Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6755559
-
Patent Number
6,755,559
-
Date Filed
Friday, June 28, 200222 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, June 29, 200420 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
- Hoffman; Tara L.
- Goodman; Alfred N.
- Bicks; Mark S.
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 362 404
- 362 427
- 362 269
- 362 371
- 362 372
- 362 287
- 362 285
- 362 270
- 362 147
- 362 365
- 362 368
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A luminaire comprising an optical assembly that has a mounting interface. A socket holder has a mounting member that is adapted to mount the socket holder to the mounting interface of the optical assembly. First and second proximate surfaces are adapted to support a socket and a light source in first and second orientations, respectively. The socket holder defines a central axis. A longitudinal axis is defined by the socket and the light source in the first orientation is substantially parallel to the central axis of the socket holder and a longitudinal axis of the socket and the light source in the second orientation is angled with respect to the central axis of the socket holder.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a luminaire adapted to mount to a canopy or ceiling that can support a lamp in different orientations. Additionally, the present invention relates to a luminaire that facilitates installation and replacement of the lamp. More specifically, the luminaire includes a socket holder capable of supporting the lamp in first and second orientations and that is movable between unlocked and locked positions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A luminaire is a light fixture that is typically mounted to a canopy, ceiling or light pole. Conventional luminaires include a ballast electrically connected to a socket and lamp, and an optical refractor or lens that encloses the lamp and allows light rays from the lamp to emanate therethrough.
Conventional luminaires generally provide only one lamp orientation, usually either vertical or horizontal. Additionally, problems arise in installing and maintaining conventional luminaires. For example, installation often requires more than one person. Also, performing maintenance such as replacing the lamp often requires disassembly of the luminaire. Also, some conventional luminaires are bulky and include unnecessary parts. Moreover, some conventional luminaires are not easily adaptable to a variety of optical refractors.
Examples of conventional luminaires include U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,394,628, 6,276,818 and 6,182,848 to Wang; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,367,945 and 6,264,344 to Quioque et al.; U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,224,233, 6,059,422, and 5,662,407 to Fischer et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,388,681 to Meyer; U.S. Pat. No. 4,186,433 to Baldwin; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,675,466 to Baker, the subject matter of each of which is herein incorporated by reference.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a luminaire capable of supporting a light source, such as a lamp, in at least two different orientations.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a luminaire that facilitates installation and maintenance thereof, particularly when replacing the light source or lamp of the luminaire.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a luminaire that is compact and includes a minimal number of parts.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a luminaire that allows a variety of optical assemblies to be used with the luminaire.
The foregoing objects are basically attained by a luminaire comprising an optical assembly that has a mounting interface. A socket holder has a mounting member that is adapted to mount the socket holder to the mounting interface of the optical assembly. First and second proximate surfaces are adapted to support a socket and a light source in first and second orientations, respectively. The socket holder defines a central axis. A longitudinal axis is defined by the socket and the light source in the first orientation is substantially parallel to the central axis of the socket holder and a longitudinal axis of the socket and the light source in the second orientation is angled with respect to the central axis of the socket holder.
The foregoing objects are also attained by a luminaire, comprising an optical assembly having a mounting interface including at least one mounting aperture. A socket holder is coupled to the optical assembly and supports a socket and a light source at a first end. The socket holder is movable between locked and unlocked positions with respect to the mounting interface of the optical member. Socket holder includes a mounting member at a second end opposite the first end that is adapted to mount the socket holder to the mounting interface of the optical assembly. The mounting member has a guide portion and a locking portion engaged with the mounting aperture of the mounting interface of the optical assembly in the locked position thereby interlocking the socket holder and optical assembly, and disengaged with the mounting aperture in the unlocked position, wherein the guide portion facilitates engagement and disengagement of the locking portion with the mounting aperture.
The foregoing objects are also attained by a luminaire comprising a support panel and an optical assembly including a reflector coupled to a refractor. The reflector is releasably secured to the support panel thereby substantially restricting movement of the optical assembly with respect to the support panel. The reflector includes a mounting interface. A socket holder is coupled to the reflector of the optical assembly at the mounting interface. The socket holder is movable between locked and unlocked positions with respect to the reflector and the optical assembly. The socket holder supports a socket and a light source with the reflector and the refractor substantially enclosing the light source.
Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with annexed drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring to the drawings which form a part of this disclosure:
FIG. 1
is an exploded perspective view of a luminaire in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention showing a socket holder, optical assembly and support panel;
FIG. 2
is an elevational side view taken in section of the assembled luminaire illustrated in
FIG. 1
, showing a light source of the luminaire in a first orientation;
FIG. 3
is an elevational side view taken in section traverse to the sectional view of the luminaire illustrated in
FIG. 2
, showing the light source of the luminaire in a second orientation;
FIG. 4
is an exploded perspective view of the socket holder of the luminaire illustrated in
FIG. 1
including a partial perspective view of the optical assembly of the luminaire;
FIG. 5
is a perspective view of the socket holder of the luminaire illustrated in
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 6
is a perspective view of a guide portion of the luminaire illustrated in
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 7
is a partial elevational side view taken in section of the luminaire illustrated in
FIG. 2
, showing the socket holder and a mounting member thereof in an unlocked position with respect to the optical assembly;
FIG. 8
is a partial elevational side view taken in section of the luminaire illustrated in
FIG. 2
, showing the socket holder and the mounting member thereof in a locked position with respect to the optical assembly;
FIG. 9
is a partial elevational side view taken in section traverse to the sectional view of
FIG. 7
, showing the socket holder in the unlocked position;
FIG. 10
is a partial elevational side view taken in section traverse to the sectional view of
FIG. 8
, showing the socket holder in the locked position;
FIG. 11
is an exploded elevational side view of a luminaire in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, showing a socket holder, optical assembly and support panel;
FIG. 12
is an elevational side view taken in section of the assembled luminaire illustrated in
FIG. 11
, showing a light source of the luminaire in a first orientation;
FIG. 13
is an elevational side view taken in section traverse to the sectional view of the assembled luminaire illustrated in
FIG. 12
, showing the light source of the luminaire in a second orientation; and
FIG. 14
is a top plan view of the optical assembly of the luminaire illustrated in FIG.
11
.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiment of
FIGS. 1-10
Referring to
FIGS. 1-10
, a luminaire
10
in accordance with a first embodiment the present invention includes a socket holder
12
releasably coupled to an optical assembly
14
. Socket holder
12
supports a socket
16
and a light source
18
, which is preferably a high intensity discharge lamp. Optical assembly
14
encloses light source
18
and allows light rays to emanate therefrom. Socket holder
12
can support light source
18
in more than one orientation, as seen in
FIGS. 2 and 3
, allowing selection of a desired orientation. Luminaire
10
is mounted to a support panel
20
, such as a canopy or a panel retrofitable to a canopy.
Socket holder
12
generally includes a housing
22
with a first end
24
that supports socket
16
and light source
18
and a second end
26
that is adapted to mount socket holder
12
to optical assembly
14
. Housing
22
is preferably conical in shape and hollow thereby defining an inner receiving area
28
for receiving socket
16
and the end of light source
18
engaged with socket
16
. Housing
22
is also preferably formed of a substantially heat resistant material, such as metal, and is a unitary one-piece member.
First end
24
of housing
22
, which is preferably the top end of housing
22
, defines a central axis
30
and first and second surfaces
32
and
34
for supporting socket
16
and light source
18
in first and second orientations, respectively, as seen in
FIGS. 2 and 3
. An optional cap
35
, see
FIG. 4
, can be used to cover first end
24
thereby protecting socket
18
. First and second surfaces
32
and
34
are preferably proximate or close to one another. First and second surfaces
32
and
34
are preferably disposed on first and second walls
36
and
38
, respectively. First wall
36
is substantially horizontal with respect to the sidewall
40
of housing
22
. Second wall
38
extends away from first wall
36
and is angled with respect thereto. A shoulder wall
42
joins first and second walls
36
and
38
. Disposed in both the first and second walls
36
and
38
are fastening holes
44
that receive fasteners
46
for securing socket
16
to either first wall
36
in the first orientation or second wall
38
in the second orientation.
As seen in
FIG. 2
, socket
16
is secured to first wall
36
by fasteners
46
so that light source
18
is in the first orientation. In the first orientation, first wall
36
, socket
16
and light source
18
define a longitudinal axis
48
that is substantially parallel to central axis
30
of socket holder
12
. The first orientation is preferably a substantially vertical orientation when luminaire
10
is mounted to support panel
20
that is substantially horizontal such that longitudinal axis
48
is substantially perpendicular to panel
20
. However, if luminaire
10
is mounted to a vertical support panel or sidewall, or is mounted to a slanted support panel or wall, then the first orientation of socket
16
and light source
18
would be substantially perpendicular to the panel.
As seen in
FIG. 3
, second wall
38
, socket
16
and light source
18
define a second longitudinal axis
50
in the second orientation. Second longitudinal axis
50
is angled with respect to central axis
30
of socket holder
12
. An angle a is defined between longitudinal axis
50
and central axis
30
. Angle a is preferably acute, such as 15 degrees, however, angle a can be substantially 0 degrees or substantially 90 degrees.
Although it is preferable that first wall
36
is substantially horizontal and second wall
38
is substantially angled therefrom, first wall
36
can also be angled thereby changing the first orientation of socket
16
and light source
18
. For example, the first and second walls
36
and
38
can converge and meet to form an inverted V so that each longitudinal axis
48
and
50
, respectively, is angled with respect to socket holder central axis
30
. Similarly, the angle of second wall
38
can be varied between being generally aligned with first wall
36
so that longitudinal axes
48
and
50
are substantially parallel, and being generally perpendicular to first wall
36
so that second longitudinal axis
50
is substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis
48
.
