Abstract:
A horticulture light system comprising a housing, glass retention rails, gasket, glass sheet, and threaded fasteners. The housing constructed of no more than three portions of sheet metal, defining an interior space therein and having an open end towards the plants, the housing interior space constructed and arranged for containing a grow lamp and reflector to project a pattern of light out the open end of the housing at the plants, the open end including a rectangular sealing face for mating with the gasket, the gasket sealing the glass surface to the rectangular sealing face when compressed by the glass retention rails. The glass retention rails also constructed from sheet metal, easily formed into a L shape, attached by common threaded screws, and as tightened, compressively secure the glass to the gasket and housing. Loosening the threaded screws removes the compressive force, unsealing the glass from the housing, making for easy glass removal, facilitating maintenance and cleaning.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     NONE 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     This invention is not the product of any Federally Sponsored Research or Development. 
     REFERENCE TO MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Technical Field 
     The present device relates generally to horticultural lighting fixture used for growing plants in controlled environments. 
     2. Discussion of Related Art 
     Indoor gardens, green houses, hydroponics systems, and isolated carbon dioxide growing chambers demand careful regulation of temperature, light, hydration, nutrients, and humidity. In these controlled environments, one of the major challenges is providing adequate light intensity, while efficiently and effectively removing the heat generated by the light source. A second major challenge relates to the manufacturing of the horticulture fixture in an economical way, utilizing inexpensive materials and manufacturing processes. Horticulture lighting systems depend on grow lamps as a primary light source. Commonly used grow lamps are high pressure sodium and metal halide. These grow lamps get exceptionally hot when confined in a horticulture lighting fixture. The heat generated may curl new growth on plants, dry out the soil or planting medium, and if the heat is not dissipated, the grow lamp will have a reduced life span. These undesirable effects reduce yields and increase operational costs. 
     Several air cooled horticulture light fixture designs incorporate sheet metal enclosures in combination with a transparent shield or glass between the grow lamp and the developing plants, sealing the heat generated from the lamp while allowing the desired light to pass. Some fixtures even benefit from forced air cooling wherein a fan blows cooling atmosphere through the fixture exhausting the heated air out of the growing environment, and away from plants. 
     This problem of energy being absorbed and then radiated was addressed by U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,662 issued in July 2003 to Wardenburg disclosing an air cooled double walled fixture wherein cooling air was introduced via conduit on one end and exhausted out the other side, and a transparent portion was located between the grow lamp and the plants allowing for light to pass while isolating the lamp and it&#39;s heat from the growing environment. Wardenburg did not disclose or teach the fixture having glass retention rails for removably engaging and sealing glass to the bottom of the fixture allowing for easy cleaning and maintenance. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,267,483 issued in July 2001 to Hembery discloses a straight and continuous channel of air flow through a transparent tube. The Hembery device isolates the grow lamp from the growing plants by centering the grow lamp within the transparent tube. Free flowing air enters one end of the fixture and free flows out the other side. The Hembery device absolutely depends on a transparent tube, and the transparent material of choice is borosilicate glass that is heavy and expensive. Hembery fails to teach construction from low cost material or manufacturing method such as sheet metal and the efficient process of forming and shaping sheet metal. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,247,830 issued in June 2001 to Winnett et al. discloses a forced air transparent tube fixture that senses the temperature of the fixture and shuts the grow lamp down if the temperature exceeds a predetermined maximum safe operating level. The Winnett device also relies on a transparent tube that must withstand high temperatures which is expensive and fails to teach the use of inexpensive sheet metal and sheet metal processes. 
     Not one of the above discussed inventions, taken either singularly or in combination, teach the instant invention as claimed. What is desired is a horticulture light fixture primarily constructed from inexpensive sheet metal formed by efficient sheet metal processes, having a glass retention structure that provides easy glass removal for cleaning and fixture maintenance, while said glass retention structure provides positive compressive force sealing the glass to the fixture via gasket, thus isolating the growing plants from the generation of grow lamp heat. 
     PRIOR ART 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 U.S. Patent Reference Documents: 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Application 11/679,140 
                 March 2009 
                 Hargreaves 
               
               
                   
                 6,595,662 
                 July 2003 
                 Wardenburg 
               
               
                   
                 6,267,483 
                 July 2001 
                 Hembry 
               
               
                   
                 6,247,830 
                 June 2001 
                 Winnett et al. 
               
               
                   
                 D400,289 
                 October 1998 
                 Wardenburg et al. 
               
