Patent Grant
7828468
The field of this invention relates generally to lighting fixtures, and more particularly to a louver assembly for use therein.
Fluorescent lighting has long been commonplace especially in commercial, institutional and industrial applications. The energy efficiency of fluorescent fixtures coupled with relatively low fixture costs cause fluorescent lighting to be the lighting of choice in most office situations as well as in numerous other task lighting applications. In commercial applications, overhead lighting systems are commonly found in buildings that utilize “dropped” or suspended ceiling grid arrangements, which are normally hung from the floor platforms of the story located immediately above. Typical overhead lighting systems comprise a light fixture housing, or troffer that is conventionally designed in the shape of shallow, inverted, rectangular box having one open face. A series of light fixture housings or troffers are usually installed in the dropped ceiling grid, with each troffer carrying at least one light source, such as a tubular lamp, therein.
Oftentimes, a transparent or translucent lens may be used to cover the open face of the light fixture housing. Such lenses can be undesirable if they are not particularly designed to effectively prevent the escape of low angle light rays from the light fixture housings. These low angle light rays may create a glare that can be irritating to those individuals located in the space that the overhead lighting systems are designed to illuminate.
Accordingly, the use of either coffers or louvers has been proposed in the past for eliminating or minimizing glare. Conventional coffers are rectangular recesses formed in a ceiling at spaced intervals that are designed to house the light fixture housings. In order for a coffer to effectively reduce glare, it must have deeper dimensions than the light fixture housings that it will contain because the light fixture housings are usually installed in the upper surface or wall of the coffer, which allows the remaining side walls of the coffer to act as barriers to escaping low angle light rays. Though generally effective in reducing glare, coffers are often costly to install, and in certain instances, coffers may be impossible to install if the architectural design of the building prevents it.
Louvers help to reduce glare by directing the light radiating from the troffer generally downwardly. A typical louver comprises a grid-like structure that includes a series of V-shaped or parabolic shaped blades (or baffles) arranged perpendicular to one another and interlocked to form a series of more or less equally sized square or rectangular openings. Generally, louvers are mounted directly beneath the lighting tubes of light fixture housings, or troffers, such that the bottom edge of the louver is more or less flush with the plane of the ceiling.
A louver is typically assembled from a series of lateral and longitudinal metal blades. It has also been known to fabricate single-piece, plastic louvers using conventional injection molding techniques. Plastic louvers may be undesirable, however, because of deterioration that can result due to the louver blades proximity to light sources that generate substantial amounts of heat. Whether metal or plastic, the blades of most louvers are typically designed with parabolic side wall surfaces that are shaped to reflect the light emitted from the lamps downward in an effort to minimize the escape of the low angle light rays that produces glare. Typically, in order to create the parabolic shape for the blade side wall, the top edge surface of the blade is wider than the lower edge surface. This wide area along the blade upper edge surface acts to block a portion of the light emitted from the light source, i.e., lamp, and reflects it back into the light fixture, which negatively impacts the light fixture efficiency.
Louvered troffers generally set the standard in architectural lighting for most commercial and institutional applications and have become essential components of the very architecture of high activity environments. Thus, it is desirable to provide louvered fixtures which can be manufactured at minimum cost yet exhibit exceptionally high performance and provide a visually aesthetic appearance in their operating environment. Further, these low-cost, high performance louvered fixtures must be rapidly installable and must yield ever-increasing energy efficiencies while producing desired illuminance levels. Contemporary lighting systems and particularly louvered troffer systems must therefore provide a marriage of aesthetics and performance at minimum manufacturing costs.
In response to the difficulties encountered in the prior art, a louver assembly is disclosed for use in an overhead lighting system. The louver assembly is disposed within a light fixture housing, just below one or more light sources, such as a tubular lamp. In one aspect, the louver assembly focuses the light radiated from the tubular lamp(s) in a downward direction.
In one embodiment, a plurality of blade ribs and a plurality of stringers are arranged perpendicular to one another to comprise the louver assembly. In one aspect, the stringers extend in the longitudinal direction, while the blade ribs extend in the transverse direction. The ribs and stringers are interconnected in a quick, easy, and secure manner to form the exemplified louver of the present invention.
Other apparatus, methods, and aspects and advantages of the invention will be discussed with reference to the Figures and to the detailed description of the preferred embodiments.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several aspects described below and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Like numbers represent the same elements throughout the figures.
The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description, examples, drawing, and claims, and their previous and following description. However, before the present devices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified, as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.
The following description of the invention is provided as an enabling teaching of the invention in its best, currently known embodiment. To this end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize and appreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of the invention described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial results of the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of the desired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selecting some of the features of the present invention without utilizing other features. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize that many modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possible and can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of the present invention. Thus, the following description is provided as illustrative of the principles of the present invention and not in limitation thereof.
