Lighting assembly for imaging applications

Abstract

A lighting assembly for securely holding two lighting fixtures via a centrally positioned bracket is provided. A hub sub-assembly is mounted to the central bracket. The hub sub-assembly is rotatable so the lighting fixtures can be tilted to any desired position and locked in place. The lighting assembly can be used in various photographic and video applications and is particularly suitable for providing high-quality illuminations in digital imaging.

Description

LIGHTING ASSEMBLY FOR IMAGING APPLICATIONSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 572,265 filed March 30, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a lighting assembly that can be used in various photographic and video applications. The lighting assembly can be used for any photographic and video application and is particularly suitable for providing high-quality illuminations in digital imaging applications.Brief Review of the Related Art

[0003] In recent years, imaging technology, particularly digital imaging technology, has advanced to create di-gifol images of higher quality, detail, color, resolution, focus, consistency, and accuracy. Standard film photography and digital imaging are used across a wide variety of industries including medical, engineering, science, art, literature, and the like. For example, museums and libraries need to produce digital images of archived materials so that the materials are accurately preserved. These institutions need to have accurate image processing and. cataloging of such materials.

[0004] The proper lighting effect is needed for producing high-quality standard film and digital images. One common lighting fixture generally includes a light housing that may pan and tilt in relation to a base housing so that light projected from the light housing can be properly positioned to project the correct amount, light on the material being imaged. An operator can control the lights manually and by computer communication network.

[0005] Some lighting fixtures are constructed with a light housing that may pan and tilt so that the housing can be positioned to project at a certain angle and distance and illuminate the subject. Such lighting fixtures are used in different industries including television, movies, theater, and other entertainment venues. The lighting fixtures can also be used in retai l showooms and architectural settings. For example, Bowden et al., U.S. Patent 10,352,539 discloses a yoke effect, multi -beam l ighting device. The lighting device includes a base supporting a multi-bay yoke having a plurality of individually controllable beam heads or lighting pods. The multi-bay yoke includes a plurality of “IT-shaped bays defined between two adjacent arms, with one bay for each beam head of the device. Each head in the yoke is individually controllable from, and can tilt 360 degrees relative to, every other head in the yoke.

[0006] Wright, U.S. Patent 6,902,294 discloses a light stand for supporting photographic lighting accessories, the light stand being adapted for receiving a replaceable battery power source. A telescoping vertical support post having a plurality of extendable, downwardly extending collapsible legs has a battery-mounting fixture, for receiving a conventional rechargeable battery' power source.[000*7] Dalsgaard, European Patent EP 2,536,974 B1 discloses a lighting system comprising a U-shaped yoke connected to and rotatable relative to a base and a moving head light connected to and .rotatable relative to the yoke. The head light can rotate and direct the light beam in all directions. The lighting system can be used for entertainment lighting where various light effects can be created.

[0008] Although many conventional lighting systems are generally effective, there are some drawbacks. For example, yokes are typically manufactured for specific dimensioned sight and lack adjustability for different dimensions lights. A standard yoke also lacks the ability to merge two lights together. Thus, additional, stands and yokes are required for each light.

[0009] Another approach is to mount a bracket centrally on the rear side of the light, typically requiring multiple rigging pieces. This set-up allows for light angle adjustability but canlead to increased stress and weight displacement due to the center of gravity extending beyond the pivot point, potentially causing instability and tipping.

[0010] There is a need for a new lighting system that has improved ergonomics. The lighting assembly should he suitable for use in any imaging application. The lighting system should be able to hold the light fixtures securely in position. However, the light fixtures should also be easy to adjust. Further, the system should be able to generate a high-quality lighting effect with consistent and accurate lighting. The present invention provides such a lighting system. Other features, benefits, and advantages of the lighting system of the present invention are described further below.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention provides a lighting fixture assembly comprising: i) a first light housing having a first hub member; ii) a second light housing having a second hub member; iii) a central bracket adapted for receiving the first and second hubs so that the hubs are joined to form a hub sub-assembly and the hub sub-assembly is rotatably mounted to the central bracket; and iv) a moveable handle. The central bracket further includes a spring-loaded detent pin and a moveable handle. The second hub member preferably has multiple detent slots so that movement of the handle causes the two-hub member sub-assembly to move in a radial direction, and the mounted first and second light housings are tilted to a desired angle. In the system of the present invention, the first and second light housings, that are mounted to the hub sub-assembly, can be tilted at a desired angle.

[0012] 'Hie moveable handle is movable between a locked position wherein the detent pin engages one of the detent slots and an unlocked position wherein the detent pin is not engaged with the detent slots. In this manner, the mounted first light housing and second light housing can be tilted at a desired angle and locked in position.

[0013] The central bracket can slide over the first and second hub members so that the hub sub-assembly is rotatably mounted to the central bracket. In turn, the light housings are tilted and placed in a desired position, For example, the handle can be moved so that the first and second lighthousings are tilted at 15 -degree increments. The handle preferably includes a ball-grip at one end for easy gripping of the handle. Preferably, the centra! bracket farther includes a first cam lever tor locking the moveable handle in position. The lighting assembly can be mounted to a light stand post, and the assembly locked in place by a second cam lever.

[0014] The lighting assembly of the present invention has good dimensional s tabi lity and durability so it can be used in imaging to provide the correct amount of lighting. The Lighting assembly can be consistently positioned so that accurate, high-quality images, particularly digital images, are produced.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] The novel features that are characteristic of the present invention are set forth in the appended claims. However, the preferred embodiments of the invention, together with further objects and attendant advantages, are best understood by reference to the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the lighting assembly and hub sub-assembly of the present invention;

[0017] FIG, 2 is a front exploded view of one embodiment of the lighting assembly and hub sub-assembly of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the lighting housing of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of one embodiment of another lighting housing of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of one embodiment of the central bracket of the present invention;

[0021] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the central bracket shown in FIG. 4;

[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the central bracket of the present invention showing the bracket mounted to a lighingt stand;

[0023] FIG. 6A is a close-up view of the central bracket mounted to the lighting stand shown in FIG, 6; andFIG. 7 is a close-up view' of one embodiment of the lighting assembly of the present invention showing the lighting assembly mounted to a lighting stand.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The present invention relates generally to a lighting assembly designed to securely hold two lighting fixtures via a centrally positioned bracket. A hub sub-assembly is mounted to the central bracket. The hub sub-assembly is rotatable so the lighting fixtures can be tilted to any desired position and locked in place. In this way, the angle of the light rays emitting from the lighting fixtures can be precisely controlled and directed. The central bracket is a component of the hub sub-assembly. Preferably, the two-nub member sub-assembly further includes a hub member with preset detent slots for receiving a detent pin. The detent slots are positioned at specific angular increments. The detent slots can be arranged so that the angle Increases or decreases at any suitable increment on the scale. For example, in one preferred embodiment, the detent slots are positioned at 15 -degree increments as discussed further below. The central bracket further includes a clamping mechanism, such as, for example, a first cam lever, for locking the moveable handle in position. In this way, the selected angle of the Lighting fixtures and direction of the emitting light can be set and maintained.

[0026] Referring to the Figures, where like numbers are used to designate like elements, the Lighting assembly is generally indicated at (140) in FIG. 1. The lighting assembly ( 140) preferably includes a first light housing (138a) and a second light housing ( 138b). The Light housings (138a, 138b) contain Light sources (for example, bulbs, light-emitting diodes (LEDS), and the like) and related optical components. The light housings (138a, 138 b)) are rotatably mounted to the two-hub member sub-assembly generally indicated at (144) so that they can tilt inrelation to the central bracket (110). The central bracket farther includes a moveable handle (112), preferably having a ball-gripping piece so that an operator can easily grip and move the handle as needed. An operator can easily grip the handle (1 12) and move it so that the light assembly ( 140) can be tilted to a desired angle. This structure helps make the Lighting assembly (140) ergonomically advantageous. The central bracket (1 10) also includes a cam lever (118) so that the moveable handle (112) can be locked in the desired position. An operator can move the handle ( 112) to different positions by releasing the cam lever ( 118). Once the Light housings ( 138a, 138b) have been moved to the desired position, the handle ( 112) can be locked in place by clamping down on the cam lever (1.18).

[0027] More particularly, referring to FIG. 2, the first Light housing (138a) includes a first hub member (130) for mounting the light housing to the opening (12.4) of the central bracket ( 110). The second light housing (138b) includes a second hub member (126) for mounting the fight housing to the opening (124) of the central bracket (1 10). The first and second hubs (1.30, 126) are designed to easily fasten to the respective light housings ( 138a, 138h). The central bracket ( 1 10) slides over the first and second hubs (130, 126) so that the first and second hubs are joined to form a two-hub member sub-assembly (144), wherein the hub sub-assembly is rotatably mounted to the central bracket. (110).|W28 ] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 38, the first light housing (138a) and the second Light housing (I .38b) are shown in more detail. One light housing can be mounted on the left side of the central bracket ( 11 ), and the other Light housing can be mounted on the right side of the central bracket (1 10). The first light housing (138a) includes a first projecting hub ( 130) having flange ( 1 14). The second Light housing (138b) includes a second hub (126) with a recessed portion (134) that is adapted for receiving the projecting hub (130) of the first light housing ( 138a). I'he projecting hub (130) is inserted into the recessed portion (134) of the second hub ( 126) so that it is securely attached.

