Illuminator with lens comprising a holographic three-dimensional patterned layer

Abstract

The luminaire includes a housing (102) having an interior cavity, a light source (122) mounted to an interior top surface of the housing. The luminaire also includes a door frame (104), wherein the door frame includes a first side rail (108), a second side rail (109), a third side rail (107), and a fourth side rail (110). The four side rails of the door frame define a light emission opening for the luminaire. A film stack (116) is supported by the door frame and placed in the light emission opening such that light from the light source passes through the film stack as it is emitted through the light emission opening. The film stack (116) includes a diffuser film (129) and a photopolymer film (127). The photopolymer film (127) is embossed with optical structures forming a holographic pattern that appears as a three-dimensional pattern.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments described herein relate generally to luminaires, and more specifically to systems, methods, and apparatus for illuminators having lenses comprising a three-dimensional patterned layer. Background Technology

[0002] Compared to conventional lighting technologies such as incandescent, fluorescent, halogen, metal halide, or high-pressure sodium light sources, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) offer significant benefits associated with their energy efficiency, light quality, and compact size. However, new technologies can help realize the full potential benefits offered by LEDs. For example, technologies that allow control over the direction of light emitted from LEDs would be beneficial. Additionally, technologies that allow luminaires to display unique patterns illuminated by LEDs would also be advantageous. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one exemplary embodiment, this disclosure provides an illuminator with a lens comprising at least one layer or film that displays a three-dimensional holographic pattern when illuminated. The illuminator includes a housing defining a cavity. The housing includes an inner top surface on which a light source is mounted. The illuminator also includes a frame attached to the housing. The frame may surround a light-emitting opening of the illuminator. The lens is disposed in the light-emitting opening and may be supported by the frame. The lens may include at least one layer that receives light emitted by the light source and processes the light to emit it through the light-emitting opening of the illuminator. At least one layer of the lens may include a photopolymer layer. The photopolymer layer may be embossed with a pattern of optical structure. When the lens is illuminated by the light source, the pattern of the optical structure manifests as a three-dimensional pattern.

[0004] In another exemplary embodiment, this disclosure provides an illuminator with a lens that displays a pattern when illuminated. The illuminator includes a housing defining a cavity. The housing includes an inner top surface on which a light source is mounted. The illuminator also includes a frame attached to the housing. The frame may include four side rails surrounding a light-emitting opening of the illuminator. The lens is disposed in the light-emitting opening and may be supported by the frame. The lens may include a diffuser layer, a photopolymer layer, and a textured acrylic layer. The lens receives light emitted by the light source and processes the light to emit it through the light-emitting opening of the illuminator. The photopolymer layer may be embossed with a pattern of optical structure. When the lens is illuminated by the light source, the pattern of the optical structure appears as a three-dimensional pattern.

[0005] In another exemplary embodiment, this disclosure provides a method for modifying an illuminator including a frame with a lens. The illuminator includes a housing defining a cavity. The housing includes an inner top surface on which a light source is mounted. The frame may surround a light-emitting opening of the illuminator. The frame with the lens may be removed and replaced with a replacement frame including a lens that displays a three-dimensional holographic pattern when illuminated. The lens is disposed within the light-emitting opening and may be supported by the replacement frame. The lens may include at least one layer, the at least one layer being a photopolymer layer. The lens receives light emitted by the light source and processes the light to emit it through the light-emitting opening of the illuminator. The photopolymer layer may be imprinted with a pattern of optical structure. When the lens is illuminated by the light source, the pattern of the optical structure manifests as a holographic three-dimensional pattern.

[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, this disclosure provides an illuminator with a lens, the lens being a film stack, wherein the film stack displays a pattern when illuminated. The illuminator includes a housing defining a cavity. The housing includes an inner top surface on which a light source is mounted. The illuminator also includes a door frame attached to the housing. The door frame may include four side rails surrounding a light-emitting opening of the illuminator. The film stack is disposed in the light-emitting opening and may be supported by the door frame. The film stack may include a diffuser film and a photopolymer film. The plurality of films receive light emitted by the light source and process the light to emit it through the light-emitting opening of the illuminator. The photopolymer film may be embossed with a pattern of optical structure. When the film stack is illuminated by the light source, the pattern of the optical structure appears as a three-dimensional pattern. The door frame may include a first side rail, a second side rail, a third side rail, and a fourth side rail. The door frame may be positioned within the housing such that the first side rail fits into a first housing recess and the second side rail fits into a second housing recess. The four side rails of the door frame may engage to surround the light-emitting opening. Each of the four side rails may include a back flange and a front flange, wherein the back flange and the front flange are joined by a sidewall. The periphery of the membrane stack may be positioned between the back flange and the front flange of each of the four side rails of the door frame.

