US-12617228-B1 - Wall mounted light emitting panel and a ceiling mounted reflective panel providing an enhanced perceived vertical space

Abstract

A mesmerizing way to create the illusion of enhanced perceived vertical space in a room. A wall-mounted light-emitting panel ( 1 ) is placed contiguously flush to a ceiling-mounted reflective panel ( 2 ) with a smooth surface, FIG. 1 , whereby the light-emitting panel is reflected by the reflective panel, thereby producing the image of a larger object that appears to extend upwards past the ceiling. The image has a magnifying, mesmerizing and comforting effect besides affording savings in construction costs.

Inventors

• Alfonso Ragus Llacuna

Assignees

• Alfonso Ragus Llacuna

Dates

Publication Date

20260505

Application Date

20240405

Claims (1)

1. 1 . An article of manufacture installed in a room that creates the illusion of an enhanced perceived vertical space in the room, wherein the room has at least one wall and a ceiling, the article of manufacture comprising: a wall-mounted light-emitting panel having a light source; wherein the light-emitting panel has a flat surface mounted flush to the wall of the room and an opposite disposed light emitting face; a reflective panel having a mirror surface, wherein the reflective panel is mounted to the ceiling, the reflective panel having a straight edge that is flush to the wall at a point where the wall meets the ceiling; wherein the wall-mounted panel is contiguously flush with the reflective panel at the point where the wall meets the ceiling; wherein the light-emitting face comprises one half of a complete pattern, shape or object formed on the light-emitting face wherein the upper border of the pattern, symbol or object is contiguously flush with the ceiling at the point where the wall meets the ceiling; wherein the pattern, symbol or object reflected by the light reflecting panel from the light-emitting panel is viewable in full form creating the illusion of enhanced perceived vertical space in the room.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION None FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH None SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM Not applicable BACKGROUND Field of Endeavor This application presents one way of solving a common problem in interior design: How to enhance perceived space in a room and make it economically, aesthetically interesting and psychologically comforting as well. Background Art In the past, the use of a decorative wall-mounted light box in a small room was commonplace. The box, with a back-lit translucent face, was used to “open up” the room by mimicking a closed translucent window, thereby suggesting lateral space outside the room. To maximize the effect, a substantial portion of the wall was covered by the light box. SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS This is a wall-mounted, light-emitting panel that is placed contiguously flush to a ceiling-mounted reflective panel with a smooth surface. The light-emitting panel, together with its adjacent reflected image on the reflective panel, appears as one larger object that extends upward beyond the ceiling, thus “opening up” the room vertically. ADVANTAGES OF THE EMBODIMENTS The embodiments in this application would enhance perceived vertical space in a room by producing the illusion that the larger object, comprised of the light-emitting panel and its reflection on the reflective panel, pierces the ceiling and soars upwards beyond it. In addition, the illusion would psychologically suggest the existence of an upper floor or an attic. Thus, vertical space expands perceptually and psychologically. The embodiments provide a cost advantage as well. Ignoring the cost of the less expensive reflective panel, the cost of creating the larger object is cut by approximately half. That is, the size of the wall area needed, the cost of materials and labor as well as production time are cut in half. This is an important consideration, especially if: (1) space is scarce such as in a small room with a low ceiling and limited wall space; (2) expensive materials such as stained glass are used; and (3) costly production time required by artists and artisans is at a premium. In addition, the psychological suggestion of an upper floor could be had without cutting through the ceiling or building a whole new upper floor. The embodiments also offer aesthetic advantages. While a light box, as in prior art, is commonplace, a fixture whose image appears whole, with only half of itself being physical, has a magnifying effect. It is also mesmerizing. So is an image that is part real and part illusion, with minimal distinction between the parts, thus eliciting a double take. So is a three-′ dimensional fixture that is perceived as a two-dimensional image. So is a device that expands the perceived space vertically beyond the physical boundary of the ceiling, without breaking any material. So is an article of manufacture that psychologically suggests new space, like an upper floor, without having to manufacture it. So is an innovation that applies a simple law of physics to a fascinating work of art. Thus, with these embodiments, there is an intriguing interplay between reality and illusion, between the whole and its parts, between space and its boundaries, between the two-dimensional and three-dimensional realms, between physical and mental processes, and between science and art. These novel features are especially appealing in artistic and design fields such as interior design, theatrical stage design, image manipulation (such as photoshop and artificial intelligence as applied to the visual arts) and architecture. They should also be of interest to perception psychologists, magicians, devotees of illusion artists such as MC Escher, and students of philosophers/scientists such as Nietzsche (“Truths are illusion”), Einstein (Reality is merely an illusion), and Plato (“Perception determines one's reality”). For obvious reasons, these embodiments should definitely appeal to builders, contractors, architects and realtors, to whom “spacious” is a magic word. The perception of enhanced space provided by these embodiments may have beneficial psycho-social effects as well, such as: therapy for claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces). The embodiments may also interest architects in the subfield of molding living spaces to positively impact human behavior and psyche. Finally, the mesmerizing effect of the embodiments described above, compelling a double take, engages the room occupant in an interactive experience with the artful environment. This, according to recent research in neuroaesthetics, can benefit brain functioning and alleviate neurological illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease (Your Brain on Art, by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross, March 2023). Finally, the embodiments may be considered examples of applied science. However, note that this utility patent application is not inventing a physical law of mirrors or reflection. Rather, it is an application of a law of physics to an article of manufacture. Th