[0029] Turning to FIGS. 4 and 5, the central bracket (1 10.) includes a moveable handle(112) rotatably mounted to the bracket. The handle (112) can be raised or lowered. The handle( 1 I 2) preferably has a gripping-ball piece positioned on a first end that can be easily gripped by an operator: and a mounting piece extending from the second end. The ball-headed handle ( 112)is mounted to the second hub member (126) by inserting the piece into a mounting hole (1 13). The ball-headed handle (1 12) causes the 2-hub member sub-assembly (144) to rotate. A spring- loaded detent pin (128) is positioned on the inside surface of the aperture ( 124) of the central bracket (1.10). The spring-loaded detent pin ( 128) engages a selected detent slot (136) of the hub member ( 126). The detent slots (136) are adapted for receiving the spring-loaded detent pin ( 128). The detent slots (1.36) are positioned at specific angle increments. In this way. an operator can move the handle ( 1 12) so that the light assembly ( 140) is tilted upwardly or downwardly and locked in place at a specific angle. The detent pin (128) is retractable to permit adjustable rotation of the handle ( 112) relative to the hub sub-assembly (144).

[0030] More particularly, as the operator moves the handle ( I 12). this causes the two- hub member sub-assembly ( 144) to rotate relative to the central bracket (1 10). As the operator grasps the ball piece of the handle (1 12) and moves the handle upwardly or downwardly, it moves radially along channel (.122) of the central bracket (1 10) as shown in FIGS, 4 and 5. The handle (112) is movable in a radial direction between a locked position wherein the detent pin (128) engages one of the detent slots ( 136) and an unlocked position wherein the detent pin (128) does not engage a detent slot- (136). The spring-biased detent (128) comes into alignment with the selected detent slot (136). When the detent pin is inserted into the detent slot (136), the hub subassembly (144) is locked in place. In this manner, the mounted first light housing ( 138a) and second light housing (138b) can be tilted upwardly or downwardly. The light assembly ( 140) comprising the first and second Light fixtures ( 138a, 13b) can be tilted to any desired angle in accordance with the present Invention.

[0031] The first light housing (138a) includes a first projecting hub member ( 130). The second light housing ( 138b) includes a second hub member (126) with a recessed portion ( 134) that is adapted for receiving the projecting hub member (130) of the first light housing (I 38a). The projecting hub member (130) is inserted into the recessed portion (134) of the second hub member ( 126) so that it is securely fastened. A screw ( 125) or other suitable fastener is inserted into fastening hole ( 127) and into threaded hole (131 ) of the projecting member (130) for securing the first and second hub members ( 130, 126) to each other.

[0032] One key feature of the present invention is the high stability and durability of the lighting assembly ( 140). As discussed above, the first projecting hub member (130) is mounted to the first light housing (138a), and the second hub member (126) is mounted to the second light housing (138b). Referring to FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 5, four (4) mounting screws are inserted through four (4) .mounting holes (135, 115) to fasten the respective hub members ( 130, 126)) to the light housings (138a, 138b).

[0033] Turning to FIGS. 6, 6A, and 7. the two-hub member sub-assembly (144) of the present invention can be mounted on a lighting stand ( 150) at the center of gravity for the first lighting fixture ( 138a) and second lighting fixture (138b). The central bracket (1 10) of the lighting assembly (140) includes a cammed locking handle (120) so that it can be securely attached to the lighting stand post (152). The offset between the post axis of the lighting stand (150), and the hub sub-assembly (144) is preferably less than 2.5” in the horizontal axis. The central bracket ( 110) can include bushings ( 1 16) to reduce friction and wear on the light fixtures (138a, 138b). The bushings (1. 16) can be made from a polymeric material having good durability and low friction such as, for example, Delrin® acetal resin. The hub sub-assembly (144) can be made from a variety of durable materials, preferably stainless-steel. The mounting system of the present invention keeps the weight of the lighting assembly (140) near the center of the lighting stand ( 150)

[0034] Any suitable light stand can be used in accordance with the present invention. In one preferred embodiment, the light stand (150 ) having a vertically-extending upright post (152) mounted to leg support, members ( 154) can be used. The upright post ( 152) can be height- adjustable. For example, the post (152) can have an upper portion that is telescopically slidable w'ithin a lower portion. The telescopic sections can be locked in place with clamps (156).

[0035] This mounting configuration effectively prevents weight displacement when the lighting fixtures (138, 138b) are tilted forward. The weight of the lighting fixtures (138a, 138b) is maintained over the lighting stand post (152), Thus, the lighting fixtures ( 138a, 138b) can be tilted upwardly or downwardly, and the balancing of the lights is maintained. This key feature of the lighting system of the present invention ensures consistent positioning and minimizes the risk of the lighting assembly stand ( 150) being accidentally tipped over.