The second end
26
of housing
22
, which is preferably the bottom end, includes an outwardly extending circumferential flange
52
extending from a bottom edge of housing
22
. Flange
52
includes generally planar upper and lower surfaces
54
and
56
and an outer shoulder
58
. First and second mounting members
60
are supported by flange
52
and engage optical assembly
14
. Although it is preferable to use two mounting members
60
, any number of mounting members
60
can be employed and only one mounting member
60
is required.
Each mounting member
60
includes a guide portion
62
for facilitating engagement of the mounting members
60
with optical assembly
14
and a locking portion
64
for interlocking the mounting members
60
with optical assembly
14
, as seen in FIG.
4
. Locking portion
64
is preferably a mounting bolt.
As seen in
FIG. 6
, guide portion
62
includes a ring body
66
with depending arcuate ears
68
extending from opposite radial sides of ring body
66
. The central opening
70
of ring body
66
is threaded. A first dimension d
1
′ of guide portion
62
is defined between the outer surfaces
72
and
74
of ears
68
respectively. A second dimension d
2
′ of guide portion
62
is defined between the sides
76
of each ear
68
. Each guide portion ring body
66
is attached to flange lower surface
56
so that ears
68
extend downwardly from flange lower surface
56
at substantially ninety degrees, as seen in FIG.
4
. Although it is preferably to use ring body
66
, body
66
can be eliminated such that ears
68
are directly attached to and extend from flange lower surface
56
. Central opening
70
of each ring body
66
is aligned with first and second threaded receiving wells
78
and
80
, respectively.
As seen in
FIGS. 7 and 8
, first and second receiving wells
78
and
80
each extend upwardly from flange upper surface
54
and includes a hollow threaded interior
82
, an open end
84
aligned with ring body
66
and an opposite closed end
86
. Each guide portion
62
and corresponding receiving wells
78
or
80
are preferably disposed on opposite sides of socket holder housing
22
. Threaded central opening
70
of ring body
66
of guide portion
62
and threaded interior
82
of each receiving well
78
and
80
are adapted to engage a part of locking portion
64
, preferably a threaded stem
88
of the locking portion or mounting bolt
64
.
Locking portion
64
of each mounting member
60
includes a bolt head
90
at a distal end of stem
88
. Mounting bolt head
90
is adapted to engage a part of optical assembly
14
, thereby interlocking socket holder
12
and optical assembly
14
. The diameter of mounting bolt head
90
defines a first dimension d
1
″ of locking portion
64
, as best seen in
FIGS. 7 and 8
, that is substantially the same as the first dimension d
1
′ of guide portion
62
. A second dimension d
2
″ of locking portion
64
is defined by the diameter of mounting bolt stem
88
, as best seen in
FIGS. 9 and 10
, that is substantially the same as the second dimension d
2
′ of guide portion
62
. As such, when locking portion
64
is coupled with guide portion
62
, the ears
68
of guide portion
62
will be as wide, i.e. the first dimension d
1
′, as locking portion bolt head
90
, i.e. the first dimension d
1
″, as seen in
FIGS. 6
,
7
and
8
. Ears
68
will also be as narrow, i.e. the second dimension d
2
′, as locking portion stem
88
, i.e. the second dimension d
2
″, as seen in
FIGS. 6
,
9
and
10
(ears
68
being shown in dashed lines). This design facilitates engagement of locking portion
64
with optical assembly
14
.
A gasket receiving recess
94
is formed between shoulder
58
and the lower surface
56
of flange
52
. A ring shaped gasket
96
is received in recess
94
. Gasket
96
abuts flange lower surface
56
and is disposed outside of mounting members
60
and adjacent outer shoulder
58
of flange
52
. Gasket
96
is preferably made of compressible foam but can be any known compressible material such as rubber, felt and silicone. Secondary receiving wells
98
can be optionally included on socket housing
22
that are similar to but smaller than receiving wells
78
and
80
. Secondary receiving wells
98
allow socket holder
12
to attached directly to support panel
20
as will be described below with respect to the second embodiment.
As seen in FIGS.
4
and
6
-
8
, the distance D that guide portion ears
68
extend from the lower surface
56
of socket housing flange
52
controls the depth at which locking portion bolt stem
88
of each mounting member
60
extends or is threaded into receiving wells
78
and
80
. This dictates the appropriate location of locking portion
64
, particularly bolt head
90
, for proper securement of locking portion
64
with optical assembly
14
. This prevents locking portion
64
of each mounting members
60
from being threaded into receiving wells
78
and
80
too far which would create difficulty in engaging locking portion
64
with optical assembly
14
, or not far enough which would create a loose or less secure engagement of locking portion
64
with optical assembly
14
.
As seen in
FIGS. 1-3
, optical assembly
14
generally includes a reflector
100
coupled to a refractor
102
with light source
18
being enclosed therebetween. Reflector
100
is preferably bowl shaped with a circular outer perimeter
104
and inner and outer curved surfaces
106
and
108
. Reflector
100
includes first and second end portions
110
and
112
with first end portion
110
being substantially smaller than second end portion
112
. A reflector wall
114
extends between first and second end portions
110
and
112
and slopes or tapers outwardly from first end portion
11
to second end portion
112
. Although it is preferable that reflector
100
is bowl shaped, reflector
100
can be other shapes such as a box or plate shaped as long as reflector
100
can engage support panel
20
.
First end portion
110
of reflector
100
includes a central planar surface
116
having a mounting interface
118
for engaging mounting members
60
of socket holder
12
and a central opening
120
for receiving light source
18
. Mounting interface
118
preferably includes mounting apertures
122
that engage locking portions
64
of mounting members
60
. Mounting apertures
122
are preferably key hole shaped and disposed concentrically around central opening
120
. Each key hole mounting aperture
122
includes first and second sections
124
and
126
with first section
124
being substantially larger than second section
126
. A pair of locking detents
128
are also disposed of either side of each mounting aperture
122
.
Second end portion
112
of reflector
100
includes an outer shoulder
130
extending from outer perimeter
104
and is formed by a first wall
132
that extends outwardly and a second wall
134
extending generally perpendicularly from first wall
132
. Attached to the outer surface
108
of reflector
100
at shoulder first wall
132
is a conventional starter
146
and conventional capacitor
148
supported on a bracket
149
, as seen in FIG.
1
. Although it is preferable that reflector
100
supports starter
146
and capacitor
148
, starter
146
and capacitor
148
can be located remotely therefrom such as on support panel
20
.
Refractor
102
is preferably a glass lens but can be formed of a plastic material as well. Refractor
102
has bowl shape with smooth inner and outer surfaces
138
and
140
and an outer edge
142
. A ring shaped gasket
144
is disposed between reflector
100
and refractor
102
and is preferably disposed on outer edge
142
of refractor
102
. Gasket
144
is preferably made of a rubber material but can be made of any known material such as felt.
Support panel
20
is preferably a panel that can be retrofit into an existing canopy or ceiling
150
(see
FIGS. 2 and 3
) in the same manner disclosed in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,276,818 to Wang and entitled Latch Assembly For Luminaire Housing Door, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,848 to Wang and entitled Luminaire Housing With Universal Dual Surface cantilever Hinge, the subject matter of each of which is herein incorporated by reference. In such a retrofit application, support panel
20
includes at least one hinge
152
and at least one latch
154
for mounting the panel
20
to an existing canopy or ceiling in the same manner described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,628. However, support
20
can also be just the canopy or ceiling in new installation applications.
Support panel
20
, whether in a retrofit or new installation application, includes an opening
156
for supporting optical assembly
14
. Securing fasteners
158
are used to secure reflector
100
and refractor
102
with respect to panel
20
thereby securing optical assembly
14
and restricting the movement thereof with respect to panel
20
. Support panel also includes generally planar upper and lower surfaces
160
and
162
. Opening
156
is defined by a perimeter edge of
164
.
Assembly of Embodiment of
FIGS. 1-10
Assembly of luminaire
10
initially requires mounting socket holder
12
to optical assembly
14
at the mounting interface
118
of reflector
100
. Specifically, locking portions
64
of each mounting member
60
are coupled to corresponding guide portions
62
and receiving wells
78
and
80
, respectively, of socket housing
22
. Since mounting members
60
are substantially identical, the assembly of only one mounting member
60
is described. Mounting bolt stem
88
of mounting member
60
is threaded through central opening
70
of a respective guide portion ring body
66
and into a threaded receiving well
78
and
80
, respectively, (see
FIG. 7
, showing receiving well
78
) until mounting bolt head
90
abut ears
68
of the guide portion
62
. This places mounting bolt head
90
at the appropriate distance from socket housing flange
52
for proper engagement with reflector
100
of optical assembly
14
.
Socket holder
12
can then be mounted to mounting interface
118
of reflector
100
by inserting mounting bolt heads
90
of each mounting member
60
into first sections
124
of respective mounting aperture key holes
122
of the mounting interface
118
, as seen in FIG.
7
. Since mounting members
60
of socket holder
12
are substantially identical and key holes
122
are substantially identical, the engagement of only one mounting member and one key hole
122
is described. In this initial position, socket holder
12
is unlocked with respect to reflector
100
, the bottom of ears
68
of mounting member guide portion
62
abut a distal edge
136
of key hole first section
124
. Also, mounting bolt head
90
is located just below reflector wall
114
with mounting bolt stem
88
extending through key hole first section
124
. The first dimension d
1
′ of guide portion ears
68
and the first dimension d
1
″ of mounting bolt head
90
are slightly less than the width of key hole first section
124
allowing easy insertion of mounting bolt head
90
and ears
68
into key hole first section
124
, as seen in FIG.
9
. Gasket
96
is received in receiving recess
94
of socket holder
12
and rests on outer surface
108
of reflector wall
114
surrounding mounting aperture key holes
122
. Gasket
96
is sandwiched between socket housing flange
52
and reflector
100
.
