Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6231213
-
Patent Number
6,231,213
-
Date Filed
Wednesday, July 21, 199925 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, May 15, 200123 years ago
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Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 362 374
- 362 375
- 362 362
- 362 223
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International Classifications
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Abstract
A door frame hingeably mounted to a lensed fluorescent troffer lighting fixture and carrying a prismatic lens cover, the door frame also integrally provides a light trap function. Structural components of the door frame have fastening elements formed integrally therewith for attachment of said components together without the use of separate fastening elements. The door frame includes low profile latching structure which allows ready opening of the door frame for relamping or other maintenance functions, hinge elements acting not only to hold the door frame to the light fixture but also to hold the door frame in a fully open position. The door frame further acts to impart rigidity to the lighting fixture when in a closed position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to lensed fluorescent troffer lighting fixtures and particularly to a combination door frame and light trap which mounts the lens cover to the fixture, the door frame being readily opened to gain access into the interior of the fixture.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Fluorescent lighting has long been commonly employed in commercial, institution and industrial applications due primarily to energy efficiencies inherent in the operation of fluorescent fixtures and the relatively low fixture cost associated with the need for large numbers of such fixtures in such applications. Fluorescent lighting fixtures suitable for such applications must also be of pleasing appearance and must provide a desired quality of light including adequate light for task lighting applications inter alia. Fluorescent lighting in the form of lensed fluorescent troffer lighting fixtures have long provided acceptable lighting solutions in office environments and the like, such applications requiring literally thousands of such lighting fixtures mounted by suspended ceiling grid arrangements and the like to provide desirable lighting performance and desirable aesthetics. Lensed fluorescent troffer lighting fixtures can also be surface mounted in those applications requiring such mounting and can provide excellent performance in such applications. In recessed applications, however, the space within which lighting fixtures are to be mounted has become increasingly smaller, these applications typically being referred to as reduced plenum installations, it being necessary to provide a fluorescent troffer lighting fixture of reduced volume and particularly of reduced depth to allow ready mounting within reduced plenums while retaining desirable performance characteristics such as minimal lamp image with desirable light outputs. Within this context, the need to provide fixtures which can be manufactured at minimum cost and high performance has increased. Such fixtures must be capable of manufacture with low material costs, low labor costs and must be capable of shipment to a job site with cost efficiencies. Once at a job site, such low-cost, high performance fixtures must be capable of rapid installation while continuing to provide ever-increasing energy efficiencies. Lensed fluorescent troffer lighting fixtures must therefore provide a marriage of aesthetic and performance considerations at minimum manufacturing and shipping costs. When in use, both grid-type and specification premium lensed fluorescent troffer lighting fixtures are seen by occupants of a space being illuminated primarily as prismatic lens covers surrounded by a reveal which in essence comprises portions of a door frame which mounts the lens cover in a desired relationship to lamping contained within the fixtures. As is commonly practiced in the industry, the door frame is structured to provide a minimum reveal consistent with appropriate mounting of the door frame to remaining portions of a fixture. Due to aesthetic considerations, latching structure which allows the door frame to be opened and thus to gain access into the interior of the fixture must be unobtrusive and preferably be of a low profile which is not perceived by an occupant of the space being illuminated. Lensed fluorescent troffer lighting fixtures also must be designed to obscure lamp images, such obscuration being a function not only of a prismatic lens cover but also of the fixture itself. Use of T8 lamping and relatively low profile electronic ballasts facilitate the design of lensed troffers of lesser height dimensions and which are capable of mounting within reduced plenum situations. Fixtures of this type must be provided with door frames of relatively low profile and which are configured to avoid the use of separate fastening elements in the manufacture of the door frame. Further, light leaks about interfaces between the housings of lensed troffer fixtures and door frames must be prevented in order to provide a desirable appearance. A door frame for a lensed troffer fixture must also be readily openable by manipulation of latches which are available for manual manipulation from beneath the fixture while being visually unobtrusive. On opening of a door frame for a lensed troffer fixture, it is further desirable for the door frame carrying the lens cover to remain in place and attached to remaining portions of the fixture during the time when access to the interior of the fixture is necessary such as for relamping or other maintenance.
An example of a lensed fluorescent troffer lighting fixture is seen in U.S. Pat. No. 3,045,577 to Lazerson. Lazerson describes a door frame which carries a lens cover. Lazerson does not provide structural components comprising a door frame which can be assembled together by means of fastening elements integrally formed with the structural components. In U.S. Pat. No. 3,988,609, Lewin describes lensed troffer lighting fixture including a lighting panel or prismatic lens cover described as exhibiting substantial efficiencies, the fixture itself apart from the lens cover not being improved relative to the prior art.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,663, Bell et al describe a fluorescent troffer lighting fixture and particularly a parabolic troffer formed of a housing assembly comprising structural components capable of snap-fit assembly. Kaiser et al, in U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,972, describe a light trap and louver mounting arrangement useful with the housing assembly disclosed in the Bell et al patent. The parabolic troffers disclosed by Bell et al and Kaiser et al relate to the present lensed fluorescent troffers only in the similar concept of providing structure capable of snap-fit assembly without the need for separate fasteners, the particular structures of the present lensed troffers including the present door frame and light trap combination differing from corresponding structures as disclosed in the Kaiser et al and Bell et al patents.
The invention thus provides a door frame for a lensed fluorescent troffer lighting fixture wherein the door frame is capable of snap-fit assembly of structural body elements without the need for separate fasteners. The structural body elements of the invention which form the present door frame and light trap combination are provided with fastening elements which are integral with the body elements, thereby yielding savings in material costs as well as in assembly costs while providing a door frame and light trap combination having excellent mechanical performance as well as being aesthetically pleasing and which can be mounted to fixture housing assemblies of varying description including housing assemblies of lensed troffer lighting fixtures formed with a minimum depth to allow installation in reduced plenum environments while retaining desirable performance characteristics including reduction of lamp image and production of desired illumination levels. The door frame of the invention provides necessary functions such as the mounting of a prismatic lens cover to a housing assembly of a lensed troffer fixture while also providing a light trap function, the present door frame being readily manufactured at low cost while being capable of pleasing appearance when in use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a door frame and light trap combination comprising a portion of a lensed troffer lighting fixture, the door frame being capable of assembly from component parts amenable to automated fabrication. The component parts of the door frame and light trap combination are assembled together without the use of separate fasteners, the resulting assembly being characterized by simplicity and economy of construction. The door frame further imparts rigidity to a lensed troffer fixture when in an assembled relationship with a housing assembly of a lensed troffer according to the invention. The rigidity of the lensed troffer fixture having the present door frame and light trap combination mounted thereto allows excellent lighting performance due to retention of component parts of the fixture in place relative to each other. The ability of the component parts of the door frame and light trap combination to retain a precise fitting of said parts allows rough handling of the structure during installation and retains necessary performance after installation.
The door frame and light trap combination of the invention mounts a lens cover such as a prismatic light panel in place relative to remaining portions of a lensed troffer fixture, component parts of the door frame including cooperating fastening elements formed integrally with the component parts being capable of inordinately rapid and ready assembly of said component parts to form the door frame and light trap combination. The integral fastening elements formed on said component parts are configured to allow snap-fastening of the component parts together in a manner which assures a locking together of the component parts which is reliable and precise. The door frame and light trap combination configured according to the invention is therefore capable of rapid and easy assembly without the use of separate fastening elements. The door frame and light trap combination of the invention is further provided with latching elements which allow opening and closure of the door frame by simple manipulation of the latch elements and particularly through simple finger pressure on a visible portion of the latch elements. Release of the door frame by the latch elements allows pivoting of the door frame and light trap combination about one edge thereof due to the provision of hinging elements which releaseably connect the door frame and lens cover carried thereby to remaining portions of the fixture, the hinge elements further allowing continued attachment of the door frame to the fixture at full pivoting extension of the door frame relative to remaining portions of the fixture without the need for manual intervention of a user to maintain the door frame and lens cover carried thereby in place when access to the interior of the fixture is necessary such as for relamping or other maintenance.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a door frame and light trap combination for a lighting fixture such as a lensed troffer lighting fixture and which is capable of superior mechanical efficiency even though being rapidly assembled from component parts which can be fabricated using standard automated fabrication techniques.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a door frame and light trap combination for a lighting fixture and particularly a lensed fluorescent troffer lighting fixture which can be assembled through the expedient of fastening elements formed integrally with component parts of the door frame, the door frame thus being capable of rapid and economical assembly from component parts which can be fabricated using standard automated fabrication techniques.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a door frame and light trap combination particularly intended for use as a part of a lensed fluorescent troffer lighting fixture and wherein the door frame can be rapidly and efficiently assembled without the need for separate fasteners.
Further objects and advantages of the invention will become more readily apparent in light of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a perspective view from above and to one end of a lighting fixture provided with a door frame and light trap assembly configured according to the invention;
FIG. 2
is a perspective view of the lighting fixture of
FIG. 1
taken from the other side thereof;
FIG. 3
is a detail perspective view of one corner of the lighting fixture of
FIG. 2
;
FIG. 4
is a detail perspective view of a corner of the lighting fixture as seen in
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 5
is a perspective view of the lighting fixture of
FIG. 2
taken from beneath and to one side of the fixture;
FIG. 6
is a bottom view of the lighting fixture of
FIGS. 1 through 5
;
FIG. 7
is an exploded assembly view of the lighting fixture of
FIGS. 1 through 6
with a lens cover being removed for ease of illustration;
FIG. 8
is an exploded assembly view of the door frame and light trap assembly configured according to the invention and being shown in spaced relation to a lens cover;
FIG. 9
is an elevational view of the lighting fixture of
FIG. 1
with an end plate removed in order to view internal portions of the fixture;
FIGS. 10A through 10F
are perspective, end elevational and detail perspective views of side structural bars configured according to the invention;
FIGS. 11A through 11D
are perspective, side elevational and end elevational views of end structural bars configured according to the invention;
FIG. 12
is a perspective view of a corner connection element or “biscuit” configured according to the invention;
FIGS. 13
,
14
and
15
are perspective views illustrating assembly of the structural bars of the invention together in combination with the biscuit of
FIG. 12
;
FIGS. 16A through 16E
are related perspective and detail views of a latching element which allows rapid latching and unlatching of the door frame and light trap assembly to remaining portions of a lensed troffer lighting fixture;
FIGS. 17A through 17E
are perspective views illustrating assembly of the latching element to one of the side structural bars;
FIG. 18
is a detail perspective view of a corner of a lighting fixture configured according to the invention and illustrating operation of the latching element;
FIG. 19
is a perspective view of the lighting fixture of the invention showing the door frame and light trap assembly being fully unlatched from the remaining portions of the fixture;
FIGS. 20A through 20C
are perspective views of a hinge element configured according to the invention;
FIG. 21
is a detail perspective view of the hinge element mounted to one of the side structural bars;
FIG. 22
is a perspective view illustrating the door frame and light trap assembly in a fully open position relative to remaining portions of a lighting fixture;
FIGS. 23A through 23D
are related perspective and detail views of a lens cover retaining element; and,
FIGS. 24A through 24E
are related perspective and detail views of an alternative latch element.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Reference is made to copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/358,376, entitled “Lensed Troffer Lighting Fixture”, assigned to the present assignee and filed of even date, the disclosure of said patent application being incorporated hereinto by reference. Reference is also made to copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/298,298, entitled “Inverted Apex Prismatic Lens”, assigned to the present assignee and filed Apr. 23, 1999, the disclosure of said patent application being incorporated hereinto by reference.
Referring now to the drawings and particularly to
FIGS. 1 through 9
, a lighting fixture configured according to the invention is seen generally at
10
, the fixture
10
as shown being a lensed fluorescent troffer lighting fixture intended to mount elongated fluorescent lamps as will be described herein. The fixture
10
comprises a housing assembly
12
and a door frame and light trap assembly
14
, referred to hereinafter as the door frame
14
, the housing assembly
12
being described in detail in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/358,376, entitled “Lensed Troffer Lighting Fixture” mentioned above. The door frame
14
carries prismatic lens cover
16
and maintains said lens cover
16
in an appropriate spatial relationship relative to lamping carried within the housing assembly
12
. The housing assembly
12
comprises inter alia a housing channel
18
and end plates
20
respectively connected to each end of the housing channel
18
and mounted thereto by fastening elements integrally formed on said housing channel
18
and on said end plates
20
, the end plates
20
being connected securely to the housing channel
18
without the need for separate fastening elements as is described in the aforesaid copending patent application Ser. No. 09/358,376.
As particularly seen in
FIGS. 2 and 3
, the door frame
14
is mounted to the housing assembly
12
with portions of one each of the latching elements
96
extending from shaped slots
88
formed in the housing assembly
12
. In
FIG. 3
, each of the latching elements
96
is seen to be located at one of the respective ends of the fixture
10
.
FIG. 16
provides more detailed views of the latch
96
. While a portion of a side structural bar
21
can be seen in FIG.
3
through the slot
88
, the remaining portions of the door frame
14
cannot be seen in
FIGS. 2 and 3
since the housing assembly
12
hides the door frame
14
in these figures. As will be described hereinafter, a portion of the latching element
96
intended to be manually manipulated to release the door frame
14
from the housing assembly
12
extends outwardly of the fixture
10
through a lower portion of the slot
88
so as to be accessible for its intended use.
FIGS. 1 and 4
show the fixture
10
from the other side thereof, the other side of the fixture
10
being that side which is hinged by means of hinge elements
94
which are connected to side structural bar
23
as will be described hereinafter. As is best seen in
FIG. 4
, a portion of the hinge element
94
extends through a slot
88
formed in the housing assembly
12
. In essence, the door frame
14
is not visible in
FIGS. 1 and 4
. The slots
88
formed in the housing channel
18
on the side thereof on which the hinge elements
94
are mounted are essentially identical with the slots
88
formed along the opposite side edge of the channel
18
for mounting the latching elements
96
, one each of the slots
88
being located near each end of the housing assembly
12
along each side thereof.
FIGS. 5 and 6
illustrate an assembly of the door frame
14
to the housing assembly
12
from a position beneath the fixture, the prismatic lens cover
16
being visible and shown to be carried by the door frame
14
. The door frame
14
is seen to fit flushly within a peripheral recess
25
defined by structural portions of the housing channel
18
and of the end plates
20
as is described herein. The ledges
72
and
74
disposed along each side edge of the housing channel
18
and flanges
148
and
152
of each of the ends plates
20
as seen in copending Ser. No. 09/358,376, filed of even date, define the recess
25
, the recess
25
being dimensioned to receive the door frame
14
flushly thereinto. Receipt of the door frame
14
into the recess
25
coupled with structure to be described hereinafter which is integral with the side structural bars
21
,
23
and end structural bars
27
,
29
and in combination with the light trap elements
174
effectively block light from leaking through the interface between the door frame
14
and the housing assembly
12
thus causing a light trap to be formed. The hinge elements
94
are located along the edge of the fixture
10
along which the side structural bar
23
is disposed. However, the hinge elements
94
are not visible in
FIGS. 5 and 6
. Structure specifically described in detail in copending patent application Ser. No. 09/358,376, filed of even date as aforesaid and as identified above is also to be seen in
FIGS. 5 and 6
to form a border about visible peripheral portions of the door frame
14
, this structure being identified in said copending patent application and herein as flanges
76
formed integrally with the housing channel
18
and flanges
152
formed integrally one each with each one of the end plates
20
. Lowermost surfaces of the flanges
76
,
152
can be seen from below the fixture
10
in an installed situation. The flanges
76
and
152
are disposed about the periphery of the recess
25
into which the door frame
14
is flushly received. As is seen in
FIGS. 5 and 6
, the door frame
14
and the lens cover
16
carried thereby form an aesthetically pleasing interface with the housing assembly
12
by virtue of flushly fitting within the recess
25
as aforesaid and having borders defined by the flanges
76
,
152
respectively formed integrally with the housing channel
18
and the end plates
20
.