[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, this disclosure provides an illuminator with a lens, the lens being a film stack, wherein the film stack displays a pattern when illuminated. The illuminator includes a housing defining a cavity. The housing includes an inner top surface on which a light source is mounted. The illuminator also includes a door frame attached to the housing. The door frame may surround a light-emitting opening of the illuminator. The film stack is disposed in the light-emitting opening and may be supported by the door frame. The film stack may include a diffuse film and a photopolymer film. The film stack receives light emitted by the light source and processes the light to emit it through the light-emitting opening of the illuminator. The photopolymer film may be embossed with a pattern of optical structure. When the film stack is illuminated by the light source, the pattern of the optical structure appears as a holographic three-dimensional pattern. The door frame may include a first side rail, a second side rail, a third side rail, and a fourth side rail. Each of the four side rails may include a back flange and a front flange, wherein the back flange and the front flange are joined by sidewalls. The front flange may include a horizontal portion and an angled portion. The horizontal portion may have an outer surface parallel to a plane defined by the light-emitting opening of the housing. The angled portion may define an acute outer angle between its outer surface and the plane defined by the light-emitting opening of the housing. The angled portion may also define an obtuse inner angle between the inner surface of the horizontal portion of the front flange and the inner surface of the angled portion. The periphery of the membrane stack may be positioned between the back flange and the front flange of each of the four side rails of the door frame.

[0008] These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will become clear from the following description and the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The accompanying drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments only and are therefore not intended to be limiting, and may allow for other equally effective embodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather the emphasis is on clearly illustrating the principles of the exemplary embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or positions may be exaggerated to aid in visually conveying such principles. In the drawings, reference numerals denote similar or corresponding elements, but not necessarily the same elements.

[0010] Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of a luminaire according to certain exemplary embodiments is shown.

[0011] Figure 2 A top perspective view of a luminaire according to certain exemplary embodiments is shown.

[0012] Figure 3 An enlarged top perspective view of a portion of a illuminator according to certain exemplary embodiments is shown.

[0013] Figure 4 An enlarged top perspective view of the membrane stack and a portion of the door frame of a luminaire according to certain exemplary embodiments is shown.

[0014] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an illuminator according to certain exemplary embodiments is shown.

[0015] Figure 6 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of an illuminator according to certain exemplary embodiments is shown.

[0016] Figure 7 A bottom perspective view of a illuminator with a three-dimensional pattern according to certain exemplary embodiments is shown.

[0017] Figure 8 A bottom perspective view of another illuminator with a three-dimensional pattern according to certain exemplary embodiments is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0018] The exemplary embodiments discussed herein relate to lighting fixtures, such as troffer luminaires typically recessed into ceilings. While the exemplary embodiments described herein are directed to recessed troffer luminaires, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein can be applied to a variety of lighting fixtures. For example, the exemplary embodiments can be directed to other types of lighting fixtures, including but not limited to surface-mounted lighting fixtures, suspended lighting fixtures, overhead lighting fixtures, downlighting fixtures, emergency lighting, mission lighting, and outdoor lighting fixtures. The exemplary embodiments described herein can be used with lighting fixtures located in any environment (e.g., indoor, outdoor, hazardous, non-hazardous, high humidity, low temperature, corrosive, disinfection, high vibration). Furthermore, the lighting fixtures described herein can use one or more of a variety of different types of light sources, including (but not limited to) various light-emitting diode (LED) light sources, such as discrete LEDs, LED arrays, on-board chip LEDs, and organic LED light sources, as well as other types of light sources. Therefore, the exemplary lighting fixtures described herein should not be considered limited to a particular type of light source.

[0019] The exemplary embodiments described herein relate to an illuminator including a housing and a frame attached to the housing. The frame may support a lens comprising at least one layer. The lens may modify the light emitted from the illuminator. The lens may include a photopolymer layer having an optical structure. The photopolymer layer is produced by imprinting the photopolymer layer with a tool for creating optical structures in the photopolymer layer. The photopolymer layer is then cured using, for example, an ultraviolet curing method or another curing method. In one exemplary embodiment, the optical structure in the photopolymer layer is a prism array designed to create a holographic three-dimensional pattern in the photopolymer layer.

[0020] The holographic 3D pattern in the photopolymer layer can then be used in a variety of applications in lighting fixtures. As an example, holographic 3D patterns may be desired in lighting fixtures for various aesthetic reasons. Holographic 3D patterns in lighting fixtures can be customized to meet the needs of specific clients. For instance, the holographic 3D pattern in a lighting fixture can match patterns or designs of other décor in a room.

[0021] As another example, holographic 3D patterns in illuminators can be used to display logos or symbols. For instance, holographic 3D patterns in illuminators can be used to convey messages or serve as signs.

[0022] In some of the exemplary luminaires disclosed herein, the frame supporting the lens can be easily removed from the housing. Such a removable frame may be referred to as a door frame. Utilizing the flexibility provided by the removable frame, the luminaire can be designed such that different door frames containing lenses (with different patterns) can be easily inserted into and removed from the luminaire. Given an existing installed recessed slotted luminaire, the embodiments described herein provide the ability to easily improve an existing installed recessed slotted luminaire, wherein a replacement door frame provides a new holographic three-dimensional pattern produced by different lens or film stacks. An existing door frame with existing lenses and lighting patterns can be removed from the existing installed luminaire housing without removing the entire housing from the ceiling or other mounting structure. After removing the existing door frame and lenses, a replacement door frame with different film stacks containing the desired holographic three-dimensional pattern can then be installed into the existing luminaire housing. The ability to easily improve an existing luminaire with a replacement door frame having the desired holographic three-dimensional pattern is another advantage of the embodiments described herein.

[0023] Now for reference Figure 1-6 The exemplary illuminator will be described in more detail below. It should be understood that... Figure 1-6 The illuminator shown is a non-limiting example, and lenses with holographic 3D patterns can be implemented in other types of illuminators. Figure 1-6 The exemplary luminaire shown is a recessed box luminaire that is typically recessed into the ceiling or other structure. Figure 1 A bottom perspective view of the slotted illuminator 100 is shown. Figure 2 A top perspective view of the slotted illuminator 100 is shown, and Figure 3 An enlarged top perspective view of a portion of the slotted illuminator 100 is shown. Figure 4 An enlarged top perspective view of a portion of the door frame of the illuminator 100 is shown. Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the illuminator 100 is shown, and Figure 6 An enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the illuminator 100 is shown.

[0024] The recessed lighting fixture 100 includes a housing 102, which is typically recessed into a ceiling or other structure. The housing 102 defines an interior cavity in which a light source is disposed. The housing 102 includes a top portion having two sloped sides. Extending from the first sloped side are a first housing recess 103 and a first outer flange 118, and extending from the opposite second sloped side are a second housing recess 105 and a second outer flange 119. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the two other ends of the housing 102 are surrounded by a first end plate located on the first end and a second end plate located on the second opposite end.

[0025] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first sloping side of the top of the housing may have a housing aperture 120 in which a power supply can be installed. Some light sources, such as LED and fluorescent light sources, require regulated power, and in these cases, the light source can receive regulated power from a power supply attached to the housing. As a non-limiting example, the power supply may include one or more of the following: a driver, a ballast, a switch-mode power supply, an AC-to-DC converter, a DC-to-DC converter, a transformer, or a rectifier that can provide regulated power to the light source. In an alternative embodiment, the power supply may not be attached to the housing but may be positioned away from the luminaire, such as in an air chamber space above the ceiling. The power supply may include a Class 1 cable connection for receiving power (e.g., 120VAC, 240VAC) from a power source such as the mains via a power cable. The power supply may also include a Class 2 cable connection for providing power (e.g., 20VDC to 60VDC) to the light source within the housing.