Socket holder
12
can then be rotated about its central axis
30
, preferably clockwise, to a locked position with reflector
100
remaining stationary. Specifically, while rotating socket holder
12
, gasket
96
is compressed, thereby lowering mounting bolt head
90
with respect to reflector wall
114
to clear locking detents
128
located on reflector wall inner surface
106
as guide portion
62
and mounting bolt stem
88
pass from key hole first section
124
to key hole second section
126
. Once locking detents
128
are cleared, socket holder
12
is released allowing gasket
96
to expand to its near normal thickness, thereby lifting mounting bolt head
90
until it abuts reflector wall inner surface
106
to provide a tight engagement between mounting bolt head
90
and reflector wall
114
. Gasket
96
also provides a seal against water and insects. In this locked position, ears
68
of mounting member
60
abut a distal edge
137
, opposite distal edge
136
, of second section
126
of mounting aperture key hole
122
. Since the second dimension d
2
′ of ears
68
is less than the mounting bolt head first dimension d
1
″ and is generally equal to mounting bolt stem dimension d
2
″, ears
68
fit into key hole second section
126
, as seen in FIG.
10
. Mounting bolt head
90
is trapped underneath reflector wall
114
with locking detents
128
preventing lateral movement of mounting member
60
, as seen in
FIGS. 8 and 10
.
To move socket holder
12
back to the unlocked position, gasket
96
is again compressed while socket holder
12
is rotated about central axis in a direction opposite that direction to lock socket holder
12
, preferably a counter clockwise direction. By compressing gasket
96
, mounting bolt head
90
is lowered and clears locking detents
128
as ears
68
and mounting bolt stem
88
pass from key hole second section
126
back to key hole first section
124
. Socket holder
12
can then be disengaged from reflector
100
by lifting mounting member
60
, specifically mounting bolt head
90
and ears
68
from key hole first section
124
. Since ears
68
have the same width or first dimension d
1
as mounting bolt head first dimension d
1
″, disengagement and removal of mounting bolt head
90
from key hole
122
is facilitated. In particular, ears
68
will abut distal edge of key hole first section
124
thereby so that mounting bolt head
90
can be pulled straight through key hole first section
124
without interference from reflector wall
114
. Without ears
68
, a portion of mounting bolt head
90
would likely slide underneath reflector wall
114
so that when attempting to pull mounting bolt head
90
through key hole first section
124
, that portion of mounting bolt head
90
would abut inner surface
106
of reflector wall
114
, thereby preventing easy removal of mounting bolt head
90
.
The mounting member
60
and key hole
122
arrangement is preferably used to releasably secure socket holder
12
to reflector
100
of optical assembly
14
since this allows easy installation of socket holder
212
and light source
18
and facilitates replacement of light source
18
by simply rotating and unlocking socket holder
12
. However, other known mounting mechanisms can be used such as using brackets or clips. Also, a fixed attachment can be used to secure socket holder
12
and reflector
100
such as by welding or using a sealant or adhesive. Additionally, although it is preferable that each mounting member
60
be formed of a separate guide portion
62
and locking portion
64
coupled together, each mounting member
60
can be formed as a one-piece member incorporating guide portion
62
and locking portion
64
.
Socket
16
and light source
18
can then be mounted to socket holder
12
in a desired position, i.e. in the first or second orientation. In the first orientation, socket
16
is secured to first surface
32
on first wall
36
by fasteners
46
so that socket
16
abuts first wall
36
and the longitudinal axis
48
of light source
18
is generally parallel to central axis
30
of socket holder
12
, as seen in FIG.
2
. Similarly, in the second orientation, socket
16
is secured to second surface
34
on second wall
38
by fasteners
48
so that the longitudinal axis
50
of light source
18
is angled with respect to socket holder central axis
30
, as seen in FIG.
3
. In either orientation, light source
18
extends through central opening
120
of first end portion
110
of reflector
100
.
Optical assembly
14
is mounted to support panel
20
by securing reflector
100
to the upper surface
160
of panel
20
with outer edge
142
of refractor
102
being disposed between reflector
100
and panel
20
, as best seen in
FIGS. 2 and 3
. Socket holder
12
can be mounted to reflector
100
as described above either before or after optical assembly
14
is mounted to support panel
20
. Refractor
102
is placed in panel opening
156
allowing refractor
102
to drop below panel
20
due to its bowl shape with the outer edge
142
remaining above panel
20
. The outer surface
140
of refractor
102
rests on the perimeter edge
164
of panel opening
156
. Reflector
100
is placed over panel opening
156
above panel
20
, thereby covering refractor
102
, with second wall
134
of outer shoulder
130
resting on panel upper surface
160
. Light source
18
extends through panel opening
156
and below panel
20
. Refractor
102
encloses light source
18
from below and allows light to emanate therefrom. Second wall
134
of reflector outer shoulder
130
is spaced from refractor outer edge
142
. Gasket
144
is disposed between reflector shoulder first wall
132
and refractor outer edge
142
to provide a seal therebetween.