As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a blade rib” can include two or more such blade ribs unless the context indicates otherwise.
Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.
As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.
As used herein, the term “light fixture housing” may be used interchangeably throughout the specification with troffer, light fixture, light housing, fixture, luminaire, or housing, as is known in the art.
A louver assembly 10 is disclosed herein for use with an overhead lighting system in order to greatly reduce glare when illuminating commercial, office, institutional, or industrial spaces. Referring now to the drawings, and in particular to
In one aspect, a plurality of blade ribs 20 and a plurality of stringers 40 are arranged perpendicular to one another to comprise the louver assembly. In one aspect, the stringers extend in the longitudinal direction, while the blade ribs extend in the transverse direction. In one exemplary aspect, the ribs and stringer can be interconnected in a quick, easy, and secure manner to form the exemplified louver of the present invention.
In one exemplified aspect, the louver assembly 10 comprises a door frame 12, the plurality of blade ribs 20 and the plurality of stringers 40, which are arranged perpendicular to one another to form a series of more or less equally-sized square or rectangular openings. In one aspect, the door frame comprised a plurality of elongate support members 14 that are connected together conventionally. In the illustrated example, four support members are connected together to form the generally rectangular door frame shown in
In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in
In another aspect, a portion of the upper edge 28 of the blade rib can define at least one light source notch 30 that is configured to partially surround the light source 14. As shown in
In a further aspect, the plurality of stringers 40 comprises a pair of side stringers 42 and a center stringer 44. In one aspect, each side stringer 42 has a substantially planar shape. In another aspect, the center stringer 44 has a substantially V-shape in cross section with two tapered sides 46 that extend downwardly to a common apex edge 48. In one aspect, when the louver assembly is connected to the light housing, the open end of the center stringer is configured to overlie a ballast cover 7 of the light housing 2, which is typically longitudinally disposed in the center of the base of the light housing. Optionally, the tapered sides of the center stringer can generally match the angle of the respective sides of the ballast cover.
In a further aspect, the center stringer 44 defines a plurality of apex slots 50 that extend upwardly on each tapered side 46 from the apex 48. In one aspect, each apex slot 50 is oriented substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the center stringer.
In one exemplary aspect shown in
Of course, it is contemplated that various size louver assemblies 10 may be used constructed to fit light fixture housings 2 of differing size by varying the number of longitudinal stringers and transverse blade ribs that comprise the louver assembly, along with their dimensions. In this fashion, it is contemplated that the louvers can be formed in an array of cells as desired. For example, the exemplified louvers illustrated in the present application are for a 14 cell louver in a 7 cell×2 cell array. It is contemplated that the array of cells for the louver can be selected as desired, such as, for example and not meant to be limiting, a 12 cell louver in a 6 cell×2 cell array.
In one exemplary aspect, the blade ribs are mounted therein a channel defined in support members of the door frame 12 and the respective stringers are mounted and fixed to the respective blade ribs. In a further aspect, tabs can be used to secure the blade ribs 20 and the respective stringers 40 to each other. In one exemplary aspect, at least one end tab 60 can extend outwardly from each of the respected ends of the blade rib 20. These end tabs are inserted into slots 62 defined thereon the two opposing side stringers. Further, at least one outwardly extending tab 64 can be defined on upper portions of the central notch of the blade rib that are configured to be received within slots 66 defined above the apex slot of the center stringer. Further, it is contemplated that at least a portion of the blade rib can be inserted into the apex slot of the center stringers. The respective tabs 60, 64 are bent or folded-over such that the respective stringers and blades are substantially fixed in relation to each other.
In one aspect, when the stringers and blade ribs are positioned, the respective side surfaces of the stringers are oriented at an acute angle relative to the plane of the door frame. Thus, the respective surfaces of the stringers face downwardly to reflect incident light emitted by the respective light sources downwardly into the room. Further, the reflective surfaces, i.e., the front and back reflective faces of the connected blade ribs 20, are positioned substantially upright and generally transverse to the ceiling plane.
Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer periphery of the louver assembly is substantially defined by the two side stringers 42, which extend in the longitudinal direction, and the two end blade ribs 32, which extend in the transverse direction. Referring to
In another aspect, when the stringers and blade ribs are connected together, the bottom edge of at least one stringer member of the plurality of stringer member is recessed above the lower edges of the plurality of blade ribs. A notch 49 can be defined in a portion of the rolled lower edge 26 of the blade rib that is configured to cooperate with the common apex edge of the center stringer. In this aspect, the common apex edge and the lower edges of the plurality of blade ribs can be positioned in or proximate to a substantially common plane.
