US4223374A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Light transmitting structure
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1978-09-20
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Granted: 1980-09-16
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Expires: 1998-09-20
Abstract
Abstract A light transmitting structure is invented that transmits light through panels or other light conducting materials with specially treated edges passing through an opaque surface. Because at least some of the panels are transparent, and because the panels are of varying dimensions, light is seen not only on the specially treated edges of the panels, but also through other panels and as external reflections between the panels, thereby creating a decorative, dynamic, specular lighting pattern and functional illumination in a structure that can be integrated into an architectural module having application to such places as restaurants, shopping centers, night clubs and formal corridors. The structure can serve as either major or secondary sources of room illumination, or even as a light sculpture. It can also be used with low energy utilization light sources.
Inventors
- 👤 Peter S. Kimmel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 15:24
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/0001; F; F21; F21S; F21S19/00; F21S19/005
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
187 words
A light transmitting structure for use with a light source, said structure comprising at least one opaque sheet of a rigid material having a light source side and light emitting side; at least one of said opaque sheets having a plurality of separate light transmitting elements passing through it so that a first portion of each said light transmitting element is flush with or protrudes beyond said light source side of said opaque sheet, and a second portion of each said light transmitting element protrudes beyond said light emitting side of said opaque sheet; a plurality of said second portions having transparent faces, said first portions each having at least one polished edge and any number of roughened edges, said second portions each having at least one roughened edge and any number of polished edges; a plurality of said second portions passing through said opaque sheet being of varying dimensions so that a line of sight exists which passes through both a transparent face of at least one light transmitting element and a roughened edge of at least one other light transmitting element behind said transparent face.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
187 words
A light transmitting structure for use with a light source, said structure comprising at least one opaque sheet of a rigid material having a light source side and light emitting side; at least one of said opaque sheets having a plurality of separate light transmitting elements passing through it so that a first portion of each said light transmitting element is flush with or protrudes beyond said light source side of said opaque sheet, and a second portion of each said light transmitting element protrudes beyond said light emitting side of said opaque sheet; a plurality of said second portions having transparent faces, said first portions each having at least one polished edge and any number of roughened edges, said second portions each having at least one roughened edge and any number of polished edges; a plurality of said second portions passing through said opaque sheet being of varying dimensions so that a line of sight exists which passes through both a transparent face of at least one light transmitting element and a roughened edge of at least one other light transmitting element behind said transparent face.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The light transmitting structure of claim 1 wherein each said light transmitting element is perpendicular to the opaque sheet through which it passes, at their intersection.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The light transmitting structure of claim 2 wherein said light transmitting elements are polyhedrons.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
The light transmitting structure of claim 2 wherein said light transmitting elements are flat panels.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The light transmitting structure of claim 4 wherein said light transmitting elements are made from an acrylic plastic.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The light transmitting structure of claim 5 wherein said light transmitting elements are of different colors.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The light transmitting structure of claim 5 wherein there is a pattern on said transparent face of at least one said light transmitting element so that said pattern is also illuminated.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
The light transmitting structure of claim 5 wherein a transparent sheet is positioned between said first portions of said light transmitting elements and any light source that illuminates said first portions.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
The light transmitting structure of claim 5 wherein said opaque sheet has at least one void in it so that light passes directly through said void as well as through said light transmitting elements.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
The light transmitting structure of claim 5 comprising also an opaque housing attached to said opaque sheet in a light-tight manner with means inside said opaque housing for containing at least one light source.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
A suspended modular ceiling having integrated therein at least one light transmitting structure of claim 5.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
47 words
The light transmitting structure of claim 5 wherein said transparent faces are highly polished, whereby external reflections of light emitted from said roughened edges occur between said faces, and said reflections alter their positions as an observer alters his or her position with respect to said structure.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The light transmitting structure of claim 12 wherein said light transmitting elements are of different colors.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
The light transmitting structure of claim 12 wherein a colored transparent sheet is positioned between said first portions of said light transmitting elements and any light source illuminating said first portions.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
34 words
The light transmitting structure of claim 12 wherein said opaque sheet has at least one void in it so that light passes directly through said void as well as through said light transmitting elements.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
33 words
The light transmitting structure of claim 12 comprising also an opaque housing attached to said opaque sheet in a light-tight manner with means inside said housing for containing at least one light source.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
A suspended modular ceiling having integrated therein at least one light transmitting structure of claim 12.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-09-16 | 1984-03-17 | 1984-09-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-09-16 | 1988-03-17 | 1988-09-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-09-16 | 1992-03-17 | 1992-09-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |