Apparatus and methods for improved architectural lighting fixtures

Abstract

The invention provides in preferred aspects architectural lighting structures that comprise a plurality of tubular elements at least partially embedded into an at least substantially transparent lens structure of a lighting fixture. The lighting fixture is typically a device employed for interior use, particularly residential buildings or commercial buildings such as office buildings. By partially embedding the array or plurality of tubular elements into the transparent lens structure, the fixture can appear as if it is substantially a part of the surrounding surface when the lighting fixture is turned off. Nevertheless, when the light is turned on, light coming from the fixture can still be directed or modified in an appropriate manner, e.g. without detrimental light output reductions), and without the need of an expensive, sophisticated reflector or any necessity of the fixture extending beyond the surrounding surface as has been utilized in certain prior attempts to mask architectural lighting fixtures. Still further, while the light fixture is turned on, an unsightly bulb or glaring reflector can be masked from a viewer's eye as a result of the partially embedded tubular elements.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An architectural light transmitting device comprising: 
 a light transmitting lens positioned in front of a light source and having a substantially non-opaque front surface and a light receiving rear surface and having at least one lens or prism elements, light received from said light source being transmitted substantially through the non-opaque front surface of said light transmitting lens;    an array of substantially tubular elements proximate to said substantially non-opaque front surface of the lens whereby, when said light source is not operative, said front surface of the light device appears as a substantially opaque surface.    
     
     
         2 . The architectural light transmitting device of    claim 1    wherein the device further comprises a reflective surface associated with said light source for projecting light from said light source to said rear surface of said light transmitting lens and outwardly through said light transmitting lens.  
     
     
         3 . The architectural light transmitting device of    claim 1    wherein the device is adapted for use in the interior of a residential or a commercial building.  
     
     
         4 . The architectural light transmitting device of    claim 3    wherein the device is adapted to be positioned proximate a wall and to illuminate said wall.  
     
     
         5 . The architectural light transmitting device of    claim 2    wherein said light source includes a light bulb.  
     
     
         6 . The architectural light transmitting device of    claim 5    wherein said light source is a high-efficiency light bulb.  
     
     
         7 . The architectural light transmitting device of    claim 1    wherein said light source is a skylight.  
     
     
         8 . A method for producing an architectural light transmitting device comprising: 
 heating a lens material to at least its glass transition temperature;    at least partially embedding an array of substantially tubular elements into said heated lens material; and    cooling said lens material with substantially tubular elements embedded therein whereby lens elements form around and/or between the tubular elements.    
     
     
         9 . The method of    claim 8    further including the step of: 
 before the step of heating a lens material to its glass transition temperature, the step of forming said lens material with a predetermined shape, whereupon the step of at least partially embedding an array of substantially tubular elements, said lens material will displace and form into a plurality of lens elements.