Theater lighting system

• US 6,145,996 A
• Filed: 03/06/1998
• Issued: 11/14/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 03/06/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Shimada Enterprises, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Shimada Enterprises, Inc.
• Inventors: Shimada, Takehiko
• Primary Examiner(s): Husar, Stephen
• Application Number:
  US09/036,286
• Time in Patent Office: 984 Days
• Field of Search: 362/146, 362/153, 362/240, 362/800
• US Class Current: 362/146
• CPC Class Codes: E04F 11/1802 Handrails mounted on walls, e.g. on the wall side of stairs
• CPC Class Codes: E04F 2011/1048 with lighting means
• CPC Class Codes: E04F 2011/1872 illuminated
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 2/00 Systems of lighting devices, not provided for in main groups F21S4/00 - F21S10/00 or F21S19/00, e.g. of modular construction
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 4/28 rigid, e.g. LED bars
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 15/013 the housing being an extrusion
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 33/006 General building constructions or finishing work for buildings, e.g. roofs, gutters, stairs or floors; Garden equipment; Sunshades or parasols
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2111/027 for indicating kerbs, steps or stairs
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2111/08 for handles or handrails
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]

Abstract

There is disclosed herein several lighting system particularly for theater stairs, aisles, floors and the like which both provide suitable lighting for patrons walking along these areas but without generating light that may be obtrusive to those sitting in seats, viewing a motion picture, or the like. The provide relatively simple lighting systems as compared to the commonly stair edge or nose lighting. One embodiment comprises a strip lighting fixture having a series of lamps adjacent a reflector located underneath the arm rest of a theater chair to illuminate the adjacent steps or aisle. A second embodiment involves small vertical strip lights on each side of the riser of each step of a stair. A third embodiment involves a hand rail having a series of lamps disposed therein or thereon, typically along with a lower clear or translucent lens covering the lamps and associated reflector. A fourth embodiment comprises strip lighting for use along an aisle or the like and which is designed to minimize the seepage of spilled liquid into or onto the lamps and wiring, and with a cover which can be readily and easily removed for clean up of spilled liquid.

Claims

1. A theater lighting system for providing light on stairs and risers of stairways comprising at least one strip light fixture to be disposed vertically on a side of a stair riser and comprising

a base extrusion adapted to be fixed to the stair riser and including a lip under which an edge of riser carpet can be disposed,

a second extrusion of plastic having at least a clear or translucent area for allowing light to pass therethrough, the second extrusion including a cavity for receiving a string of lamps, or LEDs and

a string of lamps or LED'"'"'s disposed in the cavity of the second extrusion for directing light through the clear or translucent area thereof toward an adjacent riser and step.

2. A fixture as in claim 1 wherein the first and second extrusions have cooperatively mating sections for enabling the second extrusion to be snapped into and held in the first extrusion.

3. A fixture as in claim 1 wherein the second extrusion has fingers extending into the cavity thereof for holding the light string therein.

4. A fixture as in claim 1 wherein light fixtures are disposed on each side of a stair riser, and wire ways are connected to the respective ends thereof for providing wires and electrical power to the light strings.

5. A lighting system for theaters and the like for providing light on stairs and risers of stairways comprising at least one light fixture to be disposed vertically on a side of a stair riser and further comprising

a first member adapted to be affixed to the side of the stair riser and to form a wireway and base for a light fixture, the first member including at least a lip under which an edge of riser carpet can be disposed,

a second member including at least a clear or translucent area thereof for allowing light to pass therethrough, the second member adapted to be connected with the first member, and

a plurality of lamps or LEDs disposed in the second member for directing light through the clear or translucent area thereof toward an adjacent riser and step.

6. A fixture as in claim 5 wherein a pair of light fixtures are disposed on each side of the stair riser, and further wireways are connected to the ends thereof for providing wires and electrical power to the lights of the light fixtures.

7. A lighting system for theaters and the like for providing light on stairs and risers of stairways comprising at least one light fixture to be disposed vertically on a side of a stair riser and further comprising

a first member adapted to be affixed to the side of the stair riser and to form a wireway and base for a light fixture, the first member adapted to be connected to a further wireway for providing external power to the light fixture,

a second member including at least a clear or translucent area thereof for allowing light to pass therethrough, the second member adapted to be connected with the first member, and

a plurality of lamps or LEDs disposed in the second member for directing light toward an adjacent riser and step, at least some of the light being passed through the clear or translucent area thereof.

8. A fixture as in claim 7 wherein a pair of light fixtures are disposed on each side of the stair riser, and wireways are connected to the ends thereof for providing wires and electrical power to the lights of the light fixtures.

9. A lighting system for theaters and the like for providing light on stairs and risers of stairways comprising at least one light fixture to be disposed vertically on a side of a stair riser and further comprising

a first member adapted to be affixed in a vertical orientation to the side of the stair riser and to form a wireway and base for a light fixture, the first member adapted to be connected to a further wireway for providing external power to the light fixture,

a second member for receiving and supporting a plurality of lamps or LEDs, the second member adapted to be connected with the first member, and

a plurality of lamps or LEDs disposed in the second member for directing light therefrom toward an adjacent riser and step.

10. A fixture as in claim 9 wherein a pair of light fixtures are disposed on each side of the stair riser, and wireways are connected to the ends thereof for providing wires and electrical power to the lights of the light fixtures.