               
                   
                 5,702,179 
                 December 1997 
                 Sidwell 
               
               
                   
                 5,621,267 
                 April 1997 
                 Shaffner et al. 
               
               
                   
                 4,078,169 
                 March 1978 
                 Armstrong 
               
               
                   
                 4,037,096 
                 July 1977 
                 Brendgord et al. 
               
               
                   
                 3,825,741 
                 July 1974 
                 Morton et al. 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
     There are several objects and advantages of the present device:
         a) to provide a horticulture light fixture able to sealingly isolate the grow lamp heat away from plants, constructed out of inexpensive sheet metal, utilizing an inexpensive flat glass sheet, secured via sheet metal retention structure;   b) a simple and elegant horticulture housing constructed from no more than three sheet metal portions;   c) a sturdy rail structure constructed from efficient punching and forming of sheet metal that when attached to the housing, provides adequate compressive force, sealingly securing the glass;   d) to provide a glass retention structure able to sealingly secure the glass, while facilitating simple and easy cleaning and maintenance.   e) to provide a sheet metal alternative to using more expensive materials and parts such as borosilicate glass transparent tubes, hinges and other component parts.       

     Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from considerations of the ensuing description and drawings. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with the present device, a horticulture light system comprising a housing, glass retention rails, gasket, flat glass sheet, and fasteners. The housing defining an interior space therein and having an open end towards the plants, the housing interior space constructed and arranged for containing a grow lamp and reflector to project a pattern of light out the open end of the housing at the plants, the open end including a rectangular sealing face for mating with the gasket, the gasket sealing the glass surface to the rectangular sealing face when compressed by the glass retention rails. The glass retention rails also constructed from sheet metal, easily formed into a L shape, attached by common threaded screws, and as tightened, compressively secure the glass to the gasket and housing. Loosening the threaded screws removes the compressive force, unsealing the glass from the housing, making for easy glass removal, facilitating maintenance and cleaning. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 TABLE OF NUMERIC IDENTIFIERS 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Numeric 
                 Element 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 100 
                 Housing 
               
               
                 101 
                 Interior Space 
               
               
                 102 
                 Open Side 
               
               
                 120 
                 Center Portion 
               
               
                 130 
                 First Portion 
               
               
                 140 
                 Second Portion 
               
               
                 150 
                 Left Lip Bend 
               
               
                 160 
                 Right Lip Bend 
               
               
                 170 
                 Possible Air Duct 
               
               
                   
                 Location 
               
               
                 180 
                 Left Side 
               
               
                 190 
                 Right Side 
               
               
                 200 
                 Top Side 
               
               
                 210 
                 Interior space 
               
               
                 230 
                 Sealing Face 
               
               
                 240 
                 Sheet of Glass 
               
               
                 250 
                 Inward Glass Surface 
               
               
                 260 
                 Outward Glass 
               
               
                   
                 Surface 
               
               
                 270 
                 Threaded Hole 
               
               
                 275 
                 Through Hole 
               
               
                 280 
                 First Tab 
               
               
                 290 
                 Second Tab 
               
               
                 300 
                 Third Tab 
               
               
                 310 
                 Fourth Tab 
               
               
                 320 
                 First End 
               
               
                 330 
                 Second End 
               
               
                 340 
                 Bottom Edge 
               
               
                 350 
                 Exposed Edges 
               
               
                 360 
                 Gasket 
               
               
                 370 
                 Top Gasket 
               
               
                   
                 Surface 
               
               
                 380 
                 Bottom Gasket 
               
               
                   
                 Surface 
               
               
                 390 
                 Sealing Mates 
               
               
                 400 
                 First Glass 
               
               
                   
                 Retention Rail 
               
               
                 410 
                 Second Glass 
               
               
                   
                 Retention Rail 
               
               
                 420 
                 Third Glass 
               
               
                   
                 Retention Rail 
               
               
                 430 
                 Fourth Glass 
               
               
                   
                 Retention Rail 
               
               
                 440 
                 L-Shape 
               
               
                 460 
                 Angle 
               
               
                 470 
                 Threaded Fastener 
               
               
                 475 
                 Threaded Thumb 
               
               
                   
