Patent Application
20050201108
1. Field of the Invention
The invention generally relates to wall-mounted lighting fixtures. The invention more specifically applies to wall-mounted lighting fixtures used in outdoor environments, or in indoor environments that include splattering or falling moisture.
2. Description of the Background Art
Multiple decorative lighting fixture designs are readily available in most lighting and hardware stores. Outdoor light shelters come in a variety of styles and designs and may be comprised of glass, plastic, metal, or a combination of these or other materials. These shelters generally enclose the lighting fixture so that the fixture is protected from rain, snow and other forms of precipitation.
However, the decorative nature of many currently available light shelters results in designs that do not adequately protect the enclosed lighting device. While some of these shelters provide too little protection, other shelters completely enclose the lighting device so that there is insufficient cooling airflow, and as a result, the enclosed lighting device, such as a light bulb and socket, deteriorates and fails prematurely.
Some decorative shelters are riveted, welded, glued, or similarly permanently attached to their associated mounting structures. While this design has the advantage of simplicity, it does not allow the fixtures to be disassembled for repair or cleaning. This design also does not allow the shelter to be easily replaced without also replacing the mounting structure, which may require an electrician. Replaceable light shelters frequently include unnecessary and/or unreliable connecting hardware that may loosen over time, thereby exposing the fixture to moisture. The screws and clips that comprise these types of systems also rust, freeze in place, break, or bend, and specialized replacement parts are frequently not readily available. The connectors are also easily lost and require the use of additional tools to replace the light shelter or access the lighting element.
The need exists for a simple and reliable decorative light fixture that can be easily removed and replaced without tools or connecting hardware. The current invention provides an attractive light fixture that meets these criteria and adequately protects the lighting device from typical outdoor weather conditions, while at the same time providing sufficient airflow to cool a lighting device, such as a light bulb and socket, in a manner that does not degrade the life or lighting capability of the lighting device.
The current invention is a weather-resistant lighting fixture primarily designed for use in outdoor environments. The fixture is comprised of a lighting device attached to a bracket assembly and at least partially enclosed by a light shelter. In the preferred embodiment, the bracket assembly includes a base plate and a channel bracket that extends outward from the base plate. The light shelter has a retaining lip designed to engage the bracket to create a substantially watertight seal. In the preferred embodiment, the lighting device is enclosed on the top and sides but remains open at the bottom to allow cooling air to circulate within the fixture.
The above and other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
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The bracket assembly 1 may be attached to the wall with screws or by any other means known in the art. The bracket assembly 1 may be comprised of any type of material consistent with the function of the components, but is preferably comprised of a metal, such as aluminum. A lighting device 7 is attached to the wall through the bracket assembly 1. In the preferred embodiment the lighting device 7 is a light socket and light bulb, however, any means of illumination should be considered within the scope of the invention.
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The channel bracket 3 is positioned on the wall and/or base plate 5 to receive a light shelter 9, as best shown in
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In operation, the light shelter 9 slides down onto the channel bracket 3 so that the lighting device 7 is enclosed on top and on the sides, but is open at the bottom, as best shown in
Further, the design of the fixture allows the light shelter 9 to be removed and replaced without any tools and without any supplementary connecting hardware. With the light shelter 9 removed, the light device 7 is accessible and a lighting element, such as a light bulb, is easily removed and replaced. The relatively large size of the open portion 15 of the light shelter 9 provides sufficient ventilation to allow a large wattage bulb to be used with the fixture.
For the foregoing reasons it is clear that the current invention provides an outdoor light fixture that protects the lighting device 7 from typical outdoor weather. The invention design allows flexibility in the selection of the light shelter 9 exterior configuration. Although the preferred embodiment of the light shelter 9 has been generally described, the light shelter 9 may be transparent, translucent or opaque, and the exterior of the shelter 9 may also have decorative designs and overlays. The light shelter 9 may have multiple alternative exterior shapes, as required for specific applications. Additionally, the bracket assembly 1 may have multiple alternative shapes and configurations.
The invention, as described, may be applied in various applications and modified in multiple ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims. Although the materials of construction are generally described, they may also include a variety of compositions consistent with the function of the invention.