Securing fasteners
158
are used to secure optical assembly
14
with respect to panel
20
. In particular, each fastener
158
is inserted through panel
20
and through reflector shoulder first wall
132
, as seen in
FIGS. 2 and 3
. This secures reflector
100
to panel
20
and in turn secures refractor
102
which is sandwiched between reflector
100
and panel
20
. Thus, once optical assembly
14
is mounted to panel
20
, optical assembly
14
is substantially restricted from moving with respect to panel
20
. Also, reflector
100
acts as a support for socket holder
12
including socket
16
and light source
18
. This eliminates the need for an additional part to support socket
16
and light source
18
. A conventional ballast (not shown) is preferably remotely located such as on the panel upper surface
160
. However, the ballast does not have to be remotely located. For example, the ballast can be placed closed to socket holder
12
by any type of known support member. Wires
166
(see
FIG. 4
) electrically connect socket
16
and the ballast.
In retrofit applications, panel
20
with luminaire
10
mounted thereon as described above, is itself mounted to a canopy or ceiling
160
in the same manner as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,276,818 and 6,182,848 and therefore is not described in detail. In general, panel
20
with luminaire
10
mounted thereto is inserted into a canopy or ceiling opening
168
(see FIGS.
2
and
3
), typically after an existing luminaire has been removed. Hinges
152
engage the canopy and allow panel
20
to pivot with respect to the canopy. Latches
154
secure panel
20
and luminaire
10
in the canopy when the panel
20
is pivoted up into the canopy or ceiling opening
168
. Either the ballast from the pre-existing luminaire or a new ballast can be connected to socket
16
of luminaire
10
by wires
166
. In new installation applications, luminaire
10
is simply mounted to support panel
20
as described above.
Embodiment of
FIGS. 11-14
Referring to
FIGS. 11-14
, a luminaire
210
in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention generally includes a socket holder
212
secured to a support panel
220
and an optical assembly
214
releasably coupled to socket holder
212
. Support panel
220
can be either a retrofit panel for attachment to a canopy or ceiling or can be the canopy or ceiling itself. Socket holder
212
supports a socket
216
and a light source
218
. Socket holder
212
can support light source
218
in more than one orientation, as seen in
FIGS. 12 and 13
, allowing selection of a desired orientation. Optical assembly
214
encloses light source
218
and allows light rays to emanate therefrom.
Socket holder
212
is substantially identical to socket holder
12
of the first embodiment and therefore the reference numerals used to describe socket holder
212
are the same as the reference numerals for socket holder
12
with the numeral 2 added to the front. Gasket
296
differs from gasket
96
of the first embodiment in that it is wider and includes openings
304
, see
FIG. 11
, that allow mounting members or bolts
260
to extend through gasket
296
. Socket holder
212
includes mounting members
260
that are mounting bolts
264
each with a bolt head
290
. Two mounting members
260
do not include a guide portion like guide portion
62
of the first embodiment. Each mounting bolt
264
is threaded into a portion of respective receiving wells
278
and
280
leaving a substantially part of each mounting bolt
264
exposed under socket holder
212
for easy engagement with optical assembly
214
.
Optical assembly
214
is substantially similar to the optical assembly disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,628 to Wang and entitled Ballast Housing For Luminaire, the subject matter of which is herein incorporated by reference, and is therefore described only in sufficient to understand the present invention. In general, optical assembly
214
includes a mounting casting
300
coupled to a refractor
302
. Inner surface
306
of mounting member
306
includes a reflective coating so that mounting member
300
acts a reflector. Mounting casting
300
includes a central mounting interface
318
including a mounting cone
316
and mounting apertures or key holes
322
, as best seen in FIG.
14
. Key holes
322
are substantially identical to key holes
122
of the first embodiment.
A second gasket
334
is generaly square shaped with a central hole and rests on the upper surface
308
of mounting casting
300
surrounding key holes
322
, as seen in FIG.
14
. Mounting casting
300
includes an outer perimeter shoulder
330
adapted to engage refractor
302
by hinges
332
and latch
336
(see FIG.
14
.), as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,628. Extending from the inner or lower surface
306
of mounting casting
300
are optional fasteners
312
for supporting a reflector
314
.
Refractor
302
is preferably a bowl shaped glass lens with a flat bottom
338
and includes a frame
340
that is attached to and disposed around an upper outer edge
342
of refractor
302
. As with refractor
102
of the first embodiment, refractor
302
can be a variety of shapes as desired. Frame
340
is adapted for engaging reflector outer shoulder
330
via hinges
332
and latch
336
. A third ring gasket
344
is disposed around refractor outer edge
342
between frame
340
and refractor
302
thereby creating a seal between refractor
102
and frame
340
.
Support panel
220
includes upper and lower surfaces
360
and
362
and an opening
368
for mounting luminaire
210
. Disposed concentrically around panel opening
368
are preferably four mounting holes
370
(see
FIG. 11
showing two mounting holes
370
).
Assembly of Embodiment of
FIGS. 11-14
Assembly of luminaire
210
initially requires assembly of mounting members
260
with receiving wells
278
and
280
of socket holder
212
by threading each mounting bolt
264
into a respective receiving well
278
and
280
and leaving a substantial part of each bolt
254
exposed, as best seen in FIG.
