Flash tube filter device

#The present invention relates to a device for reducing the mount of light output by a flash or strobe tube without affecting the light output from an attached modeling light.

#A typical photo strobe unit consists of a power pack unit and a strobe or flash head. The flash head has two separate and different lighting sources, a modeling light and a flash tube. The modeling light, typically is a tungsten lamp, provides light used to simulate the light output from the flash tube, to light the subject for focusing, and to be the general light used for setup and styling or arrangement of the subject to be photographed. The flash tube, when fired, provides the actual light that exposes the film or digital image sensor.

#The amount of light output from the flash tube is controlled by various settings on the power pack unit. Since a photo situation may require multiple lights at different output amounts or at different distances, typical power pack units have multiple settings ranging from low the high output. However, there are situations where the light required to be close to the subject for an effect, style, or certain “look” commonly requires great reduction in the flash output well below the lowest output setting of the power unit. Thus, there is a recognized need for methods and devices to further reduce or control the output of photo strobe units.

#The novel features that are considered characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its structure and its operation together with the additional object and advantages thereof will best be understood from the following description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art or arts. If any other meaning is intended, the specification will specifically state that a special meaning is being applied to a word or phrase. Likewise, the use of the words “function” or “means” in the Description of Preferred Embodiments is not intended to indicate a desire to invoke the special provision of 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6 to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, are sought to be invoked to define the invention(s), the claims will specifically state the phrases “means for” or “step for” and a function, without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material, or act in support of the function. Even when the claims recite a “means for” or “step for” performing a function, if they also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means of step, then the intention is not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6. Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, are invoked to define the inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function, along with any and all known or later-developed equivalent structures, materials or acts for performing the claimed function.

#FIG. 1 is an illustration of the filter device according to the present invention alont with a typical photo strobe unit.

#FIG. 2 illustrates the filter device according to the present invention, as it is used on a photo strobe unit.

#The present invention relates to a filter device 1 for reducing the light output of a flash tube 7, while leaving the light output of a modeling light tube 8 unaffected, in a dual lamp photo strobe unit 9. Therefore the present invention is useful for reducing the light output of a flash tube 7, while leaving the light output of a modeling light tube 8 unaffected, in a dual lamp photo strobe unit 9.

#The present invention is a filter device 1 comprised of a body 2 that is sized to fit over a flash tube 7 in a dual light, photo strobe unit 9. Critically, the body 2 fits over the flash tube 7 only, thereby leaving the modeling light 8 unobstructed. It its preferred embodiment, the filter device 1 has axial symmetry. It a most preferred embodiment, the filter device 1 has a circularly shaped base 3, a tubular sidewall 4 that extends from the base to an enclosing top section 5. The top section 5 critically includes an aperture 6 through which the modeling light 8 will project, when the filter device 1 is placed upon a photo strobe unit 9.

#The body 2 of the filter device 1 is necessarily made of a material that can absorb, or withstand, temperatures generated by close proximity to a flash unit 7, when the flash unit 7 is in use. Further, the body 2 of the filter device 1 must be able to block a portion of the light emitted by the flash tube 7, thereby reducing the amount of light provided by the flash tube external to the filter device 1. Accordingly, the most preferred material is a mesh-like material 10 wherein the solid portions of the mesh completely block the emitted light and the open portion allow some of the emitted light to be used external to the filter device 1. It is most preferred that the mesh-material 10 be made from a metallic mesh or weave.