FIGS. 7 and 8
provide exploded assembly views, the illustration of
FIG. 7
providing an assembly view of the entire lighting fixture
10
with the exception of the lens cover
16
.
FIG. 8
provides an exploded assembly view of the door frame
14
with the inclusion of the lens cover
16
. Various structural elements of the fixture
10
and particularly of the housing assembly
12
are seen with reference to numerals which are employed in copending patent application Ser. No. 09/358,376, filed of even date and referred to hereinabove. This numbering of structural elements not necessarily described explicitly in this patent application is intended for ease of reconciling the disclosure of this patent application in view of the disclosure of the aforesaid copending patent application, thereby to facilitate understanding of both applications. As seen in
FIGS. 7 and 8
, the side structural bars
21
,
23
connect to the end structural bars
27
,
29
to form a frame within which the lens cover
16
is securely carried, the details of the assembly of the bars to each other being provided hereinafter.
Referring now to
FIG. 9
, the fixture
10
is seen from an end elevational view with one of the end plates
20
being removed so that it is possible to see interior structure of the housing assembly
12
, such as the sockets
50
which mount lamps such as the lamp
52
which is seen in FIG.
7
. For ease of illustration, the lamping is typically not shown in the various figures so that the structure of the fixture
10
can be better understood. It is to be understood as is described in the copending patent application referred to hereinabove that the fixture
10
is intended to utilize T
8
fluorescent lamps of the elongated tubular type, these lamps such as the lamp
52
being mounted conventionally by the sockets
50
.
Referring now to
FIGS. 10A through 10F
, the structures of the side structural bars
21
and
23
are shown, the structures of said bars
21
,
23
being essentially identical except for the provision of certain openings formed therein. In the side structural bar
21
, a rectangular opening
31
is formed near each end of the bar
21
for receiving one each of the latching elements
96
as will be described hereinafter. In the side structural bar
23
, a single circular aperture
33
is formed one each near each end of the bar
23
in order to mount one each of the hinge elements
94
. Openings
139
are formed one each above the apertures
33
in flanges
37
of the bars
23
. The remaining structure of the bars
21
,
23
is identical and description of one will suffice for a description of the other. Considering the side structural bar
21
with particular reference to
FIG. 10C
, an elongated central body
35
is substantially planar in conformation and is the portion of the bar
21
having at least a portion of the rectangular openings
31
formed therein. In a similar manner, the elongated central body
35
of the bar
23
has the circular apertures
33
formed therein. The flanges
37
are elongately formed along one side edge of the central body
35
of each of the bars
21
,
33
, the flanges
37
being substantially planar and being bent at right angles to said bodies
35
. The rectangular openings
31
extend into that bend in the bar
21
between the body
35
and the flange
37
. The flange
37
extends essentially the full length of the edge of the body
35
of the bars
21
,
33
and terminates at ends
39
thereof Along the opposite side edge of the central body
35
of each of the bars
21
,
23
, a U-shaped flange
41
is formed with a first leg
43
taking the form of an elongated, planar piece of material lying in a plane which is substantially parallel to the plane of the flange
37
. Yoke
45
of the U-shaped flange
41
recurves to join with second leg
47
of said flange
41
, the second leg
47
extending outwardly of the plane within which the central body
35
lies and recurving outwardly thereof to form a U-shaped outer flange
51
. The U-shaped outer flange
51
has a first leg
53
which is an extension of the second leg
47
of the U-shaped flange
41
, yoke
55
of the U-shaped outer flange
51
recurving inwardly to form a second leg
57
which, like the other legs
43
,
47
and
53
, comprise elongated planar structural elements. It is to be understood that the side structural bars
21
and
23
can be formed from a single piece of material by conventional operations. It is further to be understood that wall surfaces of the leg
43
and the leg
47
interiorly of the U-shaped flange
41
are spaced apart as are wall surfaces of the legs
53
and
57
of the U-shaped outer flange
51
. Each end of the structural bars
21
,
23
are essentially identical in structure to the other, the flanges
41
and
51
being cut off at each end of said bars at a mitered angle essentially identical to the angle of the mitered end
39
of the flange
37
. Each end of the central body
35
of each of the bars
21
,
23
terminates in a substantially rectangular tab
59
. An elongated slot (not shown) formed substantially centrally of the juncture between the end of the body
35
and an inward side edge of the tab
59
can be formed in the bars
21
,
23
to facilitate bending of the tab
59
relative to each of the bodies
35
.
Referring now to
FIGS. 1A through 1D
, the end structural bar
27
is shown. Since the end structural bar
29
is identical to the structure of the end structural bar
27
, only the bar
27
will be described herein. The bar
27
is formed of an elongated central body
63
which is planar in conformation and which bends along one side edge thereof at right angles to form an elongated flange
65
which extends essentially the full length of the side edge of the body
63
, ends of the flange
65
being mitered at
67
. At the other side edge of the body
63
, a U-shaped flange
69
extends therefrom and terminates at the outward end of leg
71
of said flange
69
in a U-shaped outer flange
73
, the cross-sectional shape of the end structural bars
27
and
29
being essentially identical to the cross-sectional shape of the side structural bars
21
and
23
. The ends of the U-shaped flanges
69
and
73
are also mitered as is the flange
65
as aforesaid. A locking tab
75
extends from each end of the body
63
and slots
61
are formed substantially centrally of the juncture between the end of the body
63
and the inward side edge of the tab
75
. The slots
61
facilitate bending of the tabs
75
and receive the tabs
59
for connection of the bars
27
,
29
to the bars
21
,
23
.
As is seen in
FIG. 12
, a corner reinforcement plate
77
is seen to comprise a planar body portion
79
of chevron shape, the plate
77
having a substantially
90
° point at
81
with lateral legs
83
formed on each side of the plate
77
. The legs
83
are rounded at
85
. Punched-out apertures
78
formed in each leg
83
each retain pressure plates
89
bent within said apertures
78
. Free ends of the plates
89
extend outwardly of the apertures
78
. The plate
77
functions substantially in the manner of a “biscuit” such as is employed in woodworking. Essentially, the plate
77
acts to reinforce corner joints between the respective side structural bars
21
,
23
and the end structural bars
27
,
29
.
As is seen in
FIGS. 13 through 15
, assembly of the bars
21
,
23
and
27
,
29
together is shown in sequential steps to form the door frame
14
with a corner joint being shown at the corner seen in the figures. Each corner of the door frame
14
is so formed. In assembly, one of the lateral legs
83
of the corner reinforcement plate
77
is inserted into that space defined by inner wall surfaces of the flanges
41
,
51
of the bar
21
or of the flanges
69
,
73
of the bar
27
according to choice, the locking tab
75
of the side structural bar
21
(or
23
) then being inserted into the slot
61
of the end structural bar
27
(or
29
) with the other leg
83
of the corner reinforcement plate
77
then being received into the other of the yokes of said bars
21
,
23
or of the bars
27
,
29
. This assembly is seen in
FIG. 14
to illustrate assembly of the plate
77
to the bars
21
,
23
and the bars
27
,
29
, thereby to form a strong corner joint
285
. Mitered portions of the bars
21
,
23
and mitered ends
39
of the bars
27
,
29
fit together as seen in the drawings. Assembly is completed by the bending of the locking tab
75
at right angles against an outer surface of the central body
35
of one of said bars
27
,
29
and the bending of the tab
76
against outer surfaces of the central body
63
of each the bars
21
,
23
. Each of the corner joints
285
are thus completed to substantially complete the door frame
14
with the exception of the assembly of the hinge elements
94
and the latching elements
96
thereto.
