Light reflectant surface for luminaires
First Claim
1. A method of providing improved diffuse reflectivity of light in a luminaire comprisingproviding a reflectant material comprising a structure of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene having polymeric nodes interconnected by thread-like fibrils emerging from the nodes and defining microporous voids therein, the reflectant material comprising a flexible sheet that is readily formed into different shapes;
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3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to surfaces used to reflect light, and particularly to highly light reflectant surfaces that provide even diffusion of light for the purpose of maximizing light efficiency and/or uniformity in a luminaire. By employing an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) comprising a microstructure of polymeric nodes and fibrils, the material of the present invention demonstrates exceptional diffuse reflectivity across a wide spectrum of visible light. Additionally, the material of the present invention provides many properties that have been previously unavailable in highly diffuse reflective material, including a high degree of malleability, moldability and flexibility, and effective reflectivity even at relatively thin cross-sections.
47 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method of providing improved diffuse reflectivity of light in a luminaire comprising
providing a reflectant material comprising a structure of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene having polymeric nodes interconnected by thread-like fibrils emerging from the nodes and defining microporous voids therein, the reflectant material comprising a flexible sheet that is readily formed into different shapes; - and
mounting the reflectant material in a luminaire so as to cause light energy to reflect off it. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12)
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7. A luminaire comprising
at least one sheet of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) comprising a structure of polymeric nodes interconnected by thread-like fibrils emerging from the nodes and defining microporous voids therein, the sheet being conformable; -
at least one light source mounted in the luminaire; the sheet of expanded PTFE being mounted in the luminaire so as to provide a high diffuse reflectance of light from the luminaire. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification