U.S. patent application number 10/156423 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-04 for selectively extendable modular lighting fixture, and method of making and assembly.
Invention is credited to Kelly, James P., McCarthy, Charles A..
Application Number | 20030223231 10/156423 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29582258 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030223231 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCarthy, Charles A. ; et
al. |
December 4, 2003 |
Selectively extendable modular lighting fixture, and method of
making and assembly
Abstract
A lighting fixture which includes an elongate modular lineal
section fabricated of an extruded high-strencth metal alloy. The
extrusion comprises an elongate generally flat base integrally
joined at a pair of opposed lingitudinal edges thereof to upwardly
extending sidewalls. The sidewalls are formed at opposed respective
upper edge portions thereof with channel-like upwardly opening
grooves for matingly receiving therewithin laterally spaced
elongate free edge portions of a lens of a high strength plastics
composition. The lens bridges opposed sidewalls of the extruded
metal base to complete a lighting fixture housing section or module
open at each end. Configured for matingly engaging and for positive
attachment to each end of the housing section is a skeletal
bridge-like end plate formed with through framed openings.
Attachable to each or to either end plate is a skeletal adapter
ring for facilitating attachment of an additional housing section
or module to provide a lighting fixture comprised of two or more
modular housing sections. End caps provide fluid-tight closures of
the assembly. In other embodiments of the invention the modular
structures may be connected to provide lighting fixtures which form
L, T, cross, X, as well as closed-loop configurations.
Inventors: |
McCarthy, Charles A.;
(Gurnee, IL) ; Kelly, James P.; (East Troy,
WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL G. BERKMAN
939 GLENVIEW ROAD
GLENVIEW
IL
60025
US
|
Family ID: |
29582258 |
Appl. No.: |
10/156423 |
Filed: |
May 28, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
362/219 ;
362/223; 362/225; 362/374 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21Y 2103/00 20130101;
F21V 21/005 20130101; F21S 8/04 20130101; F21V 3/02 20130101; F21V
17/12 20130101; F21V 31/005 20130101; F21S 2/005 20130101; F21V
27/00 20130101; F21V 17/10 20130101; F21V 21/14 20130101; F21S 2/00
20130101; F21V 15/015 20130101; B29D 21/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
362/219 ;
362/225; 362/223; 362/374 |
International
Class: |
F21S 008/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An extendable modular lighting fixture including means for
rendering said fixture functionally operable as a fixture with a
single modular section and alternatively as a row-mount lighting
fixture having a plurality of modular sections, said row-mount
lighting fixture comprising an array of housing sections joined to
ome another endwise; interconnecting means for providing physical
and electrical continuity throughout a lineal expanse of said
lighting fixture; said lighting fixture being further chacterized
as being, through structural configuration of components thereof
and through composition, inherently effectively tolerant of and
resistant to physical abuse as well as to environmental hazards;
said lighting fixture further comprising housing means for carrying
therewithin an illumination source to extend interiorly therealong;
a lighting track in said housing means; said lighting track
including passageway means for accommodating electrical conductor
means for connecting said lighting fixture to an independent
electrical power supply for energizing said lighting fixture;
wire-way means formed within said lighting fixture for
accommodating conductive wires residing in said housing means and
extending along a lineal expanse thereof; elongate lens means
extending along a lineal expanse of said lighting fixture and
secured thereto for defining and controlling distribution of
illuminating light emanating from said lighting fixture; and
removable cap means for closing and sealing opposed ends of end
units of said lighting fixture.
2 A lighting fixture as set forth in clain 1 and comprising a
row-mount configuration and including a plurality of housing means,
and wherein each said housing means constitutes a module of said
lighting fixture, each said module of said housing fixture
characterized in that corresponding structural components of each
are operatively comprised of the same mechanical configeration; an
end plate mounted on each said module at each of opposed ends
thereof; ring-like coupler means for establishing a mechanical
joinder of two adjacent said modules to one another endwise at
opposed said modules at each said end plate thereof presented to
said coupler means, thereby to establish a positive joinder of said
modules to one another and to establish a modular row-mount fixture
of a selectable lineal expanse.