[0026] The exemplary illuminator 100 also includes a removable door frame 1044. As previously explained, the removability of the frame is optional, and in alternative embodiments, the frame may be fixed within the illuminator housing. In the exemplary illuminator 100, the door frame 104 includes four side rails: a first side rail 108, a second side rail 109, a third side rail 107, and a fourth side rail 110. The four side rails of the door frame 104 engage at their corners. Figure 1-4 In this example, the four side rails engage at their corners via corner brackets and optional fasteners. The four side rails of the door frame 104 form a light-emitting opening 106. The door frame 104 is attached to the bottom periphery of the housing 102. It should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the door frame may take other forms. For example, the four side rails of the door frame may comprise a continuous frame that does not require corner brackets for engaging the side rails. As another example, the door frame may have shapes other than rectangular, including but not limited to circular or triangular shapes.

[0027] The door frame 104 can be attached to the housing 102 via any of a variety of coupling mechanisms. Figures 1 to 6In the example shown, the door frame is attached to the housing along the first side rail 108 using a first latch 112 and a second latch 114, as shown. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, a first latch 112 and a second latch 114 are attached to a first side rail 108. When attached to the housing 102, the first latch 112 is positioned via a first housing slot 113, and the second latch 114 is positioned through a second housing slot 115. When positioned in the first housing slot 113 and the second housing slot 115, the first latch 112 and the second latch 114 are pivotable and engage the rear side of the housing 102 and secure the door frame 104 to the housing 102. The second side rail 109 may be attached to the housing using a similar latch, hinge, or any of various other coupling mechanisms. A lens is disposed in the light-emitting opening 106 of the door frame 104. In the exemplary embodiments described herein, the lens may comprise one or more layers, wherein at least one layer is a photopolymer having an optical structure. As described above, the optical structure is imprinted onto the photopolymer layer using a tool, and then the photopolymer layer is cured. The optical structure of the photopolymer layer may be a prism or other feature that produces a holographic three-dimensional pattern when light passes through the photopolymer layer. A photopolymer layer can be described as a film. Alternatively, a photopolymer layer can be a laminated structure placed on another layer or film.

[0028] As previously described, the lens disposed in the door frame 104 may include one or more layers. In the exemplary illuminator 100, the lens is a film stack 116 comprising multiple films. At least one of the multiple films is a diffuser that diffuses light emitted from the light source within the housing. At least another of the multiple films is a photopolymer film having an optical structure. The multiple films may also include one or more other film layers that process the light emitted from the illuminator in a desired manner. As described below... Figure 6 Further described, the lens may include one or more layers disposed above or below the photopolymer layer.

[0029] Now for reference Figure 5 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the illuminator 100. The cross-sectional view of the illuminator 100 shows the internal cavity within the housing 102. The light source 122 is mounted to the inner top surface of the housing 102. Figure 5In the example shown, light source 122 is an array of discrete light-emitting diodes (LEDs). However, in other embodiments, the light source can be other types of LEDs, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), or any other type of light source. Mounting the light source to the inner top surface of housing 102 for a “back-illuminated” arrangement optimizes the light distribution because the light passes through the film stack 116. In other words, mounting the light source to the inner top surface of housing 102 is preferred for other arrangements of the light source, such as a “side-illuminated” arrangement in which LEDs are mounted along the narrow edge of the light guide. The back-illuminated arrangement of the light source allows the light to be diffused more uniformly as it passes through the film stack, and enables the photopolymer film to provide a more uniform holographic three-dimensional pattern.

[0030] Figure 5 The cross-sectional view provided also shows the position of the door frame 104 within the housing 102. When the door frame 104 is attached to the housing 102, a first side rail 108 is disposed in a first housing recess 103, and a second side rail 109 is disposed in a second housing recess 105. Additionally, as the combination... Figure 6 As further described, the membrane stack 116 is supported by the door frame 104 and recessed into the door frame 104 and the housing 102.