                 Fastener 
               
               
                 480 
                 Adhesive 
               
               
                 500 
                 Style Line 
               
               
                 510 
                 Lip 
               
               
                 600 
                 Internal Fold Seams 
               
               
                 700 
                 Sheet of Glass 
               
               
                 700 
                 Sheet of Glass 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective exploded front view of one embodiment of the Horticulture Light Fixture with Glass Retention Rails; 
         FIG. 2  is a top side exploded view of the embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a left side close up view of the embodiment housing, as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a back side view of the embodiment housing as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a bottom side view of the embodiment of the embodiment housing as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a component exploded view of the housing, glass retention rails, threaded fasteners and the flat sheet of glass of the embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a close up perspective view of the left front corner of the housing with the glass retention rails attached by threaded fasteners of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an assembled perspective bottom view of the housing, glass retention rails, and sheet of glass secured by threaded fastener, of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to  FIGS. 1-8 , a preferred embodiment of the present device is shown, illustrating the Horticulture Light Fixture with Glass Retention Rails. The exemplary embodiments according to the present device are illustrated with those components necessary to demonstrate the inventive design, enable comprehension, and facilitate understanding. The embodiment shown, sealingly secures the glass sheet while allowing for easy removal for cleaning and maintenance. Many of the non-novel, but necessary for operation elements like the electrical and mechanical aspects for attaching, powering, and implementing are not present as they are commonly used and known in the art. For example, a similar Horticulture Light Fixture described in application Ser. No. 11/679,140 of Hargreaves is of the same functional characteristics as the present invention, but without the glass retention feature. The electrical service connection of 110 volts and 220 volts, socket configuration, and reflective insert is known by one of normal skill in the art, but not specifically mentioned in this application. Another application of the herein described feature of glass retention would be the double-walled fixture described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,595,662 Wardenburg for example. The current invention is applicable to all horticulture light fixtures that could benefit from a glass retention feature herein described. 
     Description  FIG. 1 : 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective exploded front view of one embodiment of the Horticulture Light Fixture with Glass Retention Rails. The housing  100  is constructed from three portions, two of which are shown in  FIG. 1 , the center portion  120  and the first portion  130  with the second portion  140  not shown in  FIG. 1 , but shown in subsequent FIGs. The housing  100  defines an interior space  101  shown in subsequent FIGs, and open side  102  also illustrated in  FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  8 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment in  FIG. 1 , the first portion  130  constructed from one continuous sheet of metal having two threaded holes  270  including a first tab  290  formed to match the angle of the right side  190  and a second tab  280  formed to match the angle of the left side  180 , each first tab  290  and second tab  280  having a threaded hole  270 . 
     The center portion  120  constructed from a continuous sheet of metal, forming the left side  180 , right side  190 , and top side  200  of the housing  100 , in connection with the first portion  130  forming the first end  320 , and the second portion  140  forming the second end  330  (Not shown in  FIG. 1 , but shown in subsequent  FIGS. 2-8 ), leaving the open side  102  at the bottom with the exposed edges  350  of the center portion  120 , first portion  130 , and second portion  140  defining the sealing face  390  shown in  FIG. 6 . The fold line  500  is shown along the left side  180  for the purpose of illustrating the present invention, but is not required for the invention; 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a first glass retention rail  400 , second glass retention rail  410 , and third glass retention rail  420 , each constructed having a general profile of an L-Shape  440 . The first portion  130  constructed from one continuous sheet of metal having two threaded holes  270  including a first tab  290  formed to match the angle of the right side  190  and a second tab  280  formed to match the angle of the left side  180 , each first tab  280  and second tab  290  having a threaded hole  275 . 
       FIG. 1  shows the embodiment having a possible air duct location  170 , wherein cooling atmosphere could be circulated through the fixture. This possible air duct location  170  is shown here to demonstrate the diversity of different types of horticulture light fixtures that could benefit from this innovative glass retention structure. 