3. A lighting fixture as set forth in claim 2, and further
comprising additional modules connected into said row-mount
configuration of said lighting fixture to constitute extensions
thereof.
4. A lighting fixture as set forth in claim 1 wherein said lighting
fixture includes an elongate extruded skeletal structure defining a
body-like lineal support frame for said lighting fixture.
5. A ligfhting fixture as set forth in claim 1 and further
comprising gasket means seated and secured in said housing means
along an expanse thereof and in sealing engagement for sealing said
housing means against invasion by objectional ambient and foreign
substances.
6. A lighting fixture as set forth in claim 1 wherein said lens
means is of a high impact, shock resistant plastics composition
including acrylic plastics and polycarbonate plastics.
7. A lighting fixture as set forth in claim 1 and further
comprising an end plate affixed at each of opposed ends of each
said module of said lighting fixture, and wherein each said end
plate is formed therein with longitudinally extending, inwardly
directed groove means for slideably receiving to seat therewithin
longitudinally extending marginal end edge portions of said lens
means in sealing engagement within said groove means.
8. A lighting fixture as set forth in claim 1 wherein said hoising
means is formed along a lineal expanse at opposed upper edge zones
thereof with upwardly opening slot-like grooves, and wherein said
lens means is formed along opposed longitudinally coextending lower
free edge zones thereof with web means for slideably penetrating
and seating in said groove in said housing means to esrablish a
protective shield between said housing means and said lens
means.
9. A lighting fixture as set forth in claim 8 and further
comprising flange means carried by said lens means along a lineal
expanse thereof for overlying said housing means along a full
lineal expanse theeof.
10. A lighting fixture as set forth in claim 1 wherein said
lighting fixture is comprised of a single modular section only.
11. A lighting fixture for selective ceiling, wall and corner
installation; said fixture comprising an elongate body, and said
body defining a lineal expanse including a tubular channel in said
body, and coextensive therewith; said channel comprising elongate,
chanber-like spatial means for accommodating an illuminating
element within said fixture; said body of said fixture having an
opening at each end thereof, and an elongate passageway open along
said lineal expanse of said body and coextensive therewith; said
body defining a housing; wire raceway means within said housing for
accommodating conductive wires to extend longitudinally within said
housing along said lineal expanse thereof; a lens, and means for
securing said lens to said body to cover said opening along said
lineal expanse of said housing; said lens constituting means for
transmittal of illuminating light from said lighting fixture; an
end cap for each end of said lighting fixture, and means for
coupling said end cap to said body of said fixture to provide a
stable mechanical closure structure therefor.
12. A lighting fixture as set forth in claim 11 wherein said
channel includes space means for accommodating a source for
illumination for operation functionally within said lighting
fixture.
13. A lighting fixture as set forth in claim 11 wherein said body
of said fixture includes an extruded section of a metallic
composition.
14. A lighting fixture as set forth in claim 11, and further
comprising gasket means functionally disposed between said body of
said fixture and said lens for establishing a fluid-impervious seal
between said body of said fixture and said lens.
15. A lighting fixture as set forth in claim 11 wherein said lens
is integrally formed with a flange extending along each of opposed
longitudinal edges of said lens, and wherein said means for
securing said lens to said body includes upwardly opening slot-like
grooves formed in said body of said fixture to extend along a
lineal expanse of opposed sidewalls of said body of said fixture to
receive each respective said flange of said lens therewithin, and
to establish a fluid-impervious seal between said body of said
fixture and said lens.
16. A fixture as set forth in claim 1 wherein each said end cap is
formed with a circumambient outwardly-presented groove for
receiving therewithin in sealing engagement therewith an end
portion of said lens, at each end thereof.
