Patents by Inventor Stephen Pilby

Stephen Pilby has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 10216066
    Abstract: A light control grid has a collapsible frame having an outer flexible band with straight sides supported by flexible strips, where each side is sewn to an adjacent side to form an enclosed polygonal perimeter, and the sewn junctions of the adjacent sides form pockets. Intersecting sets of flexible light control strips are sewn by the ends to the inner side of the flexible band to form light channels. A tape spring is inserted into a flexible sheath assembly for each side of the outer band, with each end inserted into the two pockets for that side, where slits near the end of each light control strip provide clearance for the sheath assembly to be inserted therethrough. Optionally a central flexible light control strip is replaced with a bracing cross member extending across the polygonal perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Inventor: Stephen Pilby
  • Publication number: 20150117030
    Abstract: A light control grid has a collapsible frame having an outer flexible band with straight sides supported by flexible strips, where each side is sewn to an adjacent side to form an enclosed polygonal perimeter, and the sewn junctions of the adjacent sides form pockets. Intersecting sets of flexible light control strips are sewn by the ends to the inner side of the flexible band to form light channels. A tape spring is inserted into a flexible sheath assembly for each side of the outer band, with each end inserted into the two pockets for that side, where slits near the end of each light control strip provide clearance for the sheath assembly to be inserted therethrough. Optionally a central flexible light control strip is replaced with a bracing cross member extending across the polygonal perimeter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Stephen Pilby
  • Patent number: 8579447
    Abstract: When placing a photographic subject close to a large light source equipped with a light control grid, the problem of occluded light channels is solved by variably converging the channels, such that the soft light is directed at a focal point that can be as close as one-half the diagonal dimension of the light source. The light channels are formed by generally planar intersection of strips, the strips preferably made of a flexible fabric material and having slots with corresponding slots on other strips. Optionally, a deployable frame may be provided to help support the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Stephen Pilby
  • Publication number: 20110292634
    Abstract: When placing a photographic subject close to a large light source equipped with a light control grid, the problem of occluded light channels is solved by variably converging the channels, such that the soft light is directed at a focal point that can be as close as one-half the diagonal dimension of the light source. The light channels are formed by generally planar intersection of strips, the strips preferably made of a flexible fabric material and having slots with corresponding slots on other strips. Optionally, a deployable frame may be provided to help support the grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventor: Stephen Pilby
  • Publication number: 20050237729
    Abstract: Light control grids in curved ceilings or walls include an assembly of flexible, spaced-apart sets of fabric strips that intersect and interlock, one of the sets of strips being substantially curved along its length and/or of varying length. The grids are supported by a modular rigid framework that maintains the strips taut, the frames being substantially curved corresponding to the curved strips and/or strips of varying length. A number of connectors hold the frames together and are used to attach the assembly to the building, and a number of releasable fasteners moveably retained by the frames attach the grids to the frames. The grids are easily installed and the resulting curved room dividers diffuse light while being highly aesthetically pleasing, and allow convenient access behind the grids for maintenance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Publication date: October 27, 2005
    Inventor: Stephen Pilby
  • Patent number: D537957
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen Pilby