[0031] Now for reference Figure 6 A portion of an exemplary illuminator 100 is shown in cross-section. Figure 6 As can be seen, the membrane stack 116 is supported by the side rails of the door frame 104. Figure 6 In the portion shown, the membrane stack 116 is supported by a second side rail 109. In the exemplary illuminator 100, each of the four side rails has a configuration similar to that of the second side rail 109. Referring to the second side rail 109 as an example, the second side rail 109 includes a back flange 138, a sidewall 136, and a front flange 134. The second side rail 109 is fitted into a second housing recess 105 such that the front flange 134 is coplanar with the second outer flange 119 of the housing 102. Figure 3 and Figure 5 As can be seen, the first side rail 108 is similarly located in the first housing recess 103, such that the front flange of the first side rail 108 is coplanar with the first outer flange 118 of the housing 102. The coplanar arrangement of the first side rail 108 and the first outer flange 118, and the second side rail 109 and the second outer flange 119 minimizes shadows and optimizes the appearance of the holographic three-dimensional pattern generated by the film stack 116.

[0032] The side rails are also designed to minimize shadows and optimize the appearance of the holographic 3D patterns produced by the film stack 116. For example... Figure 6As shown, the membrane stack 116 is supported by the door frame 104 by placing its periphery on the front flange 134 of the second side rail 109. The membrane stack 116 is similarly positioned on the front flange of each of the other side rails. Placing the membrane stack 116 on the front flange of each side rail helps minimize shadows and produce a uniform appearance of the holographic 3D pattern generated by the membrane stack 116. Figure 6 As shown, there is a gap 132 between the top of the membrane stack 116 and the bottom surface of the back flange 138. The gap 132 may be filled with a gasket or other material to secure the membrane stack 116 in place within the door frame 104.

[0033] An additional feature of the second side rail 109 is the shape of the front flange 134, such as Figure 6 As shown, the leading flange is shaped to provide a tapered profile toward the light-emitting opening 106. The shape of the leading flange further helps to minimize shadows that may appear on the film stack 116 and optimizes the appearance of the holographic 3D pattern. Figure 6 As shown in detail, the front flange 134 includes a horizontal portion 140 and an angled portion 142. The horizontal portion 140 is coplanar or substantially coplanar with the second outer flange 112. The angled portion 142 extends upward from the end of the horizontal portion 140 toward the film stack 116. The angled portion 142 of the front flange 134 defines an acute outer angle 144 between its outer surface and the plane defined by the light-emitting opening 106. The angled portion 142 further defines an obtuse inner angle 146 between the inner surface of the horizontal portion 140 and the inner surface of the angled portion 142.

[0034] exist Figure 6 Details of an exemplary film stack 116 are also shown. Specifically, the exemplary film stack 116 includes a diffuse film 129, a photopolymer film 127, and an acrylic film 125. In an alternative embodiment, the film stack 116 may include only the photopolymer film 127. In another exemplary embodiment, the film stack 116 may include only the diffuse film 129 and the photopolymer film 127. In yet another embodiment, the acrylic film 125 may be replaced by a film of another material. It should be understood that in exemplary embodiments having multiple layers, the photopolymer layer may be disposed on the top or bottom side of another layer (such as a diffuser layer). Furthermore, although layers are referred to as films in the foregoing examples, it should be understood that lenses may take other forms and may include one or more layers as a laminate, panel, or other structure.

[0035] Refer again Figure 6In an exemplary embodiment, when light is emitted by the light source 122, the light is first diffused by the diffuser film 129. After passing through the diffuser film 129, the light is diffracted by an optical structure embedded in the photopolymer film 127 to produce a holographic three-dimensional pattern. If an optional acrylic film 125 is included in the film stack, it can further diffuse the light passing through the photopolymer film 127. After passing through the optional acrylic film 125, the light exits the illuminator through the light-emitting opening 106 of the illuminator 100.

[0036] When light is emitted from the illuminator, the acrylic film 125 can be textured to minimize glare. The diffuser film 129 may be made of acrylic or other materials that diffuse light emitted from the light source 122. As previously described, the photopolymer film 127 includes an optical structure that generates a holographic three-dimensional pattern. In one example, the optical structure may be tiny prisms arranged to create the desired holographic three-dimensional pattern. When viewed by a person standing below the mounted illuminator 100, the details of the optical structure in the photopolymer film 127 are not discernible; rather, the person sees a holographic three-dimensional pattern generated by the optical structure of the photopolymer film 127.

