Reflector umbrella with gathered reflective elements and reflector assembly including such a reflector umbrella

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foldable reflector umbrella (10) comprising a flexible, fabric-like reflective element (11) having an external support and tensioning structure (12) composed of a plurality of tensioning spokes (13), preferably uniformly distributed over its entire extent and dividing the reflective element (11) into a plurality of umbrella segments (14) essentially corresponding to the number of tensioning spokes (13), wherein, when the reflector umbrella (10) is in its open state, the reflective element (11) composed of the plurality of umbrella segments (14) forms a substantially rotationally symmetrical body (15) with a light exit opening (16), and wherein, in its open state, the reflector umbrella (10) is characterized in that the fabric-like reflective element (11) is at least partially gathered to form a non-uniform reflective surface (19). The present invention further relates to a reflector assembly (27) comprising the reflector umbrella (10).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a foldable reflector umbrella comprising a flexible cloth-like reflective element having an external support and tensioning structure consisting of a plurality of tensioning spokes, which are preferably uniformly distributed over the entire extent and divide the reflective element into a number of umbrella segments essentially corresponding to the number of tensioning spokes, and when the reflector umbrella is in its open state, the reflective element consisting of the plurality of umbrella segments forms a substantially rotational symmetry with the light exit opening.

[0002] The invention further relates to a reflector assembly comprising a reflector umbrella and a carrier element carrying at least one light source. [Background technology]

[0003] Such reflector umbrellas and reflector assemblies are particularly used in the fields of photography and / or film. In particular, in the fields of photography and film, reflector umbrellas must be easy to handle for transport and setup on photo / film sets. To this end, portable reflector umbrellas are lightweight and have a small folded volume, so that they are only opened to their full size and final shape at the point of use. Reflector umbrellas retain their final open shape by themselves, without additional support from self-contained support and tensioning structures, for example, based on the toggle link principle. When a reflector umbrella is in its final open shape, it is a conical, rotationally symmetrical body in the broadest sense. The tensioning spokes extend uniformly radially from the imaginary vertex of the rotational symmetry toward the light exit opening. The tensioning spokes are preferably uniformly spaced throughout the entire extent. Each umbrella segment is positioned between two tensioned spokes and similarly extends from the virtual vertex to the light exit aperture, becoming wider towards the light exit aperture.

[0004] In a cross section including the axis of rotation of the reflector umbrella, the rotationally symmetric body has, for example, the shape of an ellipse and / or a parabola and / or a circle and / or a hyperbola. The cross section may likewise start from an apex and extend towards the light exit opening. However, the cross section can also vary in such a way that, for example, a cross section of a reflecting element with an elliptical cross section is located behind a cross section of a reflecting element with a parabolic cross section that starts from an apex and extends towards the light exit opening. However, other cross section shapes and combinations of cross section shapes are also common for reflector umbrellas.

