Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a wide angle light diffusing lens of the type which includes a peripherally extending lip for supporting the lens in a downwardly opening light fixture. The lens includes a downwardly and inwardly converging light translucent side walls as well as downwardly and inwardly extending end walls and which are connected together. These walls effectively form a prismatically shaped lens which permits dispersion of light from planes at a wide angle. The apparatus of the invention includes a form or mold having an upwardly extending rib on its upper surface which generally defines a lower edge of the lens and aids in defining the other edges of the prismatically shaped lens. A plastic sheet as, for example, an acrylic plastic sheet, is heated to a temperature where it softens and is somewhat flowable, moldable and bendable and which is then draped over the rib on the mold. A mold top is then disposed over the mold encapsulating the plastic sheet therein.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a wide angle light diffusing lens of the type which includes a peripherally extending lip for supporting the lens in a downwardly opening light fixture. The lens includes a downwardly and inwardly converging light translucent side walls as well as downwardly and inwardly extending end walls and which are connected together. These walls effectively form a prismatically shaped lens which permits dispersion of light from planes at a wide angle. The apparatus of the invention includes a form or mold having an upwardly extending rib on its upper surface which generally defines a lower edge of the lens and aids in defining the other edges of the prismatically shaped lens. A plastic sheet as, for example, an acrylic plastic sheet, is heated to a temperature where it softens and is somewhat flowable, moldable and bendable and which is then draped over the rib on the mold. A mold top is then disposed over the mold encapsulating the plastic sheet therein.

Abstract: A light diffusing lens for location in and extending across a downwardly facing light emitting opening of a light fixture of the type having a recessed light source. The lens comprises a lip such as a horizontally disposed peripherally extending lip supporting the lens at the opening. A somewhat vertically disposed first light translucent wall, which is preferably rectangularly shaped, extends downwardly from the lip and permits light from the light source transmitted through this somewhat vertical wall to be directed horizontally, downwardly and upwardly. A pair of inwardly converging second light translucent side walls extend downwardly from the first light translucent wall and have upper edges connected to a lower edges of the first wall. The lower edges of this pair of side walls are joined to form a closed lower end. A pair of inwardly converging end walls are connected to the side walls and also join at the closed lower ends.