Illumination system

Abstract

A pair of illumination units for a photo studio light box are arranged at an angle relative to an open end of the box. Each unit includes a back with a reflective surface on its interior side, a front light scattering cover, an illumination unit volume defined between the front cover and the back, and an illumination source disposed between the reflective surface and the cover. Each unit may have a D-shaped cross-section shape with the back corresponding to a curved portion of the D-shape and the cover corresponding to a straight portion of the D-shape. Each unit is adjacent to (in close proximity to or abutting) a side of the photo box at an open end of the box, and may be releasably or permanently attached with a flexible material that allows angular adjustment of each unit.

Description

[0001] ILLUMINATION SYSTEM

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a portable illumination system that is configured to be attached to the front sides of a portable photo studio light box.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] Portable photo studio light boxes are used to provide a small photo studio in which an item to be photographed may be placed and illuminated by one or more light sources that are positioned at the top side of the photo studio light box.

[0006] Portable photo studio light boxes are further covered with a light reflecting material, e.g., reflector fabric, along their inner faces, such that light illuminating from the one or more light sources at the top side of the box, may be reflected from the sides of the box towards the item that is placed within the box. The light reflected from the sides of the box is intended to illuminate the item within the box, as if light sources are attached to the sides of the photo studio light box. But the primary lighting comes from the direction of the bulbs which are on top or on the sides of the box interior. Primary lighting does not come from the direction of the lens at the open side of the box.

[0007] In reality, current portable photo studio light boxes are simply not good enough. Light that is illuminated from the top side only does not provide a sufficient lighting solution to items that require illumination from other sides of the item. The reflecting material surrounding the inner faces of the portable photo studio light box does not provide sufficient illumination from the sides of the item that is photographed. Primary lighting is essential for most photographed products, providing illumination from the direction of the lens. When such lighting falls on the object being photographed, it plays a crucial role in illuminating the side that the camera captures evenly.

[0008] In fact, the reflecting material might create light reflections onto the item, which would appear as artifacts on the acquired image of the item.

[0009] There is therefore a need for an illumination system that would provide sufficient illumination, onto an item placed within a portable photo studio light box, from the front side of the portable photo studio light box. The front side of the photo studio light box is an important angle from which illumination is missing in current photo studio light boxes. The illumination system should preferably be easy to assemble and portable, as is the photo studio light box.

[0010] When photographing an object, a light source should illuminate from the direction of the lens, around 45 degrees to the right and left of the lens and the product. In this manner, the light source evenly illuminates the photographed side of the object, and details of the photographed side are clearly and flatteringly visible.

[0011] The invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems and solving one or more of the needs as set forth above.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0013] An aspect of an embodiment of the disclosure, relates to an illumination system that may be attached and detached from current portable photo studio light boxes. The illumination system of the present disclosure may be portable, light weight and easy to assemble and connect to an existing photo studio light box. The illumination system of the present disclosure may be laterally attached to existing photo studio light boxes, i.e., may be attached to both ends of the front side of current photo studio light boxes. The illumination system of the present disclosure may change its orientation, e.g., angle, with respect to a central axis extending through the open end of the photo box. The illumination system of the present disclosure may be positioned outside of the box with the ability to stand alone on its own. Alternatively, illumination system of the present disclosure may be positioned inside of the box. In each case, the angle of the illumination system may be set and adjusted.

[0014] The illumination system may comprise two illumination units. The position of each of these two units with respect to the photo studio light box may be changed independently from one another, such to adjust illumination angle per needs and / or preferences of the user.