[0005] In conjunction with the light source, the reflector umbrella can preferably create or design different light and / or shadow effects and images, i.e., different image characteristics. Light emitted by each light source strikes and reflects off the reflective element. The fabric-like reflective element has an exterior surface and an interior surface that provides reflection. The exterior surface can be of almost any shape and design. The interior surface has a reflective layer that forms the reflector umbrella's reflective surface. The fabric-like reflective element is tensioned by a support and tensioning structure, so that the reflective element has an essentially smooth texture despite its curved shape in its open state, and therefore the exterior and interior surfaces, and therefore the reflective surface in particular, are essentially wrinkle-free. A disadvantage of such reflector umbrellas is that the highly reflective properties of the reflective surface cause a strong glare effect. Simply put, it is nearly impossible to look into a reflector umbrella in use, i.e., illuminated by at least one light source, without squinting or even closing your eyes. Looking into a lighted reflector umbrella often even brings tears to the eyes, which is highly undesirable, especially when taking photographs of people. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention is therefore based on the task of providing a reflector umbrella with improved reflection, and in particular glare, properties. The task further consists in proposing a corresponding reflector assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This task is solved by the reflector umbrella type mentioned above, in that, in the open state, the fabric-like reflective elements are at least partially gathered to form a non-uniform reflective surface. The shape of the reflector umbrella as a rotationally symmetrical body with a conical cross section essentially provides a curved reflective surface. However, the embodiment according to the present invention refers not to the external shape of the reflective element, but to the surface of the reflective element itself, which has peaks and troughs for gathering. For gathering, the curved, originally smooth reflective surface is, so to speak, broken up, i.e., artificially provided with folds or the like, which ensures that light is scattered with a corresponding diffusion effect. On the one hand, this significantly reduces the glare effect, so that a person can look into the reflector umbrella while it is in use without any negative effects such as blinking, closing, or tearing of the eyes, which is extremely important, for example, for portrait photography. On the other hand, this embodiment according to the present invention generates (scattered) light that allows for optimized image characteristics and avoids sharp shadows, allowing the capture of images with fewer or no shadows in detail.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, at least some of the umbrella segments are at least partially gathered. For example, only every two umbrella segments may be gathered. The umbrella segments may be gathered only in certain areas, for example, in the peripheral region of the light exit aperture, or they may be fully gathered. Finally, individual umbrella segments may have different gathering patterns, for example, alternating between slight gathering (to create slight non-uniformities) and significant gathering (to create significant non-uniformities).

[0009] In another particularly advantageous development, the individual umbrella segments located between two tensioning spokes are designed to be gathered essentially over the entire surface. This embodiment achieves particularly good and uniform glare reduction and at the same time improved image properties, especially in terms of shadow reduction.

[0010] Conveniently, means for gathering the reflective elements are associated with each umbrella segment. These mechanical gathering means may be, for example, staples, clasps, tensioning rubber, tensioning threads, or other components that create gathering. The gathering means may be an integral part of the reflector umbrella, or may be a separate component that can be permanently and / or removably connected to the reflector umbrella.

[0011] Each umbrella segment preferably has at least one seam spaced apart from the tensioning spokes. Individual gathering seams, formed in addition to the seams in the area where the outwardly positioned tensioning spokes are located, represent a gathering means that is particularly easy and inexpensive to manufacture and does not impair the folding function of the reflector umbrella. One or more gathering seams can be provided in each umbrella segment. These gathering seams can vary in length and orientation; for example, they can run diagonally, across the tensioning spokes, or cross each other.

[0012] It is particularly advantageous for the individual seams of the individual umbrella segments to extend centrally between the tensioning spokes. This means that the gathering seams extend from the free edge of the reflector umbrella at the light-exit opening towards the virtual vertex at the same distance from each of the two adjacent seams of the tensioning spokes, with the distance of the gathering seams from the adjacent seams of the tensioning spokes decreasing in each case towards the vertex. The gathering seams can extend almost to the vertex S. However, it is also possible for the individual gathering seams to end at a certain distance from the vertex. The gathering seams can be inserted, i.e. sewn into, the reflective element. It is also possible to split the individual umbrella segments centrally between the two tensioning spokes and then sew them back together, thereby shortening the material of the reflective element and resulting in a gathered structure.

[0013] Advantageously, a hem pocket is formed in the area of ​​each seam, into which at least one gathering spoke is inserted. The hem pocket for each gathering seam is preferably arranged on the outside. The individual gathering spokes can be completely sewn directly into the hem pocket. However, the hem pocket can also have one or more openings into which the individual gathering spokes can be inserted. On the one hand, the gathering spokes support the support and tensioning structure of the reflector umbrella in order to provide a dimensionally stable reflector umbrella. On the other hand, the gathering spokes strengthen the gathered structure and maintain its predetermined shape.

[0014] The individual gathering spokes are advantageously made of a flexible material, preferably glass-fiber reinforced plastic. Due to their flexibility, the gathering spokes are easy to assemble on the one hand and ensure dimensional stability of the reflective elements and the gathered structure on the other. Naturally, it is also possible to use gathering spokes made of other materials, such as metal.