[0037] Now for reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 An exemplary illuminator displaying a holographic three-dimensional pattern is depicted. For clarity in the accompanying drawings, in the previous... Figure 1-6 The holographic 3D pattern is not shown. Figure 7 In this example, the exemplary illuminator 200 includes a housing 202 having a frame 204 attached to a light-emitting opening 206 of the illuminator. The housing 202 defines a cavity having a light source mounted to an inner top surface of the housing, such that light is directed downwards and exits the light-emitting opening 206. The frame 204 includes a first side rail 208, a second side rail 209, a third side rail 207, and a fourth side rail 210. Figure 7 As shown, the second side rail 208 also includes a first latch 212 and a second latch 214 for securing the door frame 204 to the housing 202. Although in Figure 7 Not shown, but the second side rail 209 can be attached to the housing using a similar latch, hinge, or other coupling device. Similar to a coupling... Figure 1-6 The arrangement shown and described indicates that a door frame 204 supports a film stack 216 in the light-emitting opening 206 of the illuminator 200. The film stack 216 includes multiple films, including a diffuse film and a photopolymer film. An optical structure is imprinted in the photopolymer film, forming a holographic three-dimensional pattern (such as...). Figure 7 (The holographic 3D pattern shown). Figure 7In the example shown, the diffuser film is positioned closer to the light source within housing 202 and above the photopolymer film in film stack 216. Optionally, film stack 216 may also include a third film located below the photopolymer film, and the third film may provide further light diffusion.

[0038] refer to Figure 8 Another exemplary illuminator 300, illustrating different holographic three-dimensional patterns, is depicted. This exemplary illuminator 300 includes a housing 302 having a frame 304 attached to a light-emitting opening 306 of the illuminator. The housing 302 defines a cavity in which a light source is mounted to the inner top surface of the housing, such that light is directed downwards and out of the light-emitting opening 306. The frame 304 includes a first side rail 308, a second side rail 309, a third side rail 307, and a fourth side rail 310, as shown... Figure 8 As shown, the second side rail 308 also includes a first latch 312 and a second latch 314 for securing the door frame 304 to the housing 302. Although in Figure 8 Not shown, but the second side rail 309 can be attached to the housing using a similar latch, hinge, or other coupling device. Similar to a coupling... Figure 1-6 The arrangement shown and described indicates that a door frame 304 supports a film stack 316 within a light-emitting opening 306 of an illuminator 300. The film stack 316 includes multiple films, including a diffuse film and a photopolymer film. The photopolymer film has an imprinted optical structure that generates a holographic three-dimensional pattern (such as...). Figure 8 (The holographic 3D pattern shown). In the exemplary illuminator 300, the diffuser film is positioned closer to the light source inside the housing 302 and above the photopolymer film in the film stack 316. Optionally, the film stack 316 may also include a third film located below the photopolymer film, and the third film may provide further light diffusion.

[0039] In some exemplary embodiments, the exemplary luminaires must meet certain standards and / or requirements. For example, the National Electrical Code (NEC), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) set standards regarding electrical housings (e.g., luminaires), wiring, and electrical connections. As another example, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) sets various standards for luminaires (including standards for heat dissipation). When necessary, the exemplary embodiments described herein are used to meet (and / or allow corresponding devices to meet) such standards.

[0040] Referring generally to the foregoing examples, any luminaire or its component (e.g., housing or door frame) described herein may be manufactured as a single piece (e.g., by molding, injection molding, die casting, 3D printing, extrusion, stamping, or other typical methods). Alternatively, the luminaire (or its components) may be manufactured from multiple parts mechanically coupled to each other. In this case, the multiple parts may be mechanically coupled to each other using one or more of a variety of coupling methods, including but not limited to epoxy resin, welding, fastening devices, compression fitting, mating threads, and slotted fitting. The one or more parts mechanically coupled to each other may be coupled to each other in one or more of a variety of ways, including but not limited to fixed, hinged, detachable, slidable, and threaded coupling.

[0041] Fastening or coupling features (including complementary coupling features) as described herein allow one or more components and / or portions of an exemplary door frame, housing, or other part of the luminaire to be directly or indirectly coupled to another portion of the exemplary door frame, housing, or other part of the luminaire. Coupling features may include, but are not limited to, snaps, latches, Velcro, clamps, a portion of a hinge, holes, recessed areas, protrusions, slots, spring clips, tabs, pawls, and mating threads. A portion of an example radiator may be coupled to the luminaire directly using one or more fasteners or coupling features.