[0015] An exemplary photo studio light box (photo box) has an open end with a first side, a second side, and at least one of a top and a bottom. The photo box defines an interior volume. A pair of illumination units are provided. Each illumination unit includes a back having an interior side and an exterior side. A reflective surface is provided on the interior side of the back. The exterior side of the back may be black. A front light scattering cover (e.g., a light diffusing fabric) is provided. An illumination unit volume is defined between the front light scattering cover and the back. An illumination source (e.g., a plurality of light emitting diodes) is disposed between the reflective surface and the front light scattering cover. Each illumination unit also includes an upper and a lower end. The illumination units may be external or internal to the interior volume of the photo box. The illumination units may be sized to fit within the photo box, if such placement during use or storage is desired. Each unit is adjacent to (in close proximity to or abutting) a side of the photo box at an open end of the box, with the units being adjacent to opposite sides (i.e., one unit adjacent to one side, the other unit adjacent to the opposite side). An angle is defined between the top or bottom of the photo box and the front light scattering cover of each unit. That angle is adjustable. An upper light reflecting cover may be disposed on the upper side of each unit to reflect light into the unit. Likewise, a lower light reflecting cover may be disposed on the lower side of each unit to reflect light into the unit.

[0016] The back may be flexible and bent into an arcuate shape. Each unit may have a D- shaped cross-section shape. The back may correspond to a curved portion of the D-shaped cross section and the front light scattering cover may correspond to a straight portion of the D-shaped cross section.

[0017] The back may be flat but flexible and have a first lateral edge and an opposite second lateral edge. The cover may have a first lateral side and a second lateral side. As the width of the cover is less than the width of the back, the back bends into an arcuate shape when the first lateral edge is attached to the first lateral side, and the second lateral edge is attached to the second lateral side.

[0018] Each unit may include a flexible joint (e.g., a flexible material) coupling the unit to a side of the photo box. The flexible joint operates as a hinge. Releasable attachments may be provided on the flexible joint to releasably couple the illumination unit to the side.

[0019] Illumination units may be provided with a photo studio light box or as separate accessories to be used with a photo studio light box to provide improved lighting.

[0020] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The present disclosure will be understood and better appreciated from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings. Identical structures, elements or parts, which appear in more than one figure, are generally labeled with the same or similar number in all the figures in which they appear, wherein:

[0022] Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a perspective side view of a lateral attachable illumination system as it is attached to a portable photo studio light box, according to embodiments of the disclosure; Fig. 2 is a schematic illustration of a front view of a single unit of the lateral attachable illumination system, in unfolded configuration, according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[0023] Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a top view of a single unit of the lateral attachable illumination system, in folded configuration, according to embodiments of the disclosure;

[0024] Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of a perspective side view of two units of a lateral attachable illumination system, where one unit is attached to and the second unit is detached from a portable photo studio light box, according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0025] Fig. 5 is a schematic that conceptually illustrates an angular orientation between lateral attachable illumination systems and a portable photo studio light box.

[0026] Fig. 6 is a schematic that conceptually illustrates another angular orientation between lateral attachable illumination systems and a portable photo studio light box.

[0027] Fig. 7 is a schematic that conceptually illustrates an angular orientation between lateral attachable illumination systems in a portable photo studio light box.

[0028] Fig. 8 is a schematic that conceptually illustrates another angular orientation between lateral attachable illumination systems in a portable photo studio light box.

[0029] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every embodiment of the invention. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the figures or the specific components, configurations, shapes, relative sizes, ornamental aspects or proportions as shown in the figures.

[0030] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present disclosure provides a lateral attachable illumination system, which comprises two separate independent units, each comprising light sources, and each configured to be attached or detached from existing portable photo studio light boxes. Each of the units of the lateral attachable illumination system may be positioned adjacent the front side or front opening of an existing portable photo studio light box, though the position of each unit may be adjusted independently and need not be the same as the position of the other unit. The light provided by each of the two units is soft and properly scattered such that little to no reflection of the light sources is created by these units.

[0032] Reference is now made to Fig. 1, which is a schematic illustration of a perspective side view of a lateral attachable illumination system as it is attached to a portable photo studio light box, according to embodiments of the disclosure. The lateral attachable illumination system of the present disclosure comprises two lateral illumination units 102 and 104. These two lateral illumination units 102 and 104 may be attached to any existing portable photo studio light box 10. Alternatively, the illumination units 102 and 104 may be positioned apart form and outside of the photo studio light box 10. Typically, a portable photo studio light box 10 comprises a top face 11, a first side 12, a second side 14, a bottom face 16 and a back face (not shown). A typical portable photo studio light box may further comprise a front opening 18 created between first side 12, second side 14, bottom face 16 and top face 11. Current portable photo studio light box 10 may comprise a top cover 20, which may be closed or opened per user preferences. For example, when a user wishes to acquire an image of an item placed within portable photo studio light box 10, from the top side, the user may open top cover 20 and may position her camera above the opening created when top cover 20 is open. When a user wishes to acquire an image of an item from the front side of portable photo studio light box 10, she may position her camera in front of front opening 18.