11
. Additionally, mounting bolts
264
of each mounting member
260
are also inserted through openings
304
of gasket
296
with gasket
296
being located between socket holder flange
252
and the mounting bolt heads
290
of bolts
264
. Socket
216
and light source
218
are secured to socket holder
212
first end
224
in either the first or second orientation as described above with respect to the first embodiment.
Socket holder
212
is then secured to the upper surface
360
of panel
220
by fasteners
350
, as seen in FIG.
13
. In particular, socket holder
212
is placed over panel opening
368
so that gasket
296
of socket holder
212
is disposed on panel upper surface
360
around panel opening
368
and socket holder flange
252
also extends around panel
368
. Preferably two fasteners
350
are inserted through two of the panel mounting holes
370
, respectively, and threaded into secondary receiving wells
298
of socket holder
212
thereby securing socket holder
212
to panel
220
, as seen in FIG.
13
. At the same time, mounting bolts
264
of mounting members
260
are inserted through the remaining two panel openings
270
, as seen in
FIG. 12
, as extend below panel
220
. Light source
218
, whether in the first or second orientation extends through panel opening
268
. A conventional ballast, starter and capacitor (not shown) are preferably located on panel upper surface
360
and electrically connected to socket
216
by wiring.
With socket holder
212
secured in place on panel
220
, optical assembly
214
is mounted to socket holder
212
by engaging mounting members
260
with mounting interface
318
of mounting casting
300
. Specifically, optical assembly
214
is lifted so that mounting bolt heads
290
of mounting members
260
extend through key holes
322
of mounting casting
300
. Also, mounting cone
316
of mounting casting
300
extends into inner receiving are
228
of socket holder
212
to facilitate proper positioning of optical assembly
214
with respect to socket holder
212
. Optical assembly
214
is rotated, such as clockwise, to lock mounting bolt heads
290
with respect to key holes
322
, in the same manner as described above except no guide portions are used with mounting members
260
. Also the engagement of mounting members
260
and key holes
322
is the same as described regarding similar mounting mechanisms in U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,628. To remove optical assembly
214
, the assembly
214
is rotated in the opposite direction, such as clockwise.
Although using a mounting bolt
264
and key hole
322
engagement is preferable to secure optical assembly to socket holder
212
. This allows for a variety of optical assemblies to be mounted to socket holder
212
as long as they include key holes for engagement with mounting members
260
of socket holder
212
. However, any known securing or mounting mechanism can be used. For example, fasteners that extend through mounting casting
300
, panel
220
and socket holder flange
252
can be used to fixed optical assembly
214
with respect to panel
220
and socket holder
212
. Alternatively, brackets or clips can be used to connect optical assembly to either socket holder
212
or panel
220
or both.
Although it is preferably two employ two mounting members
260
and two fasteners
350
with socket holder
212
, any number of mounting members
260
or fasteners
350
can be used and only one mounting member
260
and one fastener
350
is required. Similarly, any number of key holes
322
can be used and only one key hole
322
is required.
If panel
220
is a retro-fit panel to be used in retrofitting or replacing an existing luminaire, panel
220
and luminaire
210
mounted thereon would be mounted to an existing canopy or ceiling in the same manner as described above with respect to the first embodiment.
While particular embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
- 1. A luminaire, comprising:an optical assembly having a mounting interface; and a socket holder having a mounting member adapted to mount said socket holder to said mounting interface of said optical assembly, and first and second proximate surfaces adapted to support a socket and a light source in first and second orientations, respectively, and said socket holder defining a central axis, wherein a longitudinal axis defined by said socket and said light source in said first orientation is substantially parallel to said central axis of said socket holder and a longitudinal axis of said socket and said light source in said second orientation is angled with respect to said central axis of said socket holder.
- 2. A luminaire according to claim 1, whereinsaid first surface is disposed on a substantially horizontal wall and said second surface is disposed on an angled wall extending from said horizontal wall.
- 3. A luminaire according to claim 2, whereina substantially vertical transition shoulder wall is disposed between said horizontal wall and said angled wall.
- 4. A luminaire according to claim 1, whereinsaid longitudinal axis of said socket and said light source at said second orientation forms an acute angle with said longitudinal axis of said socket and said light source in said first orientation.
- 5. A luminaire according to claim 1, whereinsaid socket and said light source are substantially vertical in said first orientation.
- 6. A luminaire according to claim 1, whereinsaid socket holder includes a substantially conical housing with first and second opposite ends, a horizontal wall and an angled wall extending from said horizontal wall at said first end, and an opening at a second end allowing said light source to extend therethrough in both said first and second orientations.
- 7. A luminaire according to claim 6, whereinsaid first surface is disposed on said horizontal wall; and said second surface is disposed on said angled wall.
- 8. A luminaire according to claim 1, whereinsaid mounting member is remote from said first and second surfaces.
- 9. A luminaire according to claim 1, whereinsaid mounting interface is located on a reflector of said optical assembly.
- 10. A luminaire according to claim 9, whereinsaid optical assembly includes a refractor; and said reflector and said refractor substantially enclose said light source.