Referring now to
FIGS. 16A through 16E
, one of the latching elements
96
is shown in detail. Since the latching elements
96
are substantially identical to each other, a description of one of the latching elements
96
will suffice for a description of both. The latching element
96
is formed of a body member
289
which takes the form of a planar, rectangular plate from which lance
91
is stamped, the lance
91
extending from an outward face of the latching element
96
. The lance
91
is substantially triangular in conformation and provides a ramping function relative to portions of the channel
18
on assembly of the door frame
14
to said channel
18
, the lance
91
resting against opposing portions of the channel
18
on assembly of said door frame
14
thereto. The body member
89
bends at
93
to form an arcuate section which terminates in a U-shaped element
95
comprised of respective legs
97
and
99
which are spaced apart and angled relative to each other and which are further joined together by means of yoke
101
. As will be seen from description given hereinafter, the U-shaped element
95
is inserted into an appropriate opening in a portion of the door frame
14
with the yoke
101
being first inserted, the ability of the legs
97
,
99
to be compressed and then spring apart facilitating attachment of the latching element
96
to the door frame
14
. The leg
99
terminates in a lip
121
. A lance
103
punched out of the leg
97
has a free end which “faces” toward the door frame
14
during assembly, a lance
105
formed in the leg
99
facing the opposite direction from the lance
103
. In essence, the lance
103
prevents the latching element from rotating in place. When properly connected to the door frame
14
, the lance
103
does not actually abut structure on the door frame
14
. The lance
105
, sloping “backwardly” from the door frame
14
when assembled as will be described hereinafter, acts to prevent the U-shaped element
95
from being pulled from its connection with the door frame
14
as will be described hereinafter.
At the opposite end of the body member
89
, the latching element
96
angles outwardly to form an extension element
123
which is dimensioned and formed simply to extend the lower portion of the latching element
96
from portions of the door frame
14
to allow clearance. The extension element
123
terminates in a plate
125
which extends at an angle from said plate
125
and substantially vertically when in use, the plate
127
doubling back upon itself at
127
and then angling inwardly to form actuation plate
129
which terminates with a lip
131
. As will be described hereinafter, the actuation plate
129
is visible to a user of the fixture
10
in a use environment whereby the actuation plate
129
can be engaged manually such as by a finger to exert pressure on the latching element
96
in order to unlatch said element
96
from engagement with the housing assembly
12
of the fixture
10
, thereby to open the door frame
14
so that the frame
14
can pivot about the hinge elements
94
located on the side structural bar
23
of the door frame
14
to allow access to the interior of the fixture
10
. It is to be understood that the latching element
96
is preferably formed of a metal such as stainless steel configured with an appropriate thickness to produce a spring-like function. In essence, the body member
89
and the arcuate portion of the latching element
96
connecting the body member
89
with the U-shaped element
95
as is shown at
93
functions to act in a spring-like manner, this spring-like portion of the latching element
96
, that is, the body member
89
essentially, extending through one of the slots
88
formed in the housing channel
18
as aforesaid. Accordingly, the latching element
96
can be manipulated in order to disconnect an upper surface of the actuation plate
129
from a notch formed in the U-shaped outer flange
51
of the side structural bar
21
, thereby to disengage the door frame
14
along one side of the fixture
10
.
As is seen in
FIGS. 17A through 17E
, the U-shaped element
95
is received into the opening
31
formed in the bar
21
at each end of said bar
21
, the U-shaped element
95
being compressed to allow receipt of substantially all of the U-shaped element
95
into said opening
31
. As is best seen in Figure lD, the lance
103
formed in the leg
97
of the U-shaped element
95
remains outwardly of the opening
31
due to extension of the opening throughout that curved portion of the bar
21
connecting angled body portions of said bar
21
. As indicated previously, the free end of the lance
103
does not abut edge portions of the opening
31
under normal circumstances but does function to prevent rotation of the latching element
96
. As the U-shaped element
95
is inserted into the opening
31
as indicated above, the actuation plate
129
fits beneath the flange
51
of the bar
21
while portions of the element
123
and the plate
125
are positioned immediately outwardly of notch
133
formed in the flange
51
of the bar
21
. The terminal lip
131
functions as a guide to prevent binding of any portion of the actuation plate
129
against edges of the notch
133
. On full assembly of the latching element
96
with the bar
21
as is seen in
FIG. 17E
, the lance
105
formed in the leg
99
functions to prevent the latching element
96
from being pulled outwardly from or disengaged from the opening
31
. It is to be noted that the lance
105
cannot be seen in FIG.
17
E. When fully assembled, it is to be seen that pressure exerted on the actuation plate
129
causes portions of the extension element
123
and of the plate
125
to move into the notch
133
, thereby unlatching the door frame
14
from the housing assembly
12
. It is noted that the lance
91
engages the channel
18
.
FIGS. 18 and 19
illustrate disengagement of the latching element
96
from the slot
88
formed in the housing assembly
12
. The latching elements
96
are seen to be completely disengaged from the housing assembly
12
so that the edge of the door frame
14
along which the bar
21
lies can be displaced downwardly to the position shown and can further be displaced through its full range of motion to the position shown in
FIG. 22
wherein the hinge elements
94
retain the door frame
14
on the fixture
10
for access into the interior of the fixture
10
such as for relamping or other maintenance. Once maintenance is completed, the door frame and lens cover
16
retained by the door frame can then simply be pivoted back into position with the latching elements
96
releasably locking said door frame
14
to the housing assembly
12
by a simple fitting together of the component parts of said door frame
14
and of the housing assembly
12
as provided by the latching elements
96
.
FIGS. 18 and 19
show the first stages of the pivoting of the door frame
14
from engagement with the housing assembly
12
, a full pivoting movement of the door frame
14
relative to the housing assembly
12
as contemplated by the invention resulting in the configuration seen in FIG.
22
. In
FIG. 21
inter alia, it can further be seen that the U-shaped outer flanges
51
and
73
formed as integral portions of the side bars
21
,
23
, and the end bars
27
,
29
respectively extend over horizontal ledges
72
along each edge of the housing channel
18
and lateral flanges
152
of the end plates
20
respectively to form a light trapping function which function is substantially provided by integrally formed elements of the door frame
14
as aforesaid.
Referring now to
FIGS. 20A through 20C
, one of the hinge elements
94
is seen. Since the hinge elements
94
are substantially identical, a description of one of the elements will suffice for a description of both. The hinge element
94
is comprised of a base plate
107
which engages the central body
35
of the side structural bar
23
, the base plate
107
having an aperture
109
formed therein for receiving a rivet (not shown) or the like therethrough, the aperture
109
aligning with one of the apertures
33
formed at each end of the side structural bar
23
so that the rivet is received through both the aperture
109
and the aperture
33
to hold the base plate
107
to the bar
23
. The base plate
107
is further provided with depending legs
113
at either lateral end thereof, the legs
113
engaging inner wall surfaces of the flange
51
in order to provide increased stability. When only one rivet is utilized, the legs
113
act to prevent the base plate
107
from turning in place. A tongue element
115
extends from a lower edge of the base plate
107
outwardly of the bar
23
, the tongue element
115
being slightly bent at its juncture with the base plate
107
and having an arcuate distal end
117
which curves away from the plane of the tongue element
115
in a direction away from the base plate
107
to terminate in an elongated tab
119
which is rounded at both ends
121
. The length of the elongated tab
119
is dimensioned to fit within an enlarged rectangular portion
90
of the slot
88
so that the hinge element
94
can be connected to the housing assembly
12
, the width of the tongue element
115
fitting within a lower rectangular portion
92
of lesser length formed in the housing assembly
12
such that the tongue element
115
can be movably received within the rectangular portion
92
of the slot
88
but wherein the elongated tab
119
, having a length greater than the length of the rectangular portion
92
of the slot
88
, cannot be displaced therefrom, thereby allowing the hinge elements
94
to effectively serve a hinging function and to maintain the door frame
14
in place as is seen in
FIG. 22
when the door fame
14
is pivoted to a maximum degree relative to the housing assembly
12
to allow access into the interior of the lighting fixture
10
. Centrally of the upper edge of the base plate
107
is formed a fastening element
135
having a U-shaped body portion terminating in a tab
137
.