[0033] Each of lateral illumination units 102 and 104 may comprise connecting means (i.e., connections) to connect each of units 102 and 104 to an existing portable photo studio light box. As illustrated in Fig. 1, lateral illumination unit 104 may be connected to portable photo studio light box 10 via connecting means. The connecting means may be placed along connecting strip 114. The connecting means that are positioned along connecting strip 114 may comprise hook and loop, magnets, buttons, press studs, snaps, etc. Similarly, lateral illumination unit 102 may be connected to portable photo studio light box 10 via connecting means, which may be positioned along a corresponding connecting strip (not shown). The same connecting means may be used for both lateral illumination units 102 and 104. The connecting means may enable attachment of the lateral illumination units 102 and / or 104 to, and detachment from the sides 12 and 14 of portable photo studio light box 10. Thus, the connecting means may enable releasable attachment or permanent attachment. When attached to a side 12 or 14 of a portable photo studio light box 10, the connecting strip 114 constitutes a hinge, i.e., a flexible coupling about which the lateral illumination unit 102 or 104 may pivot (e.g., pivot about a vertical axis) in relation to the attached side 12 or 14.

[0034] The position of either of the lateral illumination units 102 and 104, with respect to front opening 18, e.g., the angle at which either of the lateral illumination units 102 and 104 is connected or placed with respect to front opening 18, may be independent with respect to the other lateral illumination unit. That is, one of the lateral illumination units may be positioned at a first angle with respect to front opening 18, while the second lateral illumination unit may be positioned at a second angle with respect to front opening 18.

[0035] In some embodiments, the lateral illumination units 102 and 104 need not be connected to the portable photo studio light box 10 but may be placed at any distance and any angle with respect to the portable photo studio light box. Additionally, in some embodiments, the lateral illumination units 102 and 104 may be disposed within the photo studio light box 10. In other embodiments, the lateral illumination units 102 and 104 are connected to the portable photo studio light box 10.

[0036] Reference is now made to Fig. 2, which is a schematic illustration of a front view of a single unit of the lateral attachable illumination system, in unfolded configuration, according to embodiments of the disclosure. The lateral illumination unit that is schematically illustrated in Fig. 2 may be either one of lateral illumination units 102 or 104, in unfolded configuration. Since the unfolded configuration of the lateral illumination units 102 or 104 is substantially flat, each of the lateral illumination units 102 and 104 obtain little transportation and little storage space.

[0037] Lateral illumination unit 102 / 104 may comprise a rigid and flexible section 202, which is rigid but may also be able to bend when force is applied onto it. The rigid and flexible section 202 may a panel or sheet. Flexible section 202 is also referred to as light scattering section 202 and section 202. In some embodiments, rigid and flexible section 202 may be made of at least one of cardboard or paperboard, plastic, Low Density Polyethylene, Silicone, Polypropylene, etc. In some embodiments, section 202 may be covered on its external (exterior) side with a black colored material, e.g., black fabric. In other embodiments, the external side of section 202 may be colored. According to other embodiments, the inner (interior) side of section 202 and 220 is reflective, i.e., capable of reflecting light. For example, it may be covered with a light reflecting material, such as a reflective fabric.

[0038] In another embodiment, section 202 is a formed arcuate sheet. The sheet may have a curvature as conceptually illustrated in Figs. 1 and 3. The sheet may be rigid. As with the bendable embodiment described above, section 202 may be covered on its concave external (exterior) side with a black colored material, e.g., black fabric. In other embodiments, the external side of section 202 may be colored black. According to other embodiments, the convex inner (interior) side of section 202 is reflective, i.e., capable of reflecting light. For example, it may be covered with a light reflecting material, such as a reflective aluminum sheet fabric.