17. The method of making and assembling a lighting fixture having
any selectable length and finding utility in ceiling, wall and
corner installations including suspended mounts; said method
utilizing modular components in selectable numbers, each component
being of any desired length, and said components being connectable
to one another endwise as a sealed, unitary, operating assemblage
constituting a lighting fixture; said method including the
fabrication of a modular component of said fixture, and comprising
the steps of: forming an extrusion having a generally planar
floor-like base integrally joined at opposed lateral
lineally-extending side edges thereof with generally upwardly
projecting wall sections; forming said wall sections of said
extrusions at lineally-extending opposed edge portions thereof with
upwardly-directed coupler structures for attaching a lens thereto
at opposed said lineally-extending said edge portions of said
extrusions, and lineally coextensive therewith; fabricating a
separate, lineally-extending lens of a plastics composition and
having opposed parallel, lineally-extended free edge portioins
traversing a lineal expanse of said lens; forming each opposed said
lineally extended free edge portion of said lens with a
configuration for matingly connecting said lens to said upwardly
extending said wall sections of said extrusioin for sealing
therewith along a full lineal expanse of said extrusion and said
lens, and establishing an elongate, open-ended housing section
having any sought lineal expanse; fabricating a first casting, and
forming said first casting with a plate-like configuration to serve
as an end wall appendage of said housing section at each of
opposite ends of said lighting fixture; also forming said first
casting to define a perimetric contour corresponding to a
perimetric contour of each end edge of said housing section,
including a surmounting lens of said housing section; forming said
first casting to define as well a lattice-like wall configuration
including a plurality of deviders and through openings demarking
passageways in said end walls of said housing section; forming said
first casting at an inwardly-presented limit thereof with coupler
means for engaging end structures of functionally-united,
intercoupling, longitudinally-extending ends of inter-connected
said extrusion and said lens, and also forming said first casting
at a side thereof remote from an end of said extrusion and said
lens with a circumscribing perimetriuc shoulder for sealingly
selectively engaging either one of a coupler ring to be sleevedly
attached thereto at an end cap to be secured thereon; said method
including the further optional steps of forming a plurality of
lineally joined module-like housing sections; and the further steps
of fabricating a second casting for use in the method of optionally
connecting two, and optionally more, separate modular sections of
said lighting fixture to one another endwise as a unitary linear
array; forming said second casting as a bilateral coupler to be
secured to a free end of a said first casting mounted on an end of
a body section of said body section of said lighting fixture;
forming said second casting to constitute a ring-like structure
including at a circumscribing top wall thereof integrally-formed,
laterally extending ring-like flanges including a first flange and
a second flange; said flanges each being dimensioned and configured
to overlie in sealing engagement therewith a mating said top wall
of said first casting; whereby said second casting operates to
establish a positive endwise joinder of two said housing sections
to one another in a lineal array; said method further including the
steps of forming an end cap of a unitary one-piece configuration
having a base, an upstanding endwall, and a top, and defining an
integrally-formed, uninterrupted, circumscribing free edge
contoured to be congruently superimposable over a corresponding
said circunscribing perimetric shoulder of said first casting in
sealing engagement therewith; assembling a lighting fixture having
a single housing section and including the steps of: securedly
mounting said first casting at each respective ends of said housing
section in sealing engagement therewith; affixing said end cap
positively to each of opposed ends of said housing section in
sealing engagement with outwardly perimetric said shoulders of said
first casting; and assembling a lighting fixture which includes two
housing sections, including the steps of: securedly mounting a
first said casting at each respective ends of a first end of second
said housing section; affixing a described said first casting to
each opposed ends of said first housing section and to said second
housing section; connecting a first side of said second casting to
a free end of a first said housing section in sealing engagement
therewith; connecting a second said housing section to a second
side of said second casting to couple two said housing sections
together as a linked, lineally-extending assembly; and affixing a
said end cap to each free end of each said housing section to
provide a completed, elongate, unitary, multi-sectional lighting
fixture.
