Versatile lighting apparatus and associated kit

• US 7,604,361 B2
• Filed: 12/04/2004
• Issued: 10/20/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/07/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Litepanels Limited (Vitec Group PLC)
• Original Assignee: Litepanels LLC (Litepanels)
• Inventors: Fisher, Ken S., Pohlert, Rudy G., Grosswendt, Pat, Baxter, Kevin
• Primary Examiner(s): Lee; Jong-Suk (James)
• Assistant Examiner(s): Lovell; Leah S
• Application Number:
  US11/005,564
• Publication Number:
  US 20050225959A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,781 Days
• Field of Search: 362/9, 362/3, 362/8, 362/11, 362/16, 362/17, 362/18, 362/6, 396/199, 396/431, 396/155, 396/182, 348/370, 348/371
• US Class Current: 362/9
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 9/02 the power supply being a battery or accumulator
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 14/06 by movement of refractors in vehicle head lamps F21S41/635
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 19/001 the light sources being semiconductors devices, e.g. LEDs
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/0885 for portable lighting devices
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 21/116 Fixing lighting devices to arms or standards F21V21/002 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21W 2131/406 for theatres, stages or film studios
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2103/00 Elongate light sources, e.g. fluorescent tubes
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2115/10 Light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 15/02 Illuminating scene
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 15/05 Combinations of cameras with electronic flash apparatus; Electronic flash units
• CPC Class Codes: G03B 2215/0539 Ringflash
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/56 provided with illuminating means
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 23/74 by influencing the scene brightness using illuminating means
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/00 Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 45/20 Controlling the colour of the light
• CPC Class Codes: H05B 47/155 Coordinated control of two or more light sources
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 362/80 Light emitting diode

Abstract

A lighting apparatus comprises a light panel having a panel frame, and a plurality of LEDs or other light elements secured to the panel frame. A self-contained battery unit securably attaches to the outside of the panel frame. The light panel may have a dimmer switch, and may also be capable of receiving power from a source other than the self-contained battery unit. The lighting apparatus can be mounted to a camera or a stand through adapters. Diffusion lenses or color gels can be integrated with or detachable from the light panel. The lighting apparatus may conveniently be provided in the form of a kit, with one or more of a light panel, self-contained battery unit, compact stand, connecting cable(s), adapter(s), lenses or color gels, and so on, provided in a single package.

Claims

1. An illumination system adapted for lighting a subject for film, photography or video, comprising:

a light panel, said light panel having a plurality of semiconductor light elements secured thereto so as to provide continuous forward-projected illumination suitable for image capture in motion picture, film or television, and over an area wider than said light panel, said light panel adapted to be readily attached to and detached from a camera apparatus; and

a dedicated self-contained battery unit releasably attachable to an external portion of said light panel, said self-contained battery unit comprising a housing encasing a battery, such that power from the self-contained battery unit is provided to said semiconductor light elements and is not provided to the camera apparatus; and

a standalone electrical connector electrically connecting said light panel and said self-contained battery unit and being releasably insertable into a first receptor on said light panel and a second receptor on said self-contained battery unit, such that power is supplied from said self-contained battery unit to the semiconductor light elements of said light panel, wherein said portable case is further configured to hold said electrical connector.

2. The illumination system of claim 1, further comprising a second light panel independent and separate from said first light panel and a bracket for securing said first light panel and second light panel in a stacked arrangement, said second light panel having a plurality of semiconductor light elements secured thereto so as to provide continuous illumination over an area.

3. A kit for transporting individual pieces of a ready-to-assemble illumination system adapted for lighting a subject for film, photography or video, the kit comprising:

a light panel, said light panel having a plurality of semiconductor light elements secured thereto so as to provide continuous forward-projected illumination over an area wider than said light panel, said light panel adapted to be readily attached to and detached from a camera apparatus;

a self-contained battery unit releasably attachable to an external portion of said light panel, said self-contained battery unit comprising a housing encasing a battery, such that power from the self-contained battery unit is provided to said semiconductor light elements;

a portable case for holding said light panel and said self-contained battery unit for transport; and

an electrical connector for electrically connecting said light panel and said self-contained battery unit and releasably insertable into a receptor on said light panel, such that power is supplied from said self-contained battery unit to the semiconductor light elements of said light panel;

wherein said electrical connector comprises a jumper cable releasably insertable into both said light panel and said self-contained battery unit, such that power is supplied from said self-contained battery unit to the semiconductor light elements of said light panel.

4. An illumination system adapted for lighting a subject for film, photography or video, comprising:

a light panel, said light panel having a plurality of semiconductor light elements secured thereto so as to provide continuous forward-projected illumination suitable for image capture in motion picture, film or television, and over an area wider than said light panel, said light panel adapted to be readily attached to and detached from a camera apparatus; and

a dedicated self-contained battery unit releasably attachable to an external portion of said light panel, said self-contained battery unit comprising a housing encasing a battery, such that power from the self-contained battery unit is provided to said semiconductor light elements and is not provided to the camera apparatus; and

a second light panel independent and separate from said first light panel and a bracket for securing said first light panel and second light panel in a stacked arrangement, said second light panel having a plurality of semiconductor light elements secured thereto so as to provide continuous illumination over an area;

wherein said first light panel and said second light panel each have a front surface on which the semiconductor light elements are disposed and at least one side surface, and wherein said second light panel is adapted to be readily attachable to and releasably detachable from the first light panel along their respective side surfaces whereby, when attached together, said first light panel and said second light panel are maneuverable in tandem as a unit.