[0039] In some embodiments, at least one illumination source may be attached onto the inner side of section 202. In other embodiments, the at least one illumination source may comprise a strip of LEDs (Light Emitting Diode) 204. In yet other embodiments, there may be two strips of LEDs 204, typically positioned in parallel to one another, along the longitudinal axis of section 202. LED strips 204 may be in electrical communication with electric wire 206, which may connect LED strips 204 to a power source, e.g., a battery of any kind, an LED driver, and / or a rectifier for AC power coupled to a utility AC power supply, such as an electrical outlet. In some embodiments, the at least one illumination source 204 may be connected to a dimmer, via electric wire 206. The dimmer may enable a user to manage light intensity of at least one illumination source 204.

[0040] In some embodiments, section 202 may be connected to a light scattering or light diffusing section 208, along the longitudinal axis of section 202. For convenience of reference, this section may be referred to as light scattering section 208 or a light scattering layer. Light scattering section 208 may be configured to diffuse or scatter light illuminated from the at least one illumination source that is attached onto the inner side of section 202. Light scattering section 208 may be connected to section 202 by any permanent connecting means, such as glue and / or sewing. Light scattering section 208 may be made of a film or fabric though other materials may be used. Light scattering section 208 may be made of a light scattering material while allowing light to propagate through it, e.g., by having a light shaded color, e.g. white. The light scattering section 208 is a semi-transmittant material disposed between the illumination source 204 and a subject. The light scattering section 208 diffuses or scatters the light as it passes through the material. This material does not solely block or cut light, but redirects light as it passes through for a diffused light spread on the subject. Thus, once positioned in front of the at least one illumination source 204, light scattering section 208 is configured to scatter light therethrough such to create softer illumination therethrough.

[0041] In some embodiments, along the longitudinal axis of light scattering section 208, there is a connecting section 210, which is configured to attach light scattering section 208 onto section 202. By way of example and not limitation, light scattering section 208 may include an attachment, connecting section 210, at an edge of section 202 that is opposite the edge where light scattering section 208 may be permanently connected to section 202. Connecting section 210 may comprise any or more of the following connecting means: a hook and loop fastener component, magnets, buttons, press studs, snaps, etc. Accordingly, corresponding connecting means (e.g., connecting strip 114 and connecting means 124) may be positioned along the longitudinal axis of the back side of section 202, at the end of section 202 that is opposite the permanent connection between section 202 and light scattering section 208. The connecting means may be located along the entire length of connecting section 210, though in other embodiments, at least two connecting means may be positioned along the longitudinal axis of connecting section 210.

[0042] Fig. 2 further illustrates connecting strip 114 as it is seen, at least partially, through the non-opaque light scattering section 208. The connecting means 124 that are connected to connecting strip 114 may also be seen, at least partially, through the light scattering section 208. The connecting means 124 are elements for permanently or releasably fastening the connecting strip 114 to an edge of section 202. Nonlimiting examples include hook and loop fastener components, magnets, buttons, press studs, snaps, etc.

[0043] Reference is now made to Fig. 3, which is a schematic illustration of a top view of a single unit of the lateral attachable illumination system, in folded configuration, according to embodiments of the disclosure. The width of light scattering section 208 may be configured such that when connecting section 210 is attached onto the back side of section 202, section 202 is forced to bend into a rounded shape. That is, in an embodiment with a bendable section 202, the width of light scattering section 208 is typically smaller than the width of section 202. Attaching edges of section 202 to edges of section 208 as conceptually illustrated in Fig. 3, forces the wider section 202 to bend. The bending may provide an arcuate shape (i.e., the rounded shape) as illustrated in Fig. 3.