18. A lighting fixture as set forth in claim 1 constituting a
non-lineal structure selected from the group consisting of: two
modular sections joined to one another to form an L-node, corner
configured lighting fixture assembly; four modular sections joined
to one another by adapters as a fixture in the form of a closed
rectangular loop; three modular sections joined to one another by a
joinder adapter to define a T node, T-shaped lighting fixture
assembly; and four modular sections joined to one another by a
joinder adapter to constitute an X node, X mode configured lighting
fixture.
Description
FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a lighting fixture. More
particularly, the invention is directed to an elongate modular,
lineally-extending light fixture for ceiling, wall, corner and
row-mount mounting, and to the method of fabrication of such a
fixture.
[0002] Many different types of lighting fixtures, including
elongate fixtures for various applications and locations are known
in the art. Such fixtures have been installed for general
illumination in stores, offices, supermarkets, schools, hospitals,
banks and other interior and outside areas. Appreciating the
versatility of such lighting fixtures, including the many
engineering designs and configurations heretofore devised and
adopted, there appears still to remain a real need for still
another versatile, specially-adaptable lighting fixture to
facilitate and enhance particular applications.
[0003] It is a particular aim of the present invention to provide
an exceedingly simple yet readily-adaptable and adjustable such
lighting fixture. The present invention is offered to provide a
high-quality lighting fixture to meet and to fulfill a perceived
need--a need believed not heretofore to have been completely
appreciated or fully satisfied.
[0004] The need referred to is of a lighting fixture of readily
adjustable length and physical configuration, and adaptable fully
to traverse and completely to fill any required or desired lineal
as well as areal expanse. The present invention effectively meets
the challanges posed--and in an artistically pleasing mode, while
obviating shortcomings and inadequacies of prior art lighting
fixtures. Thus, principal realized aims of the present invention
are to confront, to meet and to eliminate such inadquacies and
shortcomings, and to provide simple yet remarkably effective
solutions to the problems posed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In a "descriptive" sense the lighting fixture of the present
invention may be characterized as "selectably extendable and
angularly directable "linear" lighting". It is a critical feature
of the present invention that it constitutes one or more generally
tubular "modules", sections, or housing components, these being
joined to one another at end portions or segments thereof. The
structure thus produced constitutes, in a principal embodiment
thereof, a lineal array, of selectable length or lineal expanse--as
required or desired. Alternatively, lineal sectors or sections of
the lighting fixture may be oriented with respect to one another to
provide various different "geometric" configurations or shapes.
These accommodate direction change modes or related needs.
[0006] Among these optional configurations is an essentially in
lineal or straight line array of any desired expanse.
Alternatively, the fixture may consist of two lineal arrays
connected at ends thereof to define a 90 degree juncture or corner.
Also, through the use of yet another special connector, three
linear arrays of the modules of the fixture may be connected to
form a T node or configuration. In yet another physical
arrangement, a specially designed cross-connector or coupler is
provided to define and constitute a joinder structure in which four
separate and distinct lineal sectors of a fixture are
interconnected or functionally joined as an X type mode to extend
at 90 degrees to one another.
[0007] An important structural feature of the invention is that the
modular sections include extrusions constituting high-strength
metal alloys such as aluminum alloys. The extrusions define a
principal support element of each housing section or module. In a
preferred embodiment of the invention the metal extrusion takes the
physical form of an elongate, generally flat base integrally joined
at a pair of opposed longitudinal edges thereof to
upwardly-directed sidewalls.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the sidewalls of
the extrusion are--or the side walls of each extrusion
are--integrally formed at opposed respective upper elongate edge
portions thereof with channel-like upwardly opening grooves or
slots. These serve matingly to receive therewithin laterally-spaced
elongate free edge portions of a lens of a high-strength plastics
composition.
[0009] It is an important feature of the invention that there are
provided gaskets, which include die-cut gaskets, which extend along
a lineal expanse of the plastics lens for establishing a
fluid-impervious seal. Conveniently, the gasket is seated in an
elongate groove formed adjacebt a free edge portions of the
lens.