Now considering
FIG. 21
, the hinge element
94
is seen to be mounted to the central body
35
of the side structural bar
23
and thus to be configured for insertion of the elongated tab
119
into a portion of the slot
88
as aforesaid configured to receive said elongated tab
119
, the hinge element
94
then being displaced within the slot
88
to cause the elongated tab
119
to be held by a portion of the slot
88
as aforesaid which is dimensioned to retain said tab
119
within the slot
88
. The tab
137
is received within the opening
139
and is positioned to engage the underside of the body portion
39
of the bar
23
, the U-shaped body portion of the fastening element
135
extending from the base plate
107
and through the opening
139
on assembly of the base plate
107
to the bar
23
.
FIG. 22
provides illustration indicated previously relative to full opening of the door frame
14
relative to the housing assembly
12
.
FIG. 22
also illustrates a fixture
198
configured essentially identically to the fixture
10
previously illustrated with the exception that the housing assembly of the fixture
198
is of a reduced length. In particular, the fixture
198
of
FIG. 22
illustrates a fixture which is substantially square in conformation with that side of the fixture
198
defined by the length of a housing channel being identical to the length of the end plate
20
. Illustration of the fixture
198
is provided simply to show that the invention can be configured other than in the form of a single fixture having one particular set of dimensions.
Considering now
FIGS. 23A through 23D
in concert with other figures such as
FIG. 9
, a lens cover retainer
200
is seen to function in a manner which positively holds the lens cover
16
in place within the door frame
14
. The retainer
200
comprises a base plate
201
having legs
203
,
205
extending from opposite sides thereof, the legs being elongated and extending from the base plate
201
at angles. A locking tab
207
terminates a U-shaped element
209
, a portion of the element
209
joining to the base plate
201
. A disc-like projection
211
extends from an upper face of the base plate
201
to engage a circular opening (not shown) which is formed in a wall portion of the bars
27
,
29
so that the retainer
200
can be conveniently held in place. The locking tab
207
in a similar sense can be received into a slot (not shown) formed in the bars
27
,
29
or other portions of the door frame
14
, receipt of the tab
207
into a slot such as described acting to lock the retainer
200
in place. It is to be understood that it is not necessary to provide both the locking tab
207
and the projection
211
simultaneously. The angled or “splayed” legs
203
,
205
of the retainer
200
extend outwardly from the base plate
201
to engage the lens cover
16
when the retainer
200
is joined to the door frame
14
as aforesaid. Engagement of distal end portions of the legs
203
,
205
with the lens cover
16
functions to hold the lens cover
16
in place. In the event that the plastic forming the lens cover
16
is wavy, it is sometimes necessary to provide conventional clips (not shown) along sides of the lens cover
16
in order to prevent bowing of the lens cover
16
.
Referring now to
FIGS. 24A through 24E
, an alternative latching element
301
is seen, the latching element
301
being particularly configured so that it may be formed of a polymeric or “plastic” material. The latching element
301
has similarities to the latching element
96
including a substantially similar body member
303
which corresponds to the body member
89
of the latching element
96
as particularly seen in
FIG. 16. A
ramp
305
is formed within the body member
303
and corresponds functionally to the lance
91
described relative to the latching element
96
. Since the latching element
301
would be molded from a “plastic” material, the ramp
305
would be molded rather than stamped as is the case with the lance
91
. The body member
303
terminates at its upper end with a plate
307
from which an upper leg
309
of a U-shaped element extends, lower leg
313
being free to be displaced toward and away from the upper leg
309
since the lower leg
313
is not connected to the plate
307
. Notches
315
are formed in the plate
307
on either side of the body member
303
at the juncture of the body member
303
with the plate
307
. The body member
303
further terminates at its upper end in a centrally disposed connecting element
317
having a base
319
which is effectively formed integrally with a portion of the upper leg
309
, the connecting element
317
having a free end
321
which is discontinuous with the leg
309
to form a channel
323
between the free end
321
of the connecting element
317
and a facing surface of the leg
309
. The U-shaped element
311
is compressed and is capable of receipt within one of the openings
301
in the bar
21
in a manner similar to that described for the latching element
96
. However, portions of the body portion of the bar
21
adjacent an upper edge of the opening
31
would be received within the channel
323
to provide stability to the mounting of the latching element
301
to the bar
21
.
At the opposite end of the body member
303
, an extension element
325
and a plate
327
function similarly to the extension element
123
in the plate
125
of the latching element
96
as aforesaid. The plate
327
has molded thereto an actuation plate
329
which functions in a manner essentially identically to the function of the actuation plate
129
of the latching element
96
as described hereinabove. The latching element
301
can be employed in those situations where a plastic latching element would appear to be preferable.
The door frame
14
in assembled relationship with the housing assembly
12
acts to block light leakage from any reasonable line of sight at the juncture of the door frame
14
and the housing assembly
12
. The door frame
14
of the invention thereby exhibits multiple connection functions while also providing the function of a light trap per se. The element
174
described in the copending patent application filed of even date described hereinabove also facilitates the light trapping function.
It is to be understood that the invention can be configured other than as is described explicitly herein. Accordingly, while the invention has been described explicitly in reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, it is to be understood that the invention can be practiced other than as described with the scope of the invention being limited only by the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
- 1. A lighting fixture having at least one lamp carried within a housing assembly, comprising:a door frame mounted for movement relative to the housing assembly to facilitate access to the interior of the lighting fixture, portions of the housing assembly defining a recess dimensioned to receive the door frame thereinto; a lighting panel carried by the door frame and disposed in operative relation to the at least one lamp; and, light trap means formed integrally with at least portions of the door frame and cooperating with portions of the housing assembly for minimizing light leakage from the lighting fixture through spaces disposed between the door frame and the housing assembly, the light trap means comprising flange-like extensions formed along side edges of the door frame and extending outwardly of the fixture and in covering relation to interfaces between the door frame and the housing assembly.
- 2. The lighting fixture of claim 1 wherein the door frame is formed of elongated bar elements joined together at end portions thereof and further comprising means integral with the bar elements for joining said bar elements together.
- 3. The lighting fixture of claim 1 wherein the lighting panel comprises a prismatic lens cover.
- 4. The lighting fixture of claim 1 and further comprising means carried by the door frame and cooperating with slots formed in the housing assembly for hinging the door frame to the housing assembly.
- 5. The lighting fixture of claim 1 and further comprising means carried by the door frame and cooperating with slots formed in the housing assembly for latching the door frame to the housing assembly.
- 6. The lighting fixture of claim 5 wherein the latching means comprise at least one spring-like body element receivable within one of the slots and a manually manipulable plate element joined to the body element and extending externally of the lighting fixture at a locus of the door frame, manipulation of the plate element causing disengagement of the body element carried by the door frame from the slot formed in the housing assembly, thereby to release the door frame from the housing assembly on at least one side of the door frame.
- 7. The lighting fixture of claim 4 wherein the hinging means comprise a body element extending from connection to the door frame, the body element having a predetermined width and an elongated tab terminating the body element and having a length greater than the width of the body element, the slot having an upper portion formed of dimensions capable of receiving the elongated tab thereinto and a lower portion having a width less than the length of the tab and being slightly greater than the width of the body element, the body element being fitted into the lower portion of the slot after insertion of the tab through the upper portion of the slot, the tab being of a length which is too great to fit through the lower portion of the slot, thereby mounting the hinge means within the slot for movement of the door frame about an edge thereof joined to the housing assembly by said hinge means.