     The connecting the glass retention rails is demonstrated in FIG.  1 ., the second glass retention rail  410 , fixates to the housing  100  shown using thumb fasteners  475  passing within through holes  275  in second glass retention rail  410 , securing by screwing into the threaded holes  270  located in the first portion  130 . The first glass retention rail  400  secures in a similar manner but along the left side  180  by threaded fastener  470  wherein the threaded fastener  470  passes within the through holes  275  of the first glass retention rail  400 , securing by screwing into the threaded hole  270  located in the first tab  280 . The third glass retention rail  420  secures in a very similar manner but along the right side  190  by threaded fastener  470  wherein the threaded fastener  470  passes within the through hole  275  of the third glass retention rail  420 , securing by screwing into the threaded hole  270  located in the second tab  290 . The opposing second portion  140  is not shown in  FIG. 1 , but is illustrated in subsequent FIGs having similar connection methods of the fourth glass retention rail  430  shown in  FIG. 2-8 . 
     The general L-Shape  440  of the end profiles of the glass retention rails  400 ,  410 ,  420 ,  430  are constructed and arranged having the upper long vertical L-Shape  440  portion matching the side on which the rail attaches, with the lower L-Shape  440  portion being parallel to the exposed edges  350 . 
     Specifically the first glass retention rail  400  having a length matching the bottom exposed edge  350  of the left side  180 , and formed into an L-shape  440  having the bottom of the L parallel with the open side  102  shown in  FIG. 6 , the bottom of the L-Shape  440  also being parallel with the exposed edge  350 , of the left side  180 . The first glass retention rail  400  having the top of the general L-shape  440  matching the angle of the left side  180 . The second glass retention rail  410  having a length matching the exposed edge  350  of the first portion  130 , having two through holes  275  matching position of the first portion  130  threaded holes  270 . The second glass retention rail  410  formed into an L-shape  440  having the bottom of the L-shape  440  parallel with the open side  102  shown in  FIG. 6 , also being parallel with the bottom exposed edge  350 , of the first portion  130 . The second glass retention rail  410  having the top of the general L-shape  440  matching the angle of the first portion  130 . 
     The third glass retention rail  420  having a length matching the bottom exposed edge  350  of the right side  190 , and formed into an L-shape  440  having the bottom of the L parallel with the open side  102  shown in  FIG. 6 , the bottom of the L-Shape  440  also being parallel with the bottom exposed edge  350 , of the right side  190 . The third glass retention rail  420  having the top of the general L-shape  440  matching the angle of the right side  190 . 
     The fourth glass retention rail  430  is not shown in  FIG. 1 , but is shown in subsequent FIGs. having similar attachment to the housing  100 . 
       FIG. 2  is a top side exploded view of the embodiment as shown in  FIG. 1  illustrating how all of the glass retention rails  400 ,  410 ,  420 , and  430  attach to the housing  100 . The first portion  130  constructed from one continuous sheet of metal having two threaded holes  270  including a first tab  280  formed to match the angle of the left side  180  and a second tab  290  formed to match the angle of the right side  190 , each first tab  280  and second tab  290  having a threaded hole  275 . The second portion  140  constructed from one continuous sheet of metal having two threaded holes  270  including a third tab  300  and fourth tab  310 , the third tab  300  formed to match the angle of the right side  190  and the fourth tab  310  formed to match the angle of the left side  180 , each third tab  300  and fourth tab  310  having a threaded hole  270 . The housing  100  constructed from the center portion  120 , the first portion  130 , and a second portion  140 , the center portion  120  making up the top side  200 , left side  180 , and right side  190 . 
     The process of connecting the glass retention rails is demonstrated in  FIG. 2 . from a top down perspective, specifically the second glass retention rail  410 , fixates to the housing  100  as shown using thumb fasteners  475  passing within through hole  275  in second glass retention rail  410 , secured by screwing into the threaded holes  270  located in the first portion  130 . The first glass retention rail  400  secures in a similar manner but along the left side  180  by threaded fastener  470  wherein the threaded fastener  470  passes within the through hole  275  of the first glass retention rail  400 , securing by screwing into the threaded hole  270  located in the second tab  290 . The third glass retention rail  420  secures in a mirror manner but along the right side  190  by threaded fastener  470  wherein the threaded fastener  470  passes within the through hole  275  of the third glass retention rail  420 , securing by screwing into the threaded hole  270  located in the first tab  280 . The fourth glass retention rail  430  mirrors attachment to the second glass retention rail  410 , just on opposing second portion  140 , specifically the fourth glass retention rail  430 , fixates to the housing  100  as shown using thumb fasteners  475  passing within through hole  275  in fourth glass retention rail  430 , securing by screwing into the threaded holes  270  located in the second portion  140 . The use of a threaded fastener  470  or a thumb fastener  475  is a distinction without difference, simply showed as two options for the currently displayed embodiment. 