[0010] It is a feature of the invention that the lens, which
defines and controls distribution of illuminating light emanating
from the fixture, is composed of a high-impact, shock-resistant
plastics composition including acrylic plastics and polycarbonate
plastics.
[0011] Yet another feature of the configuration of a preferred
embodiment of the plastics lens is that it is formed to define
along each extending edge thereof with an angled flange for
overlying an edge of the coextensive extruded base of the housing
or body section.
[0012] It will be understood that the lens, coextensive with the
lineally extending extruded metal base, bridges opposed side walls
of the extruded metal base to complete a generally tubular lighting
fixture housing section which is open at each end. It will be
appreciated as well that the metallic extrusion and the lens
mounted therealong and sealingly coupled thereto may be of any
selectable length or lineal expanse in the fabrication of a
specific module, in accordance with the present invention.
[0013] A further important physical component of each elongate
modular section of the lighting fixture is an endplate mounted on
the housing-like body section coaxially therewith at each end
thereof.
[0014] n preferred embodiments of the invention, the end plate
constitutes a casting formed of a metallic composition or alloy.
The end plate is formed at an inner face thereof with an outwardly
opening slot or groove extending along a bounding coextensive edge
zone thereof for accepting therewithin, in mating and sealing
engagement therewith, the extruded metallic base component of the
housing and the surmounting plastics lens thereof.
[0015] It is a very significant feature of the invention that at
its opposite sides the end plate is configured to define an end
face contoured for mounting thereon and affixing thereto,
selectively, either an end cap for capping and closing the housing
of the modular structure, or a ring in the form of a band-like
coupler. The coupler is configured for sealingly mounting on the
end plate of the housing for joining the end of the housing section
to an end plate of a second housing body of a second modular
housing section of the lighting fixture so that the sections are
sealingly joined to one another endwise.
[0016] It will be understood that irrespective of the partucular
number of lineally extending, joined modular body sections in a
given installation, ends of each fixture terminate in a
fixture-secured end cap fastened on a supporting end plate.
[0017] The end cap of a preferred embodiment of the invention is
integrally formed with a circumambient, outwardly-projecting,
flange-like edge portion configured to overlie, in sealing
engagement therewith, a perimetric shoulder circumscribing an
outwardly presented face of an end plate attached to the
housing.
[0018] It is yet another important structural feature of the cast
end plate of the coaxial cast coupler ring that each is skeletal in
construction with a plurality of through openings or passageways or
runs, commonly called "raceways". The latter accommodate the
passage and extension therethrough of wires and electrical fixture
components for traversing the lineal expanse of the modular
housings of the lighting fixture, through each end-joined lineal
section thereof.
[0019] It is an exceedingly significant capability and attribute of
the lighting fixture of the invention that the elongate body or
housing may constitute an elongate array of any selectable number
of "modules" or body sections, functionally to traverse any given
or intended expanse.
[0020] Physically, the individual, end-abutting sectors or housing
sections of the lighting fixture of the invention establish
therewithin and along an entire expanse thereof uninterrupted
passageways. These include raceways for accommodating wires, cables
and the like. The latter are effectively isolated from ballasts and
lamp wires. It is significant that, in accordance with the practice
of the present invention, there are provided physical barriers
establishing and effectively separating, two isolated raceways.
These are in addition to a passageway for the ballast power feed
wires. The described, exceedingly significant and important
physical structural arrangement is highly desirable. The structural
arrangement and configuration of the fixtures of the present
invention, as described, facilitate, effectuate and ensure
important and critical physical separation of high voltage and low
voltage wiring. The "utility" and versatility of the fixtures of
the present invention are thus signifigantly and materially
enhanced.