5. The illumination system of claim 4, wherein said self-contained battery unit provides power to both said first light panel and said second light panel.

6. The illumination system of claim 4, wherein said first light panel and said second light panel are substantially identical in shape.

7. A kit for transporting individual pieces of a ready-to-assemble illumination system adapted for lighting a subject for film, photography or video, the kit comprising:

a light panel, said light panel having a plurality of semiconductor light elements secured thereto so as to provide continuous illumination over an area, said light panel adapted to be readily attached to and detached from a camera apparatus;

a self-contained battery unit releasably attachable to said light panel, such that power from the self-contained battery unit is provided to said semiconductor light elements; and

a portable case for holding said light panel and said self-contained battery unit for transport;

wherein said light panel comprises a plurality of heat-dissipating fins, and wherein said self-contained battery unit is disposed adjacent to said heat-dissipating fins when attached to said light panel.

8. A kit for transporting individual pieces of a ready-to-assemble illumination system adapted for providing a continuous light source, the kit comprising:

an adjustable light frame having a front and rear, said light frame securing on its front a plurality of semiconductor light elements configured to provide continuous illumination over an area, said light frame adapted to be readily attached to and detached from a camera apparatus and being tiltable or positionally adjustable relative to the camera apparatus;

a self-contained battery unit detachably cooperative with a receptor on said light frame, said self-contained battery unit providing power for said semiconductor light elements;

a portable case for holding said light frame and said self-contained battery unit for transport; and

a standalone electrical connector releasably connectable to both said light frame and said self-contained battery unit, such that power is supplied from said self-contained battery unit to the semiconductor light elements of said light frame, and wherein said portable case is further adapted to hold said electrical connector.

9. The kit of claim 8, wherein said semiconductor light elements comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs).

10. The kit of claim 9, wherein said LEDs are arranged in a plurality of substantially parallel linear rows across the front of said light frame.

11. The kit of claim 8, further comprising a standalone base plate providing a stable platform, wherein:

said light frame comprises a baseplate attachment member whereby the light frame is adapted to be readily attachable to and detachable from said standalone base plate when said light frame is not mounted to a camera apparatus, thereby providing an off-camera continuous light source; and

said portable case is further adapted to hold said standalone base plate.

12. The kit of claim 8, further comprising a power adapter for providing an alternative means of electrical power to the semiconductor light elements of said light frame from an external power source in the absence of, or in addition to, said self-contained battery unit, wherein said portable case is further adapted to hold said power adapter.

13. The kit of claim 12, wherein said self-contained battery unit is rechargeable via said power adapter.

14. The kit of claim 8, wherein said light frame comprises a dimmer switch and a power regulator for providing a constant direct current to said semiconductor light elements, said dimmer switch allowing manual adjustment of the direct current provided to said semiconductor light elements and thereby an illumination intensity of said semiconductor light elements when powered by said self-contained battery unit.

15. The kit of claim 8, further comprising a releasably attachable focusing lens cover capable of being temporarily secured to said light frame for focusing light from said semiconductor light elements, wherein said portable case is further adapted to hold said focusing lens cover.

16. The kit of claim 15, wherein said lens cover comprises a plurality of discrete lens elements arranged to individually focus light from said semiconductor light elements.

17. The kit of claim 16, further comprising one or more color gels securably attachable to said light frame in immediate proximity to said lens cover, at least one color gel substantially conforming to the dimensions of said focusing lens cover, for altering the color characteristics of light from said semiconductor light elements.

18. The kit of claim 16, wherein said discrete lens elements are arranged in a plurality of substantially parallel linear rows across said lens cover.

19. The kit of claim 8, wherein said self-contained battery unit comprises a plurality of extending members attaching to the rear of said light frame.

20. The kit of claim 8, wherein said light frame comprises a fastener on a bottom portion thereof which securably attaches, directly or via an adapter, to a receptacle on top of the camera apparatus.

21. A kit for transporting individual pieces of a ready-to-assemble illumination system adapted for providing a continuous light source, the kit comprising:

an adjustable light frame having a front and rear, said light frame securing on its front a plurality of semiconductor light elements configured to provide continuous illumination over an area, said light frame adapted to be readily attached to and detached from a camera apparatus and being tiltable or positionally adjustable relative to the camera apparatus;

a self-contained battery unit detachably cooperative with a receptor on said light frame, said self-contained battery unit providing power for said semiconductor light elements;

a portable case for holding said light frame and said self-contained battery unit for transport; and

a second light frame, said second light frame having a plurality of semiconductor light elements secured thereto so as to provide continuous illumination over an area, wherein said portable case is further adapted to hold said second light panel;

wherein said first light panel and said second light panel each have a front surface on which the semiconductor light elements are disposed and at least one side surface, and wherein said second light frame is adapted to be readily attachable to and detachable from the first light frame along their respective side surfaces whereby, when attached together, said first light panel and said second light panel are maneuverable in tandem as a unit.