In one aspect, the rolled lower edge 26 of the blade rib provides for damage resistance and increased strength that allows for general planar construction with increased optical efficiency over conventional V formed cross blades. The flat, substantially upright, blade ribs 20 of the present invention increases optical efficiency of the light fixture because the subtended angle is reduced over the conventional V-shaped or parabolic-shaped cross blade louver designs. In another aspect, the rolled lower edge 26 of the blade rib 20 provides a visual thickness that enhances the louver assembly's integrity and quality.
In a further aspect, the light source notches 30 formed in the upper edge of the blade rib allows for the use of a taller blade rib which yields a deeper louver appearance as well as providing superior off-axis shielding. In yet another aspect, the light source notches 30 also allow the light source(s), such as the exemplified elongate lamps, to be positioned lower in the light fixture than would be otherwise possible. Having the lamp(s) positioned lower in the fixture, i.e., closer to the opening of the fixture and the ceiling plane, acts to enhance the overall light fixture efficiency.
In a further aspect of the invention, referring to
In addition, one skilled in the art understands that if a single light source 4 is utilized, the louver assembly 10 would comprise the pair of side stringers 42 and the plurality of blade ribs 20 as the center stringer 44 is not necessary in this embodiment. Further, the blade rib would only need to define a single light source notch in the upper edge of the blade rib as the central notch 32 is not required.
The stringers and blade ribs which comprise louver assembly 10 are preferably made from a lightweight, thin metal or ultra-thin material, such as aluminum or steel. In one aspect, it is preferred to use steel to form the respective blade ribs and/or stringers of the louver assembly to both provide strength and damage resistance. Further, the use of steel materials allows for the manufacture of substantially planar blade ribs with their optical efficiency advantages. In another aspect, the use of steel materials yields economic advantages over the use of more traditional aluminum.
In another aspect, the design of the louver assembly of the present invention promotes the use of powder paint finishing yielding high reflectivity, field cleanability and/or dirt resistance. The design also allows for the use of paint after assembly finishing processes with its attendant economic advantages in the market verses requiring painting before assembly.
It is contemplated that the louver assembly of the present invention can be sized and shaped to fit into existing high volume fixture and door frame components. As noted above, the louver assembly also provides economic advantages in regard to material content, shipping and storage efficiencies, and installation and performance enhancements to the end user.
Although several embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind to which the invention pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is therefore understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and that many modifications and other embodiments of the invention are intended to be included within the scope of the invention. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the described invention.
This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/815,705, filed on Jun. 22, 2006, which is incorporated in its entirety in this document by reference.
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| D122861 | Carter, Jr. | Oct 1940 | S |
| D128961 | Hrabak | Aug 1941 | S |
| D132144 | Hallman | Apr 1942 | S |
| D143641 | Biller et al. | Jan 1946 | S |
| D155306 | Meyer | Sep 1949 | S |
| D156332 | Gilman | Dec 1949 | S |
| D160417 | Nitardy | Oct 1950 | S |
| 2565741 | Runge | Aug 1951 | A |
| 2606998 | Wyman et. al. | Aug 1952 | A |
| 2621285 | Nitardy | Dec 1952 | A |
| 2670429 | Tillson | Feb 1954 | A |
| 2683799 | Taylor et al. | Jul 1954 | A |
| 2946880 | Picha et. al. | Jul 1960 | A |
| D209534 | Eisenberg | Dec 1967 | S |
| D240853 | Aronson | Aug 1976 | S |
| 4268897 | Schierwagen et al. | May 1981 | A |
| 4494175 | Gawad et al. | Jan 1985 | A |
| D300873 | Thompson et al. | Apr 1989 | S |
| 4849867 | Glass et al. | Jul 1989 | A |
| 4967324 | Barclay | Oct 1990 | A |
| 5117342 | Vlah | May 1992 | A |
| D329102 | Dieperink | Sep 1992 | S |
| 5303507 | Oille | Apr 1994 | A |
| D360271 | Butler | Jul 1995 | S |
| D365409 | Lu | Dec 1995 | S |
| D378860 | Galletly | Apr 1997 | S |
| 5803585 | Littman et al. | Sep 1998 | A |
| 5806972 | Kaiser et al. | Sep 1998 | A |
| 5823663 | Bell et al. | Oct 1998 | A |
| 6138416 | Platt | Oct 2000 | A |
| 6582098 | Brown et al. | Jun 2003 | B1 |
| D480168 | Herst et al. | Sep 2003 | S |
| D485932 | Crane | Jan 2004 | S |
| D520176 | Herst et al. | May 2006 | S |
| 7036957 | Paravantsos | May 2006 | B2 |
| 7108398 | Holten | Sep 2006 | B2 |
| 7390111 | Lippis | Jun 2008 | B2 |
| 20070195531 | Paravantsos | Aug 2007 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 123993 | Nov 2008 | CA |
| 2060212 | Feb 1997 | GB |
| 2091915 | Apr 2000 | GB |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20070297181 A1 | Dec 2007 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60815705 | Jun 2006 | US |