[0015] In another optional development of the gathering spokes, at least some of the individual gathering spokes have a textured surface. This surface can be rough, i.e., have protrusions or the like. The textured surface of the gathering spokes can support and even reinforce the formation of the gathered structure, particularly when the gathering spokes are inserted into the hem pocket, in that the surface texture "hooks" the reflective element or material / fabric of the hem pocket, pressing the material / fabric together when the gathering spokes are inserted and the gathering spokes wrinkle accordingly. Gathering spokes, which are preferably round in cross section, can also have a smooth surface, although other cross sections are also possible.

[0016] Advantageously, the reflective element is made of a single blank, the umbrella segments are separated by seams, and the tensioning spokes are guided through hem pockets located outwardly and extending at least partially along the seams. However, the reflective element can also be made of several blanks.

[0017] Another particularly preferred development is characterized in that the support and tensioning structure comprises 24 tensioning spokes that are uniformly distributed over the entire extent of the open reflector umbrella, forming 24 umbrella segments. These 24 umbrella segments are preferably divided by gathering means forming gathering seams (with or without gathering spokes) to create 48 identical umbrella sub-segments. The number of tensioning spokes can be varied. The number of umbrella segments can also be varied accordingly.

[0018] An advantageous embodiment is characterized in that the fabric-like reflective element consists of a carrier material onto which an aluminum vapor-coated plastic film is applied to the inner surface to form the reflective surface, however, other embodiments of the reflective element are also possible, in particular with regard to the selection of the carrier material and the formation of the reflective surface.

[0019] The above task is also solved by a reflector assembly of the type mentioned above, in that the reflector umbrella is configured and adapted according to one or more of claims 1 to 13. The resulting advantages have already been explained in connection with the reflector umbrella, and therefore, to avoid repetition, reference is made to the relevant parts.

[0020] Other useful and / or advantageous features and further developments of the reflector umbrella and reflector assembly are set out in the dependent claims and the description. Particularly preferred embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a preferred embodiment of a reflector umbrella according to the present invention, seen from the side; [Figure 2] 2 shows the reflector umbrella according to FIG. 1 with a carrier element inserted, seen from behind; [Figure 3] 2 shows the reflector umbrella according to FIG. 1 seen from the front, looking into the light exit opening. [Figure 4] 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the reflecting surface of the reflector umbrella according to FIG. 1; [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view (partial cross-sectional view) showing a reflector assembly having a reflector umbrella. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The reflector umbrella shown in the drawings is constructed and adapted for use in photography and filming, however, the reflector umbrella can also be used as a simple lampshade, delivering technical advantages.

[0023] The present invention relates to a foldable reflector umbrella 10 comprising a flexible, fabric-like reflective element 11 having an external support and tensioning structure 12 composed of a plurality of tensioning spokes 13, preferably uniformly distributed over the entire width and dividing the reflective element 11 into a plurality of umbrella segments 14 corresponding essentially to the number of tensioning spokes 13. When the reflector umbrella 10 is in its open state, the reflective element 11, composed of the plurality of umbrella segments 14, forms a substantially rotationally symmetrical body 15 with a light exit opening 16. In the open state, a carrier material for the reflective element 11, made of a synthetic or natural material or a mixture thereof, is held under tension by the tensioning spokes 13 as part of the support and tensioning structure 12. The tensioning spokes 13 extend fan-like, i.e., radially, from a virtual vertex S of the open reflector umbrella 10 toward the light exit opening 16. The tensioning spokes 13 are fixed to a support or tensioning ring 17 in the region of the vertex S. This support or tensioning ring 17 has through openings 18 that are configured and adapted for the passage / insertion of light sources, carrier elements or the like (see below). The tensioning spokes 13 may end at the free end of the light exit opening 16 or may protrude beyond the free end. The tensioning spokes 13 divide the reflective element 11 into a plurality of umbrella segments 14, such that an umbrella segment 14 is always bounded or surrounded by two tensioning spokes 13.