[0042] Additionally or alternatively, one or more separate devices that interact with one or more coupling features disposed on a component of the radiator may be used to fasten or couple a portion of the luminaire. Examples of such devices may include (but are not limited to) pins, hinges, fastening devices (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets), epoxy resin, glue, adhesive, tape, and springs. One coupling feature described herein may be the same as or different from one or more other coupling features described herein. Complementary coupling features (sometimes also called corresponding coupling features) as described herein may be coupling features that are mechanically coupled directly or indirectly to another coupling feature.

[0043] The use of terms such as first, second, top, bottom, side, far, near, and inner is intended only to distinguish one component (or a portion of a component or a state of a component) from another component. These terms do not imply preference or a particular orientation, nor do they imply limitation on the embodiments described herein. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

[0044] Many modifications and other embodiments of the content set forth herein will come to mind for those skilled in the art, taking advantage of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that exemplary embodiments are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of this application. Although specific terminology is used herein, it is used only in a general and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A lighting device, comprising: A housing (102) configured to be mounted in a recess in a ceiling, the housing (102) including an inner top surface to which a light source (122) is mounted; A frame (104) attached to the housing (102), the frame (104) comprising: First side rail (108); Second side rail (109); Third side rail (107); Fourth side rail (110); and A film stack (116) comprising multiple films is supported by a first side rail (108), a second side rail (109), a third side rail (107), and a fourth side rail (110), wherein the multiple films include: a photopolymer film (127) having an optical structure that provides a holographic three-dimensional pattern; a diffuse film (129); and a textured acrylic film (125), wherein the diffuse film (129) is stacked on top of the photopolymer film (127), and the photopolymer film (127) is stacked on top of the textured acrylic film (125), such that the diffuse film (129) is the film closest to the light source (122) among the multiple films.

2. The illuminator according to claim 1 further includes a foam gasket placed between the top side of the frame (104) and the membrane stack (116).

3. The illuminator according to claim 1, wherein the first side rail (108), the second side rail (109), the third side rail (107) and the fourth side rail (110) are joined to form a light-emitting opening.

4. The illuminator according to claim 1, wherein each of the first side rail (108), the second side rail (109), the third side rail (107) and the fourth side rail (110) includes a back flange (138), a sidewall (136) and a front flange (134).

5. The illuminator according to claim 4, wherein the back flange and the front flange (134) form a gap (132), and the periphery of the membrane stack (116) is inserted into the gap.

6. The illuminator of claim 1, wherein the frame (104) is a door frame, and wherein the first side rail (108) includes a latch (112) that engages with a slot (113) in the housing (102) to secure the door frame to the housing (102).

7. The illuminator according to claim 6, wherein the second side rail (109) is located on the side of the door frame opposite to the first side rail (108), and the second side rail (109) includes a hinge attached to a hole in the housing (102).

8. The illuminator of claim 7, wherein the hinge and the latch (112) are configured to allow the door frame to open such that the door frame is suspended from the housing (102) by the hinge.

9. The luminaire of claim 6, wherein the door frame is removable such that a second door frame can be attached to the housing (102) without removing the housing (102) from the recess in the ceiling.

10. The illuminator according to claim 4, wherein the front flange (134) comprises a horizontal portion (140) and an angled portion (142). The horizontal portion (140) has an outer surface parallel to the plane defined by the light-emitting opening of the housing (102), and The angled portion (142) defines an acute outer angle (144) between the outer surface of the angled portion (142) and the plane defined by the light-emitting opening of the housing (102), and defines an obtuse inner angle (146) between the inner surface of the horizontal portion (140) of the front flange (134) and the inner surface of the angled portion (142).

11. The illuminator according to claim 1, wherein, The first side rail (108) is disposed in the first housing recess (103), and the second side rail (109) is disposed in the second housing recess (105). The first housing recess (103) is on the side of the housing (102) opposite to the second housing recess (105).

12. The illuminator according to claim 11, wherein, When the first side rail (108) is arranged in the first housing recess (103), the front flange (134) of the first side rail (108) is coplanar with the first outer flange (118) of the housing (102).

Images