- 8. The lighting fixture of claim 2 wherein the joining means comprise a first tab formed at each end of a first pair of the bar elements, each tab surmounting a slot formed along the juncture between the tab and the bar elements, the other pair of parallel bar elements having a second tab formed at each end thereof, the second tabs being dimensioned to be received one each through the slots at the ends of the first pair of the bar elements, the first and second tabs being bent back over to connect the bar elements together.
- 9. The lighting fixture of claim 8 wherein the bar elements comprise a central body portion, a flange extending from one side edge of the central body portion, and a first U-shaped flange extending from the other side of the central body portion, the first U-shaped flange terminating in a second U-shaped flange on the opposite side of the central body portion from which the flange and the first U-shaped flange extend, the outermost legs of the second U-shaped flange being an extension of the outermost leg of the second U-shaped flange, thereby providing spaces between legs of the U-shaped flanges.
- 10. The lighting fixture of claim 9 and further comprising a corner strengthening plate having legs extending at 90° angles relative to each other, one each of the legs being received within the spaces between the first and second U-shaped flanges formed on ends of adjacent bars of the door frame, the plate acting to strengthen a corner joint formed by mounting together of the ends of said adjacent bar elements.
- 11. The lighting fixture of claim 9 wherein ends of the bar elements are intended to allow fitting of said bar elements together at 90° angles relative to each other.
- 12. The lighting fixture of claim 10 wherein the second U-shaped flanges formed along side edges of the bar elements extend into covering relation to interfaces between the door frame and the housing assembly, thereby producing a light trap function.
- 13. The lighting fixture of claim 1 and further comprising clip means attachable to the housing assembly for preventing light from leaking between certain portions of the door frame and the housing assembly.
- 14. A lighting fixture having at least one lamp carried within a housing assembly, comprising:a door frame mounted for movement relative to the housing assembly to facilitate access to the interior of the lighting fixture; a lighting panel carried by the door frame and disposed in operative relation to the at least one lamp; light trap means formed integrally with at least portions of the door frame for minimizing light leakage from the lighting fixture through spaces disposed between the door frame and the housing assembly; and, means carried by the door frame and cooperating with slots formed in the housing assembly for latching the door frame to the housing assembly, the latching means comprising at least one spring-like body element receivable within one of the slots and a manually manipulable plate element joined to the body element and extending externally of the lighting fixture at a locus of the door frame, manipulation of the plate element causing disengagement of the body element carried by the door frame from the slot formed in the housing assembly, thereby to release the door frame from the housing assembly on at least one side of the door frame.
- 15. The lighting fixture of claim 14 wherein the door frame is formed of elongated bar elements joined together at end portions thereof and further comprising means integral with the bar elements for joining said bar elements together.
- 16. The lighting fixture of claim 14 wherein portions of the housing assembly define a recess dimensioned to receive the door frame thereinto, the light trap means comprising flange-like extensions formed along side edges of the door frame and extending outwardly of the fixture and in covering relation to interfaces between the door frame and the housing assembly.
- 17. The lighting fixture of claim 14 wherein the lighting panel comprises a prismatic lens cover.
- 18. The lighting fixture of claim 14 and further comprising means carried by the door frame and cooperating with slots formed in the housing assembly for hinging the door frame to the housing assembly.
- 19. The lighting fixture of claim 18 wherein the hinging means comprise a body element extending from Connection to the door frame, the body element having a predetermined width and an elongated tab terminating the body element and having a length greater than the width of the body element, the slot having an upper portion formed of dimensions capable of receiving the elongated tab thereinto and a lower portion having a width less than the length of the tab and being slightly greater than the width of the body element, the body element being fitted into the lower portion of the slot after insertion of the tab through the upper portion of the slot, the tab being of a length which is too great to fit rough the lower portion of the slot thereby mounting the hinge means within the slot for movement of the door frame about an edge thereof joined to the housing assembly by said hinge means.
- 20. The lighting fixture of claim 15 wherein the joining means comprise a first tab formed at each end of the first pair of the bar elements, each tab surmounting a slot formed along the juncture between the tab and the bar elements, the other pair of parallel bar elements having a second tab formed at each end thereof the second tabs being dimensioned to be received one each through the slots at the ends of the first pair of the bar elements, the first and second tabs being bent back over to connect the bar elements together.
- 21. The lighting fixture of claim 20 wherein the bar elements comprise a central body portion, a flange extending from one side edge of the central body portion, and a first U-shaped flange extending from the other side of the central body portion, the first U-shaped flange terminating in a second U-shaped flange on the opposite side of the central body portion from which the flange and the first U-shaped flange extend, the outermost legs of the second U-shaped flange being an extension of the outermost leg of the second U-shaped flange, thereby providing spaces between legs of the U-shaped flanges.
- 22. The lighting fixture of claim 21 and further comprising a corner strengthening plate having legs extending at 90° angles relative to each other, one each of the legs being received within the spaces between the first and second U-shaped flanges formed on ends of adjacent bars of the door frame, the plate acting to strengthen a corner joint formed by mounting together of the ends of said adjacent bar elements.
- 23. The lighting fixture of claim 11 wherein end of the bar elements are intended to allow fitting of said bar elements together at 90° angles relative to each other.
- 24. The lighting fixture of claim 22 wherein the second U-shaped flanges formed along side edges of the bar elements extend into covering relation to interfaces between the door frame and the housing assembly, thereby producing a light trap function.
- 25. A lighting fixture having at least one lamp carried within a housing assembly, comprising:a door frame mounted for movement relative to the housing assembly to facilitate access to the interior of the lighting fixture; a lighting panel carried by the door frame and disposed in operative relation to the at least one lamp; light trap means formed integrally with at least portions of the door frame for minimizing light leakage from the lighting fixture through spaces disposed between the door frame and the housing assembly; and, means carried by the door frame and cooperating with slots formed in the housing assembly for hinging the door frame to the housing assembly, the hinging means comprising a body element extending from connection to the door frame, the body element having a predetermined width and an elongated tab terminating the body element and having a length greater than the width of the body element, the slot having an upper portion formed of dimensions capable of receiving the elongated tab thereinto and a lower portion having a width less than the length of the tab and being slightly greater than the width of the body element, the body element being fitted into the lower portion of the slot after insertion of the tab through the upper portion of the slot, the tab being of a length which is too great to fit through the lower portion of the slot, thereby mounting the hinge means within the slot for movement of the door frame about an edge thereof joined to the housing assembly by said hinge means.
- 26. The lighting fixture of claim 25 wherein the door frame is formed of elongated bar elements joined together at end portions thereof and further comprising means integral with the bar elements for joining said bar elements together.
- 27. The lighting fixture of claim 25 wherein portions of the housing assembly define a recess dimensioned to receive the door frame thereinto, the light trap means comprising flange-like extensions formed along side edges of the door frame and extending outwardly of the fixture and in covering relation to interfaces between the door frame and the housing assembly.
- 28. The lighting fixture of claim 25 wherein the lighting panel comprises a prismatic lens cover.
- 29. The lighting fixture of claim 25 and further comprising means carried by the door frame and cooperating with the slots formed in the housing assembly for latching the door frame to the housing assembly.
- 30. The lighting fixture of claim 29 wherein the latching means comprise at least one spring-like body element receivable within one of the slots and a manually manipulable plate element joined to the body element and extending externally of the lighting fixture at a locus of the door frame, manipulation of the plate element causing disengagement of the body element carried by the door frame from the slot formed in the housing assembly, thereby to release the door frame from the housing assembly on at least one side of the door frame.