[0044] Once light scattering section 208 is connected to the open end of section 202, lateral illumination unit 102 or 104 is forced to acquire a shape similar to half a cylinder. The (rounded) shape of lateral illumination units 102 and 104 is thus created by light scattering section 208 being disposed (e.g., stretched) over section 202. The predefined width of light scattering section 208 forces section 202 to bend and stay bent, while light scattering section 208 is attached onto the back side of section 202, via connecting section 210. This is contrary to some contemporary portable photo studio light boxes and softboxes, where the box is first built and only then a light scattering material is attached under the top illumination source to provide softer light from the top face of the box. According to the present disclosure, it is the attachment of the light scattering material of light scattering section 208 itself, that dictates the shape of lateral illumination units 102 and 104.

[0045] The arcuate or semi-cylindrical shape of lateral illumination unit 102 or 104 thus creates a distance 'D' between at least one illumination source 204, e.g., the LEDs strip, and the light scattering section 208. Distance 'D' may be approximately 5cm, though it may be of other lengths. The presence of distance 'D' and the fact that light propagates through a light scattering material at section 208, prevents reflection of the illumination source 204 onto an item that is photographed within portable photo studio light box 10. Thus, lateral illumination units 102 and 104 provide a soft and focused yet reflection free light onto an item that is placed within portable photo studio light box 10, from the front and sides of the item, which is not enabled in current portable photo studio light boxes.

[0046] In some embodiments, and as illustrated in Fig. 2, lateral illumination units 102 and 104 may further comprise an upper light reflection section 220. For convenience of reference, this section may be referred to as upper light reflective section 220. Section 220 may be connected to (e.g., sewn to or integrally formed with) section 208. A similar reflective section may be provided on the opposite lower end. Thus, light reflecting sections 220 may be configured to cover the upper and lower ends of each lateral illumination unit 102 and 104, such to ensure that light illuminating from the top end of lateral illumination units 102 and 104 is also reflected to emanate through the light scattering material at section 208. Upper light reflecting section 220 may have attached at least one connecting section 222, which may be configured to attach onto the exterior side of section 202. Connecting means, such as hook and loop fastener components, magnets, buttons, press studs, snaps, etc., or any combination thereof, may be attached on the at least one connecting section 222 to enable connecting section 222 to connect upper light reflecting section 220 to section 202.

[0047] Reference is now made to Fig. 4, which is a schematic illustration of a perspective side view of two units of a lateral attachable illumination system, where one unit is attached to and the second unit is detached from a portable photo studio light box, according to embodiments of the disclosure. According to some embodiments, assembly of the lateral illumination units 102 and 104 comprises stretching the light scattering section 208 onto the edge of the back side of section 202, and attaching connecting section 210 onto that edge, e.g., by attaching the connecting means of connecting section 210 to corresponding connecting means along that edge. Following assembly of lateral illumination units 102 and 104, a user may decide where to position lateral illumination units 102 and 104 with respect to a portable photo studio light box 10 such to optimize the light that is to be directed onto an item placed within portable photo studio light box 10. In some embodiments, any one of lateral illumination units 102 and 104 may be positioned at any angle with respect to portable photo studio light box 10, specifically with respect to the sides of front opening 18.

[0048] A preferable angle between a lateral illumination unit of the present disclosure and one side of front opening 18 may be 45 degrees. At 45 degrees, the angle between the plane of the light scattering section 208 and the top edge (or bottom edge) of the front opening 18 of the photo studio light box 10 (e.g., either a first side 12 or a second side 14) is 45 degrees, as conceptually illustrated in the schematic of Fig. 6. However, lateral illumination units 102 and 104 may each be positioned at any other angle with respect to the sides of front opening 18. The position of either of lateral illumination units 102 and 104 may be decided by the user, to provide the best illumination results per the user's preferences. The lateral illumination units 102 and 104 may be placed inside the box, outside the box, attached to the box but located outside the box, attached to the box but located inside the box, separate from (not attached to) the box and located inside or outside the box. For example, the user may increase the angle created between one of lateral illumination units 102 and 104 and a side of front opening 18 onto which the lateral illumination unit is attached, such that the angle is closer to 90 degrees, thereby distancing the at least one source 204 from the photographed item. A 90-degree configuration is conceptually illustrated in Fig. 5. The user may instead decrease the angle between one of lateral illumination units 102 and 104 and a side of front opening 18 onto which the lateral illumination unit is attached, such that the angle is closer to 0 degrees, thereby bringing the at least one source 204 closer to the photographed item.

[0049] As illustrated in Fig. 4, the lateral illumination units 102 and 104 may either be connected to the portable photo studio light box 10, as is lateral illumination unit 102, or may be disconnected from portable photo studio light box 10, as is lateral illumination unit 104. Once connected or attached to portable photo studio light box 10, the lateral illumination unit, e.g., lateral illumination unit 102, may change its position angle with respect to the side of front opening 18. Connecting strip 114 may be an extension of either light scattering section 208 or of light reflecting section 202. Accordingly, connecting strip 114 may be flexible, and its connection to section 202 may also be flexible, thereby enabling a change in position or angle of the lateral illumination units 102 and 104 with respect to front opening 18, while each of these units is attached, via at least one connecting means 124 of connecting strip 114, onto a portable photo studio light box. Connecting strip 114 is one nonlimiting example of a structure for attaching the lateral illumination units 102 and 104 to a portable photo studio light box 10. Other connecting structures and assemblies, including, but not limited to, other structures and assemblies that allow angular adjustment of the lateral illumination units 102 and 104 may be utilized, and are intended to come within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0050] In some embodiments, the portable photo studio light box comprises connecting means 134 positioned along the longitudinal axis of an edge of the side of the portable photo studio light box, e.g., box 10. Connecting means 134 correspond with the connecting means that are positioned along connecting strip 114. For example, if the connecting means is hook and loop, one side, e.g., the female loop side of the hook and loop may be attached onto connecting strip 114, while the other side, e.g., the male hook side 134, may be attached onto the edge of the side of portable photo studio light box 10, or vice versa. In case the connecting means comprises magnets, connecting strip 114 may comprise a magnet while the edge of portable photo studio light box 10 may comprise another magnet configured to attract to the magnet on connecting strip 114, or may comprise any material that will be attracted to the magnet attached to connecting strip 114, or vice versa. In case the connecting means comprises snaps, connecting strip 114 may have attached thereon a female snap button, while the edge of the side of portable photo studio light box 10 may comprise a male snap button, or vice versa. Similarly, any connecting means that require male-female connection may be used, while one side of the connecting means is attached onto the connecting strip 114 or along an edge of the lateral illumination units 102 and 104, and the other side is attached onto the edge of the side of the portable photo studio light box, to enable detachable connection between the lateral illumination units 102 or 104 and the portable photo studio light box.

[0051] In some embodiments, lateral illumination units 102 and 104 need not be attached to portable photo studio light box, as is lateral illumination unit 104, in Fig. 4. A user may detach one or more of the lateral illumination units 102 and 104 and position them at any distance from and at any angle with respect to portable photo studio light box 10, including, but not limited to, outside or inside a portable photo studio light box 10.

[0052] A user may position her camera at the top cover 11, when it is open, and thus acquire an image of the item placed within portable photo studio light box 10 from above. A user may also position her camera in front of front opening 18, such to acquire an image of the item placed within portable photo studio light box 10 from the item's front side. When a user wishes to store or transport the portable photo studio light box and the lateral illumination units, the user may unfold the portable photo studio light box, as well as unfold each of the lateral illumination units by disconnecting connecting strip 114 from the longitudinal edge of the back side of section 202, thereby enabling section 202 to return to its unbent-flat configuration. It is typically easier and less space consuming to transport and store the lateral illumination system in its flat unfolded configuration.

[0053] According to some embodiments, different sized portable photo studio light boxes may be provided with different sized lateral illumination units 102 and 104. Typically, the sizes of the faces of cubic portable photo studio light boxes are 25cm, 30cm, 40-50cm and 90cm. Accordingly, lateral illumination units 102 and 104 may be provided at corresponding lengths of 30cm, 40-50cm and 90cm.