22. A kit for transporting individual pieces of a ready-to-assemble illumination system adapted for lighting a subject for film, photography or video, the kit comprising:

a light panel, said light panel having a plurality of semiconductor light elements secured thereto so as to provide continuous forward-projected illumination over an area wider than said light panel, said light panel adapted to be readily attached to and detached from a camera apparatus;

a self-contained battery unit releasably attachable to an external portion of said light panel, said self-contained battery unit comprising a housing encasing a battery, such that power from the self-contained battery unit is provided to said semiconductor light elements;

a portable case for holding said light panel and said self-contained battery unit for transport; and

a releasably attachable diffusion filter capable of being temporarily secured to said light frame for altering light emitted from said semiconductor light elements, wherein said portable case is further adapted to hold said diffusion filter.

23. A kit for transporting individual pieces of a ready-to-assemble illumination system adapted for lighting a subject for film, photography or video, the kit comprising:

a light panel, said light panel having a plurality of semiconductor light elements secured thereto so as to provide continuous forward-projected illumination over an area wider than said light panel, said light panel adapted to be readily attached to and detached from a camera apparatus;

a self-contained battery unit releasably attachable to an external portion of said light panel, said self-contained battery unit comprising a housing encasing a battery, such that power from the self-contained battery unit is provided to said semiconductor light elements;

a portable case for holding said light panel and said self-contained battery unit for transport; and

a stand adapter bracket for allowing said light panel to be mounted to and readily disengaged from a stand, wherein said portable case is further adapted to hold said stand adapter bracket.

24. An illumination system adapted for lighting a subject for film, photography or video, comprising:

a light panel, said light panel having a plurality of semiconductor light elements secured thereto so as to provide continuous forward-projected illumination suitable for image capture in motion picture, film or television, and over an area wider than said light panel, said light panel adapted to be readily attached to and detached from a camera apparatus;

a dedicated self-contained battery unit releasably attachable to an external portion of said light panel, said self-contained battery unit comprising a housing encasing a battery, such that power from the self-contained battery unit is provided to said semiconductor light elements and is not provided to the camera apparatus; and

a hot shoe adapter whereby said light panel mounts to the camera apparatus.

25. The illumination system of claim 24, wherein said semiconductor light elements comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs).

26. The illumination system of claim 25, wherein said LEDs are arranged in a plurality of substantially parallel linear rows across a face of said light panel.

27. The illumination system of claim 24, further comprising:

a power adapter for providing an alternative means of electrical power to said light panel from an external power source in the absence of, or in addition to, said self-contained battery unit, and

a portable case for holding said light panel, said self-contained battery unit, and said power adapter.

28. The illumination system of claim 27, wherein said light panel comprises a dimmer switch and a power regulator for providing a constant direct current to said semiconductor light elements, said dimmer switch allowing manual adjustment of the direct current provided to said semiconductor light elements and thereby an illumination intensity of said semiconductor light elements when powered either by said self-contained battery unit or said external power source.

29. The kit of claim 27, wherein said self-contained battery unit is rechargeable via said power adapter.

30. The illumination system of claim 27, wherein said power adapter comprises an AC-to-DC power converter.

31. The illumination system of claim 27, wherein said power adapter comprises a DC-to-DC power converter.

32. The illumination system of claim 24, further comprising a releasably attachable, light permeable focusing lens cover capable of being temporarily secured to said light panel for focusing light from said semiconductor light elements.

33. The illumination system of claim 24, wherein said light panel comprises integrated electronics for providing a constant direct current to said semiconductor light elements, and wherein said integrated electronics includes a feedback path to sense the current provided to said semiconductor light elements and regulate said constant direct current.

34. The illumination system of claim 24, wherein said self-contained battery unit comprises a plurality of struts, and wherein said light panel comprises a plurality of receptors for receiving and locking said struts.

35. The illumination system of claim 24, further comprising one or more color filters or color gels securably attachable to said light panel, at least one color gel substantially conforming to the dimensions of said focusing lens cover, for altering the color characteristics of light from said semiconductor light elements.

36. The illumination system of claim 24, further comprising a plurality of releasably attachable focusing lens covers each having different focal properties and capable of being temporarily secured to said light panel for focusing light from said semiconductor light elements.

37. The illumination system of claim 24, wherein said semiconductor light elements comprise high output light emitting diodes (LEDs).

38. The illumination system of claim 37, wherein said high output LEDs have a power rating of about 1 Watt or more.

39. The illumination system of claim 24, further comprising an articulated arm supporting said light panel, whereby said light panel tilts or pivots such that an angle of illumination from said semiconductor light elements is altered.