[0036] Another ad vantageous feature of the present invention is that the light assembly ( 140) can be easily moved and precisely positioned. Referring back to FIGS, 3 A and 3B, the hub sub-assembly ( 144) includes a hub member (126) with preset detent slots (136) for receiving a spring-loaded detent pin (128). The detent slots ( 136) are positioned at specific angular increments. The detent slots (136) can be arranged so that the angle increases or decreases at any suitable increment on the scale. For example, 5-degree, 10-degree, 15 -degree, 20-degree, 40- degree, or 60-degree angle increments can be used. As discussed above, in one example, the detent slots are positioned at 15-degree increments, and the corresponding light housings (138a.138b) can be tilted in 15-degree increments. For example, the light housings (138a, 138b) can be tilted to a 15-degree, 30- degree, 45 -degree, 60-degree, or 75~degree upward or downward angle. More particularly, in one preferred embodiment the handle (1 12) can be used to rotationally move the hub sub-assembly (144) so that it has a 15-degree upward tilt. In another preferred embodiment, the sub-assembly (144) can be rotated so that it has a 45-degree downward tilt.

[0037] As also discussed above, the quick-cam lever ( 118) mounted on the rear portion of the central bracket ( 110), and the quick-cam. lever ( 120) mounted on the lower portion of (he central bracket (1 10) are also key features. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, these quick-cam levers ( 1 18, 120) allow the hub sub-assembly ( 144) to be locked in place and for the bracket (110) to be secured to a lighting stand (150). Spacers can be installed between the lights near the bezel for additional stability.

[0038] The lighting assembly of the present invention has many benefits. For example, the lighting assembly has good dimensional stability and durability so it can be used in standard film photography and digital imaging to provide the correct amount of lighting. The light fixtures can be consistently positioned so that accurate, high-quality images are produced. An operator can use the lighting assembly to easily adjust the light fixtures as needed and fasten the light fixtures securely in position. The lighting assembly can generate a precise, high-quality lighting effect with consistent and accurate Lighting. Thus, the lighting assembly can be used in imagingprocesses to help create images of higher quality, detail, color, resolution, focus, consistency, and accuracy.

[0039] It should be understood that the terms, ’’first", "second", "upper", "lower”, “upwardly”, “downwardly”, “above”, “below”, “right", "left”, and the like are arbitrary terms used to refer to one position of an element based on one perspective and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0040] It also should be understood that the assemblies, sub-assemblies, systems, products, materials, constructions, and the like described and illustrated herein represent only some embodiments of the invention. It is appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and additions can be made to the assemblies, sub-assemblies, products, systems, materials, and constructions and the like without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention. It is intended that all such embodiments be covered by the appended claims.

Claims

ClaimsI claim:

1. A lighting fixture assembly comprising: a first light housing having a first hub member; a second light housing having a second hub member; a central bracket adapted for receiving the first and second hub members so that the first and second hub members are joined to form a two-hub member sub-assembly and the hub sub-assembly is rotatably mounted to the central bracket, the central bracket having a spring- loaded detent pin and a moveable handle; wherein the second hub member has multiple detent slots so that movement of the handle causes the two-hub member sub-assembly to move in a radial direction, and the mounted first and second light housings are tilted to a desired angle.

2. The lighting fixture assembly of claim 1, wherein the second hub member includes a mounting hole for mounting the moveable handle.

3. The lighting fixture assembly of claim 1, wherein the second hub member includes a fastening hole for fastening the first hub member to the second hub member.

4. The lighting fixture assembly of claim 1 , wherein the central bracket slides over the first and second hubs so that the two-hub member sub-assembly is rotatably mounted to the central bracket.

5. The lighting fixture assembly of claim 1 , wherein the handle is movable between a locked position wherein the detent pin engages a detent slot and an unlocked position wherein the detent pin does not engage with a detent slot.

6. The lighting fixture assembly of claim 1 , wherein the handle includes a ball-grip at one end for gripping the handle.7> The lighting fixture assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first and second light housings are tilted to a desired angle at 15-degree increments.

8. The lighting fixture assembly of claim 7, wherein the first and second light housings are tilted upwardly or downwardly to an angle of 15~degrees,9. The lighting fixture assembly of claim 7. wherein the first and second light housings are tilted upwardly or downwardly to an angle of 30-degrees.

10. The lighting fixture assembly of claim 7, wherein the first and second light housings are tilled upwardly or downwardly to an angle of 45~degrees>11. The lighting fixture assembly of claim 1, wherein the central bracket further comprises a first cant lever for locking the moveable handle in position.

12. The lighting fixture assembly of claim L wherein the assembly is mounted to a light stand, and the assembly is locked in place by a second cam lever.

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