- 31. The lighting fixture of claim 26 wherein the joining means comprise a first tab formed at each end of a pair of the bar elements, each tab surmounting a slot formed along the juncture between the tab and the bar elements, the other pair of parallel bar elements having a second tab formed at each end thereof, the second tabs being dimensioned to be received one each through the slots at the ends of the first pair of the bar elements, the first and second tabs being bent back over to connect the bar elements together.
- 32. The lighting fixture of claim 31 wherein the bar elements comprise a central body portion, a flange extending from one side edge of the central body portion, and a first U-shaped flange extending from the other side of the central body portion, the first U-shaped flange terminating in a second U-shaped flange on the opposite side of the central body portion from which the flange and the first U-shaped flange extend, the outermost legs of the second U-shaped flange being an extension of the outermost leg of the second U-shaped flange, thereby providing spaces between legs of the U-shaped flanges.
- 33. The lighting fixture of claim 32 and further comprising a corner strengthening plate having legs extending at 90° angles relative to each other, one each of the legs being received within the spaces between the first and second U-shaped flanges formed on ends of adjacent bars of the door frame, the plate acting to strengthen a corner joint formed by mounting together of the ends of said adjacent bar elements.
- 34. The lighting fixture of claim 32 wherein ends of the bar elements are intended to allow fitting of said bar elements together at 90° relative to each other.
- 35. The lighting fixture of claim 33 wherein the second U-shaped flanges formed along side edges of the bar elements extend into covering relation to interfaces between the door frame and the housing assembly, thereby producing a fight trap function.
- 36. A lighting fixture having at least one lamp carried within a housing assembly, comprising:a door frame mounted for movement relative to the housing assembly to facilitate access to the interior of the lighting fixture, wherein the door frame is formed of elongated bar elements joined together at end portions thereof; a lighting panel carried by the door frame and disposed in operative relation to the at least one lamp; light trap means formed integrally with at least portions of the door frame for minimizing light leakage from the lighting fixture through spaces disposed between the door frame and the housing assembly; and, means integral with the bar elements for joining said bar elements together, the joining means comprising a first tab formed at each end of a first pair of the bar elements, each tab surmounting a slot formed along the juncture between the tab and the bar elements, the other pair of parallel bar elements having a second tab formed at each end thereof, the second tabs being dimensioned to be received one each through the slots at the ends of the first pair of the bar elements, the first and second tabs being bent back over to connect the bar elements together.
- 37. The lighting fixture of claim 36 wherein portions of the housing assembly define a recess dimensioned to receive the door frame thereinto, the light trap means comprising flange-like extensions formed along side edges of the door frame and extending outwardly of the fixture and in covering relation to interfaces between the door frame and the housing assembly.
- 38. The lighting fixture of claim 36 wherein the lighting panel comprises a prismatic lens cover.
- 39. The lighting fixture of claim 1 and further comprising means carried by the door frame and cooperating with slots formed in the housing assembly for hinging a door frame to the housing assembly.
- 40. The lighting fixture of claim 36 and further comprising means carried by the door frame and cooperating with slots formed in the housing assembly for latching the door frame to the housing assembly.
- 41. The lighting fixture of claim 40 wherein the latching means comprise at least one spring-like body element receivable within one of the slots and a manually manipulable plate element joined to the body element and extending externally of the lighting fixture at a locus of the door frame, manipulation of the plate element causing disengagement of the body element carried by the door frame from the slot formed in the housing assembly, thereby to release the door frame from the housing assembly on at least one side of the door frame.
- 42. The lighting fixture of claim 39 wherein the hinging means comprise a body element extending from Connection to the door frame, the body element having a predetermined width and an elongated tab terminating the body element and having a length greater than the width of the body element, the slot having an upper portion formed of dimensions capable of receiving the elongated tab thereinto and a lower portion having a width less than the length of the tab and being slightly greater than the width of the body element, the body element being fitted into the lower portion of the slot after insertion of the tab through the upper portion of the slot, the tab being of a length which is too great to fit through the lower portion of the slot, thereby mounting the hinge means within the slot for movement of the door frame about an edge thereof joined to the housing assembly by said hinge means.
- 43. The lighting fixture of claim 36 wherein the bar elements comprise a central body portion, a flange extending from one side edge of the central body portion, and a first U-shaped flange extending from the other side of the central body portion, the first U-shaped flange terminating in a second U-shaped flange on the opposite side of the central body portion from which the flange and the first U-shaped flange extend, the outermost legs of the second U-shaped flange being an extension of the outermost leg of the second U-shaped flange, thereby providing spaces between legs of the U-shaped flanges.
- 44. The lighting fixture of claim 43 and further comprising a corner strengthening plate having legs extending at 90° angles relative to each other, one each of the legs being received within the spaces between the first and second U-shaped flanges formed on ends of adjacent bars of the door frame, the plate acting to strengthen a corner joint formed by mounting together of the ends of said adjacent bar elements.
- 45. The lighting fixture of claim 43 wherein ends of the bar elements are intended to allow fitting of said bar elements together at 90° angles relative to each other.
- 46. The lighting fixture of claim 44 wherein the second U-shaped flanges formed along side edges of the bar elements extend into covering relation to interfaces between the door frame and the housing assembly, thereby producing a light trap function.
- 47. A lighting fixture having at least one lamp carried within a housing assembly, comprising:a door frame mounted for movement relative to the housing assembly to facilitate access to the interior of the lighting fixture, wherein the door frame is formed of elongated bar elements joined together at end portions thereof; a lighting panel carried by the door frame and disposed in operative relation to the at least one lamp; and, means integral with the bar elements for joining said bar elements together, the joining means comprising a first tab formed at each end of a first pair of the bar elements, each tab surmounting a slot formed along the juncture between the tab and the bar elements, the other pair of parallel bar elements having a second tab formed at each end thereof, the second tab being dimensioned to be received one each through the slots at the ends of the first pair of the bar elements, the first and second tabs being bent back over to connect the bar elements together.
- 48. The lighting fixture of claim 47 wherein portions of the housing assembly define a recess dimensioned to receive the door frame thereinto, the door frame having flange-like extensions formed along side edges thereof and extending outwardly of the fixture and in covering relation to interfaces between the door frame and the housing assembly.
- 49. The lighting fixture of claim 47 wherein the lighting panel comprises a prismatic lens cover.
- 50. The lighting fixture of claim 47 and further comprising means carried by the door frame and cooperating with slots formed in the housing assembly for hinging the door frame to the housing assembly.
- 51. The lighting fixture of claim 47 and further comprising means carried by the door frame and cooperating with slots formed in the housing assembly for latching the door frame to the housing assembly.
- 52. The lighting fixture of claim 51 wherein the latching means comprise at least one spring-like body element receivable within one of the slots and a manually manipulable plate element joined to the body element and extending externally of the lighting fixture at a locus of the door frame, manipulation of the plate element causing disengagement of the body element carried by the door frame from the slot formed in the housing assembly, thereby to release the door frame from the housing assembly on at least one side of the door frame.
- 53. The lighting fixture of claim 50 wherein the hinging means comprise a body element extending from connection to the door frame, the body element having a predetermined width and an elongated tab terminating the body element and having a length greater than the width of the body element, the slot having an upper portion formed of dimensions capable of receiving the elongated tab thereinto and a lower portion having a width less than the length of the tab and being slightly greater than the width of the body element, the body element being fitted into the lower portion of the slot after insertion of the tab through the upper portion of the slot, the tab being of a length which is too great to fit through the lower portion of the slot, thereby mounting the hinge means within the slot for movement of the door frame about an edge thereof joined to the housing assembly by said hinge means.
- 54. The lighting fixture of claim 47 wherein the bar elements comprise a central body portion, a flange extending from one side edge of the central body portion, and a first U-shaped flange extending from the other side of the central body portion, the first U-shaped flange terminating in a second U-shaped flange on the opposite side of the central body portion from which the flange and the first U-shaped flange extend, the outermost legs of the second U-shaped flange being an extension of the outermost leg of the second U-shaped flange, thereby providing spaces between legs of the U-shaped flanges.