[0024] This reflector umbrella 10 according to the invention is characterized in that in the open state, the fabric-like reflective element 11 is at least partially gathered to form a non-uniform reflective surface 19. Eventually, partial or complete gathering, i.e., the creation of an at least partially non-uniform reflective surface 19, can be achieved without the need for additional means, for example by creating tension in the reflective element 11 or similar, or by separate means or by means that are an integral part of the reflector umbrella. It is also possible to gather the reflective element 11 over its entire length. In other embodiments, for example if the reflective element 11 has a multi-layer structure, only the layer facing inwards of the reflective element 11, which forms the reflective surface 19, can be gathered.

[0025] The features and other developments described below represent preferred embodiments of the reflector umbrella 10, either individually or in combination with one another. It is expressly pointed out that the features summarized in the claims and / or the description and / or the drawings or described in a common embodiment are equally capable of functionally and independently further forming the reflector umbrella 10 described above.

[0026] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figures 1-5, all umbrella segments 14 are uniformly gathered. It is particularly preferred that an individual umbrella segment 14 located between two tensioning spokes 13 is designed to be gathered over essentially the entire surface. Optionally, the reflective surface 19 around the through-hole 18 is preferably free of gathering. Figures 2 and 3 particularly clearly show that the gathering ends at a fixed distance from the vertex S. In other embodiments, only individual umbrella segments 14 can be fully or partially gathered.

[0027] As already mentioned, the gathering of the reflective surface 19 can be formed without the need for additional means. However, it is preferred that means 20 for gathering the reflective element 11 be associated with the reflective element 11 or with each umbrella segment 14 having gatherings. The gathering means 20 may be a clasp, clip, tensioning rubber, tensioning thread, or the like. As shown in the drawings, it is particularly preferred that a seam 21 forms the gathering means 20. The seam 21 can be added to the reflective element 11. However, the seam 21 can also be formed by cutting open the reflective element 11 and sewing the separated edges together. In the drawings, a continuous seam 21 is formed on each umbrella segment 14. This seam 21 is uniformly spaced from the tensioning spokes 13 and thus extends centrally between the tensioning spokes 13. In other embodiments, the seam 21 can also be interrupted and / or have a different orientation and / or occupy a different position.

[0028] The seams 21 may themselves form the means 20 for gathering the reflective element 11. It is particularly preferred that a hem pocket 22 is formed in the area of ​​each seam 21, into which at least one gathering spoke 23 is inserted. The hem pocket 22 preferably extends along the seam 21 and may even form the seam 21. Alternatively, the hem pocket 22 can follow a different path relative to the seam 21. The hem pocket 22 may be completely closed. However, it is preferred that the hem pocket 22 has at least one opening into which a gathering spoke 23 can be inserted.

[0029] The individual gathering spokes 23 are advantageously made of a flexible material, preferably glass fiber reinforced plastic. The preferably rod-shaped gathering spokes 23 typically have a round cross section and a smooth surface. Optionally, at least a portion of the individual gathering spokes 23 have a textured surface, for example, to form fine barbs or the like that can engage with or engage the material of the hem pocket 22. The cross section of the gathering spokes 23 can vary, for example, to have a rectangular, oval, or other shape.

[0030] The reflective element 11 itself preferably consists of a single blank. The umbrella segments 14 are preferably divided or subdivided by seams 24. The external tensioning spokes 13 are at least partially guided through hem pockets 25 extending along the seams 24. The seams 24 can also be formed by the hem pockets 25. The hem pockets 25 preferably have openings for inserting the tensioning spokes 13.

