Multi-color focusable LED stage light

• US 5,752,766 A
• Filed: 03/11/1997
• Issued: 05/19/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 03/11/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Richard S. Belliveau
• Original Assignee: James Tam Bailey, Phillip L. Scheldt
• Inventors: Scheldt, Phillip L., Bailey, James Tam
• Primary Examiner(s): Husar, Stephen F.
• Application Number:
  US08/814,667
• Time in Patent Office: 434 Days
• Field of Search: 362/240, 362/231, 362/285, 362/286, 362/418, 362/800, 362/250
• US Class Current: 362/249.04
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 19/02 with provision for adjustment, e.g. for focusing
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/30 Pivoted housings or frames
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/406 for theatres, stages or film studios
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2105/10 comprising a two-dimensional array of point-like light-generating elements
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2105/12 characterised by the geometrical disposition of the light-generating elements, e.g. arranging light-generating elements in differing patterns or densities
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2107/70 on flexible or deformable supports or substrates, e.g. for changing the light source into a desired form
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2113/13 comprising an assembly of point-like light sources
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G09F 9/33 being semiconductor devices, e.g. diodes
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode

Abstract

A multi-color, focusable, lighting apparatus particularly adapted for illuminating performance stages and other visual displays comprises an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs) supported on a flexible base member which in turn is supported by a housing of the apparatus. A linear actuator is operable to move the base member between a generally planar position and a deflected position to cause the LED array to change the direction of the optical axes of a substantial number of LEDs in the array to focus light emitted from the LEDs, respectively. The LEDs are preferably provided in clusters of three LEDs, each cluster including a red, blue and green LED. A generally cylindrical shield may be connected to the housing to project light from the apparatus. The base member may comprise a moldable polymer material wherein the LED array and electrical conductors are encapsulated in the base member itself.

Claims

1. An electrical light source characterized by an apparatus including an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs), said apparatus comprising:

a housing;

a flexible base member supported on said housing;

an array of LEDs supported on said base member and operable to be connected to a source of electric energy for generating light emitted therefrom; and

an actuator connected to said base member and operable to move said base member to selected working positions to redirect light emitted by at least some of said LEDs.

2. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 including:

a shield operably connected to said housing and including an opening at one end for emitting light from said array of LEDs to be projected toward a target.

3. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein:

said base member comprises a generally circular flexible member and said LEDs are mounted on said base member and project from a surface thereof.

4. The apparatus set forth in claim 3 wherein:

said LEDs each have an optical axis and said optical axis is substantially normal to said surface of said base member.

5. The apparatus set forth in claim 4 wherein:

said surface of said base member includes a light reflective coating disposed thereon.

6. The apparatus set forth in claim 3 wherein:

said actuator comprises a linear actuator operable to move said base member between a generally planar position wherein said LEDs project light in a direction generally along a central axis of said apparatus normal to said base member and a position wherein said base member has a generally arcuate surface of revolution shape whereby the optical axes of said LEDs are operable to project light along beam paths which converge toward each other.

7. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 including:

a rectifier circuit supported on said housing and releasably connected thereto by cooperable connector means.

8. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 including:

a control circuit mounted on said housing and releasably connected thereto by releasable connector means.

9. The apparatus set forth in claim 1 wherein:

selected ones of said LEDs are operable to emit light of different colors, respectively.

10. The apparatus set forth in claim 9 wherein:

said LEDs are arranged in clusters of three LEDs, each cluster comprising a red LED, a blue LED and a green LED.

11. A multi-color, focusable light apparatus adapted for illuminating at least one of a performance stage and a visual display, said apparatus comprising:

a support housing;

a generally cylindrical, flexible base member supported on said housing and moveable between selected working positions;

actuator means connected to said base member for moving said base member to said working positions;

an array of LEDs mounted on said base member and projecting from a surface of said base member, said LEDs being operable to emit light of at least two primary colors along an optical axis of said LEDs, respectively; and

a generally circular shield disposed adjacent said array of LEDs for projecting light emitted from said LEDs toward said one of said stage and said visual display.

12. The apparatus set forth in claim 11 wherein:

said LEDs are provided in clusters of three LEDs, each cluster including a red LED, a blue LED and a green LED, respectively.

13. The apparatus set forth in claim 11 wherein:

said base member is formed of a flexible elastomeric material and said base member includes electrical conductor means disposed thereon for conducting electric energy to said LEDs, respectively.

14. The apparatus set forth in claim 13 wherein:

said conductor means are encapsulated in said base member.

15. The apparatus set forth in claim 13 wherein:

said LEDs are encapsulated in said base member.

16. A light apparatus adapted for illuminating at least one of a performance stage and a visual display, said apparatus comprising:

a support housing;

a generally cylindrical, flexible base member supported on said housing and operable to be deflected to selected working positions;

actuator means connected to said base member for moving said base member to said working positions;

an array of LEDs mounted on said base member, said LEDs being arranged in clusters of three LEDs, each cluster including a red LED, a blue LED and a green LED, respectively; and

a shield disposed adjacent said array of LEDs for projecting light emitted from said LEDs toward said one of said stage and said visual display.

17. The apparatus set forth in claim 16 wherein:

said base member is formed of a flexible elastomeric material and said base member includes electrical conductor means disposed thereon for conducting electric energy to said LEDs, respectively.

18. The apparatus set forth in claim 17 wherein:

said conductor means are encapsulated in said base member.

19. The apparatus set forth in claim 17 wherein:

said LEDs are encapsulated in said base member.