one another to reflect light from whatever source it.
`emanates, on to any object being photographed to pro-
`vide high-light aspects or to reduce shadows as required
`by the photographer. The versatility of this method of
`supporting and adjusting light reflecting frames is well
`indicated by the positions shown on FIG. 4 and the ease
`with which the whole system may be moved, adjusted
`and transported will be appreciated by experienced
`photographers. Similarly, the dimensions of the reflec-
`tive frames 10 may be altered to increase the reflective
`area of each frame 10, but experience has shown that the
`illustrated trapezium shape is the preferred one in this
`embodiment.
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