[0021] Among the items (and "features") which may be safely housed
in an "isolated" raceway such as that contained in the fixtures of
the present invention are 24-volt alarm circuitry, such as a fire
alarm; fibre optic network cables; a thermostat wire; telephone
wires; etc. The capabilities outlined above are capabilities
provided in the present invention. They are believed to be
capabilities unique in lighting fixtures of the ""general type" in
which the lighting fixtures of the present invention may
customarily be grouped or "classified`.
[0022] Yet another feature of the invention is that although it may
be especially advantageous and convenient to fabricate all of the
modular body sections of the lighting fixture are all of the same
length. Such arbitrary "uniformity" is in no sense a requirement.
Conveniently, individual luminaires may be nominally 8".times.24",
8".times.48", or 8".times.60". Other embodiments maybe nominally
12".times.24". 12".times.48". or 12".times.60".
[0023] Other and further objects, features and advantages of the
invention will become apparent from the following further
description considered with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a single, self-contained,
and end-capped lineal module of one embodiment of the lighting
fixture of the invention;
[0025] FIG. 2 shows two modular sections of the lighting fixture of
the invention joined to one another endwise through an interposed
coupler ring;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a fragmentary, exploded perspective view of a body
section of a lighting fixture of the invention with an end plate
affixed in place for attachment to an end cap of the lighting
fixture;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, exploded view showing an end of a
body section of the fixture with an end plate secured in place for
attachment to a separate coupler ring thereto;
[0028] FIG. 5 is an elevational view of an end plate for mounting
on an end of the body of a housing section of the lighting fixture
of the invention and showing the wall configuration of the end
plate;
[0029] FIG. 6 is an elevational view of a coupling ring for
securement to the end plate of a housing section or module to be
made a part of the lighting fixture of the invention;
[0030] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view as seen upwardly
from the inside of a housing section of the lighting fixture of the
invention, and showing an end plate thereof with a coupler ring
fastened thereto;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially on the
lines 8-8 of FIG. 2, and illustrating one method of securing one
housing section or module of the lighting fixture of the invention
to another;
[0032] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken along
the lines 9-9 of FIG. 2, with parts omitted for the purpose of
clarity;
[0033] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view of two modular sections of
a lighting fixture of the invention joined to one another at right
angles by means of an L-configured connecting adapter to form an
L-node or "corner mode" assembly, it being understood that through
the use of four such L connectors and four modular sections it is a
simple adaptation to provide a lighting fixture of the invention in
the physical configuration of a closed rectangular "loop";
[0034] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing three modular
sections of a lighting fixture of the present fixture connected to
a joinder adapter to configure the lighting fixture as a T node or
cross mode; and
[0035] FIG. 12 is a schematic plan view of four modular sections of
a lighting fixture according to the present invention, and joined
through a rectangular, four-faced, outwardly coupler to form an X
node lighting fixture assembly in which the four modular arms
extend at 90 degrees to one another.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0036] In accordance with the present invention, the aims and
objects are achieved by providing a lighting fixture comprised of
either a single module of selectable length, or alternatively, a
plurality of modular sections, sectors, or housing sections joined
to one another endwise as a lineal or in-line array. The method is
readily effective to provide a lineal lighting fixture of any
desired or required expanse. Many other embodiments of the
invention are possible. Modular lineal sections maybe coupled at
joined ends thereof to extend normally to one another to define a
right-angle corner. Others may be connected by means of a T-shaped
coupler to form a "T". Still other modular sectors, of selectable
lengths, may be connected to form an "X" or a cross.
[0037] The housing sections themselves, which may be of any
practical selectable lengths, each have end plates attached
thereto. The end plates are presented to face one another. Finally,
the end plates of two linearly adjacent housing sections are
brought matingly to engage a lineally interposed coupling ring,
thus to effect a sealed joinder of the two adjacent housing modules
or housing sections of the lighting fixyure, one to the other.