- 55. The lighting fixture of claim 54 and further comprising a corner strengthening plate having legs extending at 90° angles relative to each other, one each of the legs being received within the spaces between the first and second U-shaped flanges formed on ends of the adjacent bars of the door frame, the Ate acting to strengthen a corner joint formed by mounting together of the ends of said adjacent bar elements.
- 56. The lighting fixture of claim 54 wherein ends of the bar elements are intended to allow fitting of said bar elements together at 90° angles relative to each other.
- 57. The lighting fixture of claim 55 wherein the second U-shaped flanges formed along side edges of the bar element extending into covering relation to interfaces between the door frame and the housing assembly, thereby producing a light trap function.
- 58. A lighting fixture having at least one lamp carried within a housing assembly, comprising:a door frame mounted for movement relative to the housing assembly to facilitate access to the interior of the lighting fixture; a lighting panel carried by the door frame and disposed in operative relation to the at least one lamp; and, means carried by the door frame and cooperating with slots formed in the housing assembly for latching the door frame to the housing assembly, the latching means comprising at least one spring-like body element receivable within one of the slots and a manually manipulable plate element joined the body element and extending externally of the lighting fixture at a locus of the door frame, manipulation of the plate element causing disengagement of the body element carried by the door frame from the slot formed in the housing assembly, thereby to release the door frame from the housing assembly on at least one side of the door frame.
- 59. The lighting fixture of claim 58 wherein the door frame is formed of elongated bar elements joined together at end portions thereof and further comprising means integral with the bar elements for joining said bar elements together.
- 60. The lighting fixture of claim 58 wherein portions of the housing assembly define a recess dimensioned to receive the door frame thereinto, the door frame having flange-like extensions formed along side edges thereof and extending outwardly of the fixture and in covering relation to interfaces between the door frame and the housing assembly.
- 61. The lighting fixture of claim 58 wherein the lighting panel comprises a prismatic lens cover.
- 62. The lighting fixture of claim 58 and further comprising means carried by the door frame and cooperating with slots formed in the housing assembly for hinging the door frame to the housing assembly.
- 63. The lighting fixture of claim 62 wherein the hinging means comprise a body element extending from connection to the doorframe, the body element having a predetermined width and an elongated tab terminating the body element and having a length greater than the width of the body element, the slot having an upper portion formed of dimensions capable of receiving the elongated tab thereinto and a lower portion having a width less than the length of the tab and being slightly greater than the width of the body element, the body element being fitted into the lower portion of the slot after insertion of the tab through the upper portion of the slot, the tab being of a length which is too great to fit through the lower portion of the slot, thereby mounting the hinge means within the slot for movement of the door frame about an edge thereof joined to the housing assembly by said hinge means.
- 64. The lighting fixture of claim 59 wherein the joining means comprise a first tab formed at each end of a first pair of bar elements, each tab surmounting a slot formed along the juncture between the tab and the bar elements, the other pair of parallel bar elements having a second tab formed at each end thereof the second tabs being dimensioned to be received one each through the slots at the ends of the first pair of the bar elements, the first and second tabs being bent back over to connect the bar elements together.
- 65. The lighting fixture of claim 64 wherein the bar elements comprise a central body portion, a flange extending from one side edge of the central body portion and a first U-shaped flange extending from the other side of the central body portion, the first U-shaped flange terminating in a second U-shaped flange on the opposite side of the central body portion from which the flange and the-first U-shaped flange extend, the outermost legs of the second U-shaped flange being an extension of the outermost leg of the second U-shaped flange, thereby providing spaces between legs of the U-shaped flanges.
- 66. The lighting fixture of claim 65 and further comprising a corner strengthening plate having legs extending at 90° angles relative to each other, one each of the legs being received within the spaces between the first and second U-shaped flanges formed on ends of adjacent bars of the door frame, the pate acting to strengthen a corner joint formed by mounting together of the ends of said adjacent bar elements.
- 67. The lighting fixture of claim 65 wherein ends of the bar elements are intended to allow fitting of said bar elements together at 90° angles relative to each other.
- 68. The lighting fixture of claim 66 wherein the second U-shaped flanges formed along side edges of the bar element extend into covering relation to interfaces between the doorframe and the housing assembly, thereby producing a light trap function.
- 69. A lighting fixture having at least one lamp carried within a housing assembly, comprising:a door frame mounted for movement relative to the housing assembly to facilitate access to the interior of the lighting fixture; a lighting panel carried by the door frame and disposed in operative relation to the at least one lamp; and, means carried by the door frame and cooperating with slots formed in the housing assembly for hinging the door frame to the housing assembly, the hinging means comprising a body element extending from connection to the door frame, the body element having a predetermined width and an elongated tab terminating The body element and having a length greater than the width of the body element, the slot having an upper portion formed of dimensions capable of receiving the elongated tab thereinto an a lower portion having a width less than the length of the tab and being slightly greater than the width of the body element, the body element being fitted into the lower portion of the slot after insertion of the tab through the upper portion of the slot, the tab being of a length which is too great to fit through the lower portion of the slot, thereby mounting the hinge means within the slot for movement of the door frame about an edge thereof joined to the housing assembly by said hinge means.
- 70. The lighting fixture of claim 69 wherein the door frame is formed of elongated bar elements joined together at end portions thereof and further comprising means integral with the bar elements for joining said bar elements together.
- 71. The lighting fixture of claim 69 wherein portions of the housing assembly define a recess dimensioned to receive the door frame thereinto, the door frame having flange-like extensions formed along side edges thereof, the flange-like extensions extending outwardly of the fixture and in covering relation to interfaces between the door frame and the housing assembly.
- 72. The lighting fixture of claim 69 wherein the lighting panel comprises a prismatic lens cover.
- 73. The lighting fixture of claim 69 and further comprising means carried by the door frame and cooperating with slots formed in the housing assembly for latching the door frame to the housing assembly.
- 74. The lighting fixture of claim 73 wherein the latching means comprise at least one spring-like body element receivable within one of the slots and a manually manipulable plate element joined to the body element and extending externally of the lighting fixture at a locus of the door frame, manipulation of the plate element causing disengagement of the body element carried by the door frame from the slot formed in the housing assembly, thereby to release the door frame from the housing assembly on at least one side of the door frame.
- 75. The lighting fixture of claim 70 wherein the joining means comprise a first tab formed at each end of a first pair of the bar elements, each tab surmounting a slot formed along the juncture between the tab and the bar elements, the other pair of parallel bar elements having a second tab formed at each end thereof, the second tabs being dimensioned to be received one each through the slots at the ends of the first pair of the bar elements, the first and second tabs being bent back over to connect the bar elements together.
- 76. The lighting fixture of claim 75 wherein the bar elements comprise a central body portion, a flange extending from one side edge of the central body portion and a first U-shaped flange extending from the other side of the central body portion, the first U-shaped flange terminating in a second U-shaped flange on the opposite side of the central body portion from which the flange and the first U-shaped flange extend, the outermost legs of the second U-shaped flange being an extension of the outermost leg of the second U-shaped flange, thereby providing spaces between legs of the U-shaped flanges.
- 77. The lighting fixture of claim 76 and further comprising a corner strengthening plate having legs extending at 90° angles relative to each other, one each of the legs being received within the spaces between the first and second U-shaped flanges formed on ends of adjacent bars of the door frame, the plate acting to strengthen a corner joint formed by mounting together of the ends of said adjacent bar elements.
- 78. The lighting fixture of claim 76 wherein ends of the bar elements are intended to allow fitting of said bar elements together at 90° angles relative to each other.
- 79. The lighting fixture of claim 77 wherein the second U-shaped flanges formed along side edges of the bar elements extend into covering relation to interfaces between the door frame and the housing assembly, thereby producing a light trap function.
US Referenced Citations (6)