[0054] The present disclosure provides an illumination system that comprises two lateral illumination units, for providing soft light from the sides and front of a photographed item in addition to the current top side and preventing illumination source reflections onto the photographed item. The illumination system of the present disclosure is further easy and quick to assemble, is compact, especially when in unfolded configuration, and may be positioned at any angle and distance with respect to any contemporary portable photo studio light box, whether it is attached to the portable photo studio light boxes or detached from it.

[0055] While an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum relationships for the components and steps of the invention, including variations in order, form, content, function and manner of operation, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. The above description and drawings are illustrative of modifications that can be made without departing from the present invention, the scope of which is to be limited only by the following claims. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A photo studio light box comprising: a photo box having an open end, the open end including a first side, a second side, and at least one of a top and a bottom, the photo box defining an interior volume; a pair of illumination units, including a first illumination unit and a second illumination unit, each illumination unit of the pair of illumination units including a back, the back having an interior side and an exterior side, a reflective surface on the interior side of the back, a front light scattering cover, an illumination unit volume defined between the front light scattering cover and the back, an illumination source disposed between the reflective surface and the front light scattering cover, and an upper end; the first illumination unit being adjacent to the first side, and an angle between the at least one of the top and the bottom of the photo box and the front light scattering cover of the first illumination unit being adjustable; and the second illumination unit being adjacent to the second side, and an angle between the at least one of the top and the bottom of the photo box and the front light scattering cover of the second illumination unit being adjustable.

2. The photo studio light box of claim 1, each illumination unit of the pair of illumination units further comprising an upper light reflecting cover disposed on the upper end.

3. The photo studio light box of claim 2, the upper light reflecting cover including a reflecting surface.

4. The photo studio light box of claim 1, the back being flexible and having a first lateral edge and an opposite second lateral edge, and the cover having a first lateral side and a second lateral side, the back being bent into an arcuate shape with the first lateral edge being attached to the first lateral side, and the second lateral edge being attached to the second lateral side.

5. The photo studio light box of claim 1, each illumination unit of the pair of illumination units having a D-shaped cross-section shape, with the back corresponding to a curved portion of the D-shaped cross section and the front light scattering cover corresponding to a straight portion of the D-shaped cross section.

6. The photo studio light box of claim 1, further comprising a first flexible joint coupling the first illumination unit to the first side, and a second flexible joint coupling the second illumination unit to the second side.

7. The photo studio light box of claim 1, further comprising a first attachment releasably attaching the first illumination unit to the first side, and a second attachment releasably attaching the second illumination unit to the second side.

8. The photo studio light box of claim 1, the illumination source comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes.

9. The photo studio light box of claim 1, the plurality of light emitting diodes comprising at least one light emitting diode strip.

10. The photo studio light box of claim 1, the front light scattering cover comprising a light diffusing fabric.

11. A pair of external illumination units for a photo studio light box, each illumination unit of the pair of illumination units comprising: a back, the back having an interior side and an exterior side, a reflective surface on the interior side of the back, a front light scattering cover, an illumination unit volume defined between the front light scattering cover and the back, an illumination source disposed between the reflective surface and the front light scattering cover, an upper end, a flexible coupling configured for connecting the illumination unit to a photo studio light box.

12. The pair of external illumination units for a photo studio light box of claim 11, each illumination unit of the pair of illumination units further comprising an upper light reflecting cover disposed on the upper and lower end.

13. The pair of external illumination units for a photo studio light box of claim 11, each illumination unit of the pair of illumination units having a D-shaped cross-section shape, with the back corresponding to a curved portion of the D-shaped cross section and the front light scattering cover corresponding to a straight portion of the D-shaped cross section.

14. The photo studio light box of claim 11, further comprising a releasable attachment on the flexible coupling for releasably attaching the illumination unit to a side of the photo studio light box.

15. The photo studio light box of claim 11, the back being flexible and having a first lateral edge and an opposite second lateral edge, and the cover having a first lateral side and a second lateral side, the back being bent into an arcuate shape with the first lateral edge beingattached to the first lateral side, and the second lateral edge being attached to the second lateral side.

Images