[0038] Referring now to the drawings, for purposes of disclosure
and not in any limiting sense, preferred embodiments of the
lighting fixture of the invention are shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 in
the form of a fixture 20 constituting a single module or modular
housing section or component 24 (in FIG. 1), and a fixture 30
having two modules or housing sections 24 (in FIG. 2). The two
housing sections 24 of the Fixture 30, as shown in FIG. 2 are
secured to one another endwise at respective facing end plates 34
thereof (FIGS. 3 through 8), by means of a coupler ring 40 (FIGS.
2, 4 and 8) interposed between respective end portions of a pair of
identical housing portions or modules 24.
[0039] Each fixture is shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 as securedly mounted
at respective generally planar bases 48 thereof to a ceiling
structure 50. Free ends of housings 24 are sealed at surmounting
end plates 34 thereof with fitted end caps 52. The latter abut and
are secured to, to overlie the mounted end plate 34. (FIG. 3). Each
housing section 24 of the fixture of the invention includes opposed
lineally extending side walls 56 and 58 integrally formed with and
extending co-extensively with the bases 48 at elongate upperedges
64 and 66 thereof (FIG. 3).
[0040] Referring further to FIGS. 1 and 2, disposed to extend along
and joined at opposed longitudinally extending lower free edges 72
and 74 of the opposed sidewalls 56 and 58 thereof, is an elongate
sheet-like lens 80. The lens 80 which bridges between opposed
elongate free edges 72 and 74 of the sidewalls 56 and 58 of the
housing 24, is integrally formed along a co-extensive lineal
expanse thereof with upwardly-directed flanges 86 and 88 to seat
within downwaredly-opening elongate grooves or slots 96 and 98
formed in lower free elongate opposed edge zones 104 and 106 of the
sidewalls 56 and 58. Also depending from and extending
longitudinally along a lineal expanse of the sidewalls 56 and 58
and integrally formed therewith are downwardly projecting
plate-like strips 110 and 112. At their free downwardly presented
lower edges, the strips 110 and 112 abut, in sealing engagement
therewith, laterally outwardly extending plates 114 and 116.
[0041] As shown in FIG. 9, a die cut gasket 120 is interposed
sealingly to engage the strips 110 and 112.
[0042] Referring now further to FIGS. 3 through 6, the body of the
housing 24 carries at each end thereof, in fixed and secured
engagement therewith, an end plate 34 constituting a high-strength
casting of a metal composition, preferably a casting composed of a
lightweight metal, such as an alloy of aluminum. As shown in FIGS.
3 and 4, the end plate 34 is a unitary structure constituting an
integrally-formed, plate-like structure which is skeletal in
configuration. The casting 34 has a plurality of through openings
or passageways 134, 136, 138 and 140 formed in a generally planar
vertically extending body 142 thereof to provide wire ways and to
facilitate passage therethrough of lighting tracks, conductive
wires, illuminating sources and other electrical components and
related structures. Surmounting the end plate 34 is a top flange
148 which extends contiguously and coextensively along a top end
edge of the base 48 of the housing 24 in sealing engagement
therewith. Integrally formed with and co-extensive with the top
flange 48 and stepped downwardly with respect thereto is a second
flange 152.
[0043] Referring further to FIG. 3, the end cap 52 is integrally
formed with a flange 156 projecting outwardly along a top, free
edge 158 thereof. As indicated schematically, when the end cap 52
is positioned in place to mate with and close the end of the
housing 24, the top flange 156 of the end cap 52 is brought to
overlie and to effect a sealing engagement with the flange 152 of
the housing 24. At the same time an arcuate lower flange 162 of the
end cap 52 engages and seals with a cooperating lower flange 164 of
the end plate 142. The end plate 130 is positively secured to the
end of the housing 24 by means of screws 166 and 168.
[0044] As also shown in FIG. 3, the end cap 52 is integrally formed
with connector posts 170 and 172 projecting through the lineal
expanse of the end cap 52 from the interior of the end wall 176 at
opposed upper corners thereof. A third connector post 180, also
integrally formed with the end cap 52, also projects inwardly from
the interior of the end wall 176 at a central lower zonal area
thereof. As depicted schematically in FIG. 3, when the cap 52 is
positioned in place, the free ends of the posts 170, 172 and 180
penetrate to seat, respectively, in cooperating outwardly-presented
bores 184, 186 and 188 formed in the end plate 34.
[0045] Referring further to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the end plate 34 is
formed, on the interior of the opposed upper side sectors 190 and
192 thereof and the continuing lower arcuate section 196 thereof,
with an uninterrupted channel 200. The chanel 200, which opens
outwardly, is contoured, configured and sized for receiving in
close and sealing engagement therewithin the opposed edge portions
72 and 74 of the sidewalls 56 and 58 and of the lens 80 of the
housing 24.
[0046] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5-8, embodiments of the lighting
fixtures of the invention which include two or more housing
sections or modular components 24 joined endwise as a continuous
uninterrupted physical structure (FIG. 2) include a coupler or
coupler ring 40 (FIG. 4). The latter has generally the contour and
form of the end plate 34 of the fixtures and is preferably, as in
the end plate 34, also a metal casting of an aluminum alloy. As in
the case of the end plate 34, the coupler ring 40 is formed with a
plurality of through openings 210, 212, 216 and 218. These openings
are essentially congruent with the opening formed in the end plate
34 and in through registry therewith when the end plate 34 and the
coupler ring 40 are used together--one with the other in an
assembled lighting fixture having a plurality of body sectors or
modules 24.
[0047] The coupler ring 40 has a circumscribing body contour which
corresponds in material respects to the perimetric contour of the
end plate 34, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. At a transversly extending
generally planar top surface 220 and at a continuing
integrally-formed arcuate bottom surface thereof, the coupler ring
40 is integrally formed with a flange-like top wall 220 extending
laterally of the body 224 at each of opposed sides thereof
effectively to provide two opposed co-extensive over-hanging
flanges. The flange-like top wall 220 is operative to overlie in
closely contacting engagement therewith a downwardly displaced or
stepped co-extensive flange 152 of an end plate 34. The end plate
34 is secured to the body or housing module 24 of the fixture of
the invention as previously described. In the manner explained, a
second housing component 24 may be fastened, at its secured end
plate 34 at the opposite, co-extensive second part of the flange
220 thus to effect a coupling of two housing sections 24 to one
another endwise. In the manner described, it becomes simple and
quick to produce a row-mount lighting fixture having a selectable
number of separate housing sections--each itself being in turn of a
selectable length. Thus, one may readily generate a lighting
fixture of any final overall length, as may be required or
desired.
[0048] Referring now to FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, it is within the
purview and scope of the present invention that it includes
lighting fixtures which are not limited to extending along or to
traverse a straight line only. Rather, other geometric
configurations of the lighting fixture have proven feasible and
practical. For example, referring first to FIG. 10, there is shown
a fragmentary view of a unitary lighting fixture of the invention
constituting two modular sections 24 oriented to extend normally to
one another. There is provided a generally rectangular connector
230 to a pair of adjacent sides 232 and 234 of which ends 236 and
238 of the modular sections 24 are abuttingly and sealingly joined
to form a corner assembly. The resulting fixture, which assumes an
L shape, is suited for accommodating sharp bends, and for corner
installations.
[0049] A second example of a non-linear embodiment of the fixtures
of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 11. As shown, there
is provided a generally rectangular connector 240 to respective
three sides 242, 244 and 246 of which three separate modular
sections 24 of the fixture are connected. The assembled fixture
thus assumes a T configuration.
[0050] Yet another embodiment of the invention is depicted in FIG.
12. As shown, there is provided a four-sided rectangular connector
250 to each side of which an end 252, 254, 256 and 258 of a
separate module or fixture section 24 is joined. There results a
fixture having a cross or X-like configuration. It will be
appreciated that, in accordance with the teachings of the present
invention, through the use of appropriate selectable connectors,
closed loop lighting fixtures embodying the principles and features
of the invention may also be provided.
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