- 11. A luminaire according to claim 1, whereinsaid socket holder is movable between an unlocked position with said mounting member being disengaged from said mounting interface and a locked position with said mounting member being engaged with said mounting interface, thereby interlocking said socket holder and said optical assembly.
- 12. A luminaire according to claim 1, whereina first fastener releasably attaches said socket to said first surface in said first orientation, and releasably attaches said socket to said second surface in said second orientation.
- 13. A luminaire according to claim 1, whereinsaid socket holder is a unitary member.
- 14. A luminaire according to claim 1, whereinsaid mounting member is a bolt; and said mounting interface is a key hole shaped aperture.
- 15. A luminaire, comprising:an optical assembly having a mounting interface, said mounting interface including at least one mounting aperture; and a socket holder coupled to said optical assembly and supporting a socket and a light source at a first end, said socket holder being movable between locked and unlocked positions with respect to said mounting interface of said optical assembly and including a mounting member at a second end opposite said first end that is adapted to mount said socket holder to said mounting interface of said optical assembly, said mounting member having a guide portion and a locking portion engaged with said mounting aperture of said mounting interface of said optical assembly in said locked position thereby interlocking said socket holder and said optical assembly, and disengaged with said mounting aperture in said unlocked position, wherein said guide portion facilitates engagement and disengagement of said locking portion with said mounting aperture.
- 16. A luminaire according to claim 15, whereinsaid guide portion has a first dimension that is substantially equivalent to a dimension of said locking portion; and said guide portion has a second dimension substantially transverse to said first dimension that is substantially less than said dimension of said locking portion.
- 17. A luminaire according to claim 16, whereineach of said guide portion and said locking portion are received in said mounting aperture.
- 18. A luminaire according to claim 15, whereinsaid mounting aperture is a key hole with first and second sections, said first section is substantially larger than said second section.
- 19. A luminaire according to claim 18, whereinsaid locking portion has a dimension adapted to allow said locking portion to be received in said first section of said key hole, and adapted to prevent said locking portion from being received in said second section; said guide portion has a first dimension substantially equivalent to said dimension of said locking portion, thereby facilitating insertion and removal of said locking portion with respect to said first section; and said guide portion has a second dimension adapted to allow said guide portion to be received in said second section of said key hole.
- 20. A luminaire according to claim 15, whereina compressible gasket is disposed between said socket holder and said mounting interface.
- 21. A luminaire according to claim 15, whereinsaid guide portion is separate from said locking portion.
- 22. A luminaire according to claim 15, whereinsaid socket holder includes a conical housing with a wall at said first end supporting said socket and said light source and a flange at said second end supporting said guide portion of said mounting member.
- 23. A luminaire according to claim 15, whereinsaid socket holder includes first and second proximate surfaces adapted to support said socket and said light source in first and second orientations, and said first and second orientations being acutely angled from one another.
- 24. A luminaire according to claim 15, whereinsaid socket holder includes a fastening member spaced from said mounting member for securing said socket holder to a panel.
- 25. A luminaire according to claim 15, whereinsaid guide portion includes a ring with a central opening and first and second depending walls; and said locking portion is a bolt received in said ring of said guide portion with a head of said bolt abutting said depending walls of said guide portion.
- 26. A luminaire, comprising:a support panel; an optical assembly including a reflector coupled to a refractor, said reflector being releasably secured to said support panel thereby substantially restricting movement of said optical assembly with respect to said support panel, and said reflector including a mounting interface; and a socket holder coupled to said reflector of said optical assembly at said mounting interface, said socket holder being movable between locked and unlocked positions with respect to said reflector and said optical assembly and supporting a socket and a light source with said reflector and said refractor substantially enclosing said light source.
- 27. A luminaire according to claim 26, whereinsaid socket holder rotates with respect a central axis between said locked and unlocked positions.
- 28. A luminaire according to claim 26, whereinsaid reflector is located above said support panel.
- 29. A luminaire according to claim 28, whereinsaid reflector is releasably secured to an upper surface of said support panel.
- 30. A luminaire according to claim 29, whereinsaid reflector includes a shoulder extending from an outer perimeter opposite said mounting interface for engaging said support panel.
- 31. A luminaire according to claim 26, whereinsaid socket holder includes first and second proximate surfaces that support said socket and said light source in first and second orientations, respectively.
- 32. A luminaire according to claim 31, whereinsaid second surface is angled with respect to said first surface and said second orientation is angled with respect to said first orientation.
- 33. A luminaire according to claim 26, whereinsaid light source extends through an opening in each of said reflector and said support panel so that a portion of said light source is below said support panel.
- 34. A luminaire according to claim 26, whereinsaid socket holder includes a mounting bolt that engages a mounting aperture of said mounting interface of said reflector when said socket holder is in said locked position.
- 35. A luminaire according to claim 34, whereinsaid mounting bolt includes a guide portion for facilitating insertion and removal of said mounting bolt from said mounting aperture.
- 36. A luminaire according to claim 26, whereinsaid refractor is substantially curved and encloses said light source from below said light source and said support panel.
US Referenced Citations (27)
Foreign Referenced Citations (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
916117 |
Dec 1974 |
CA |