[0031] According to the drawings, in a particular and particularly preferred embodiment, the support and tensioning structure 12 comprises 24 tensioning spokes 13, which are uniformly distributed throughout the extent of the open reflector umbrella 10 and form 24 umbrella segments 14. These 24 umbrella segments 14 are divided by seams 21 forming gathering means to create 48 identical umbrella sub-segments 26. The number of tensioning spokes 13, and therefore the number of umbrella segments 14, can vary. The number of tensioning spokes 13 may ultimately be different from the number of umbrella segments 14. The tensioning spokes 13 may also be irregularly distributed throughout the extent.

[0032] The fabric-like reflective element 11 consists of a carrier material onto which an aluminum vapor coated plastic film is applied to the inner surface to form the reflective surface 19. The carrier material can be formed in one or more layers. Just as the formation of the reflective surface 19 can be varied, the structure of the carrier material can also be varied.

[0033] The reflector umbrella 10 described above can be used as an individual component. However, it is preferred that the reflector umbrella 10 is part of a reflector assembly 27 comprising the reflector umbrella 10 and a carrier element 28 carrying at least one light source 29. The reflector umbrella 10 according to the invention is designed and constructed as claimed in one or more of claims 1 to 13. The carrier element 28 is guided via a through opening 18 so that the reflector umbrella 10 lies on the carrier element 28.

Claims

1. a flexible, fabric-like reflective element (11); an external support and tensioning structure (12) consisting of a plurality of tensioning spokes (13) distributed throughout the extent of said reflective element (11), dividing said reflective element (11) into a number of umbrella segments (14) substantially corresponding to the number of said tensioning spokes (13); A foldable reflector umbrella (10) comprising: When the reflector umbrella (10) is in its open state, the reflecting element (11) consisting of the plurality of umbrella segments (14) forms a substantially rotationally symmetric body (15) with a light exit aperture (16), Each umbrella segment (14) has at least one seam (21) between the tensioning spokes (13) of said umbrella segment (14); A hem pocket (22) is formed along each of said seams (21), and at least one gathering spoke (23) is inserted therein; The gathering spokes (23) at least partially gather at least the inner surface of the fabric-like reflective element (11) in the open state to form a non-uniform reflective surface (19). A reflector umbrella (10) characterized by:

2. 2. The reflector umbrella (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of tensioning spokes (13) are uniformly distributed over the entire extent of the reflective element (11).

3. 3. The reflector umbrella (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein at least some of the plurality of umbrella segments (14) are at least partially gathered.

4. A reflector umbrella (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that each umbrella segment (14) located between two tensioning spokes (13) is designed to be gathered essentially over the entire surface of said umbrella segment.

5. The reflector umbrella (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising staples, clasps, tensioning rubbers, tensioning threads or combinations thereof for gathering the reflective elements (11) associated with the individual umbrella segments (14).

6. A reflector umbrella (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one seam (21) of each of the umbrella segments (14) passes through the center between the corresponding tensioning spokes (13).

7. Reflector umbrella (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gathering spokes (23) are made of a flexible material.

8. 8. A reflector umbrella (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that said flexible material is a plastic reinforced with glass fibre.

9. 8. The reflector umbrella (10) of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of each gathering spoke (23) has a textured surface.

10. A reflector umbrella (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the reflective element (11) consists of a single blank and the tensioning spokes (13) are guided through an outwardly positioned hem pocket (25) that extends at least partially along the seam (24).

11. 11. The reflector umbrella (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the support and tensioning structure (12) comprises 24 tensioning spokes (13), which are uniformly distributed over the entire extent of the open reflector umbrella (10) and form 24 umbrella segments (14).

12. 12. The reflector umbrella (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the 24 umbrella segments (14) are divided by the seams (21) to create 48 identical umbrella sub-segments (26).

13. A reflector umbrella (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the fabric-like reflective element (11) consists of a carrier material on which an aluminum vapor coated plastic film is applied to the inner surface to form the reflective surface (19).

14. A reflector assembly (27) comprising a reflector umbrella (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a carrier element (28) carrying at least one light source (29).

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