       FIG. 3  is a left side close up view of the embodiment housing  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 3  provides an up close view of the first tab  280 , as the first tab  280  is formed out of the same continuous sheet of metal as the first portion  130 . The threaded hole  270  facilitates fixation of the first glass retention rail  400 . This left side view further demonstrates the gasket  360  having a top gasket surface  370  and a bottom gasket surface  380  said top gasket surface  370  being against the sealing face  230  which is parallel running with the exposed edge  350  of the right side  180 . The bend line  500  shown across the right side  180  is shown for this embodiment where the angle of the right side  180  changes at the bend line  500  for the fixture shape. This bend line  500  does not need to be present and is included for the limited purpose to describe the present embodiment style lines. The left side  180  and right side  190  could continue at the upper angle 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the first end  320  of the housing  100 . The second end  330  is a mirror image of the first end  320  shown here in this  FIG. 4 . The possible air duct location  170  is approximately centered which is the preferred location. The first tab  280  protrudes out matching the angle of the left side  180 , and second tab  290  protrudes out matching the angle of the right side  190 . 
     Lip  510  is shown in  FIG. 4  to demonstrate another possible embodiment wherein only two glass retention rails are used rather than four, having the lip  510  square the glass to the housing  100  reducing the need for four glass retention rails to two, one on the right side  190  and one on the left side  180 . Whether two rails are used or four depends on the size and weight of the glass sheet  700  shown in the other FIGs. The alternate two rail embodiment works best with rectangular housings  100  when the first end  320  and second end  330  are substantially narrower than the right side  190  and left side  180  respectfully. For this example, the lip  510  extends from both the bottom edge  340  of the first portion  130  and second portion  140  on each first end  320  and second end  330 . The lip  510  extending perpendicular to the open side  102  a distance equal to or greater than the thickness of the gasket  360  and glass  700 . 
       FIG. 5  is bottom view of the housing  100  with the gasket  360  laying on the sealing face  230 , with the top gasket surface  370  contacting the sealing face  230 , and the bottom gasket surface  380  being exposed and available for the sheet of glass  240  (not shown here). The possible air duct location  170  is approximately centered which is the preferred location. The first tab  280  protrudes out from the first portion  130  matching the angle of the left side  180 , and second tab  290  protrudes out from the first portion  130  matching the angle of the right side  190 . Each tab having a threaded hole  270 , as does the second portion  140  and first portion  130 . Internal fold seams  600  provide the connection between the first portion  130  to the center portion  120  and second portion  140  to the center portion  120 . 
     The interior space  101  is defined by the center portion  120 , first portion  130 , and second portion  140  connect via internal fold seams  600 . Internal fold seams  600  is one method of connection, other method may include pop rivets, welding the edges, or any other permanent fixation method. 
     In other embodiments, the first tab  280  protrudes out from the center portion  120  rather than the first portion  130 , matching the angle of the left side  180 , and second tab  290  protrudes out from the center portion  120  rather than the second portion  140 , matching the angle of the right side  190 . 
     In  FIG. 6  is an exploded bottom view of the housing  100  with the gasket  360  laying on the sealing face  230 , with the top gasket surface  370  contacting the sealing face  230 , and the bottom gasket surface  380  being exposed and available for the sheet of glass  240  to rest upon. The exploded perspective provides a bottom view of how the components come together. The glass  240  having two sides, the inward glass surface  250  and the outward glass surface  260 , the inward glass surface  250  lays against the top gasket surface  370  leaving the outward glass surface  260  available for first glass retention rail  400 , second glass retention rail  410 , third glass retention rail  420  and fourth  430  glass retention rail to lay along the perimeter as shown, compressively sealing the inward glass surface  250  to the top gasket surface  370  as the threaded fasters  470  and threaded thumb fastener  475  pass through the through holes  275  rotationally attaching in the threaded holes  270 . 
       FIG. 7  is a close up perspective view of the first glass retention rail  400  and second glass retention rail  410  secured to the left side  180  and first portion  130  respectfully, with the threaded fastener  470  rotationally secured into the threaded hole  270  in first tab  280 . Threaded thumb fastener  475  further rotationally secures to the first portion  130  by the same method. 
       FIG. 8  is bottom view of the housing  100  with the gasket  360  laying on the sealing face  230 , with the bottom gasket surface  380  contacting the sealing face  230 , and the top gasket surface  370  covered by the sheet of glass  240 . The internal fold seams  600  attach the center portion  120 , first portion  130 , and second portion  140  to form the housing  100 . 
     The first glass retention rail  400  compressively seals the glass sheet  700  and secured to the left side  180  by threaded fastener  470  rotationally secured into first tab  280  extending from first portion  130 , and by threaded fastener  470  rotationally secured into third tab  300  extending from second portion  140 , The third glass retention rail  420  compressively seals the glass sheet  700  and secured to the right side  190  by threaded fastener  470  rotationally secured into second tab  290  extending from first portion  130 , and by threaded fastener  470  rotationally secured into fourth tab  310  extending from second portion  140 . The second glass retention rail  410  compressively seals the glass sheet  700  and secured to the first end  320  by threaded fastener  470  rotationally secured into threaded hole  270  located in first portion  130 . The fourth glass retention rail  430  compressively seals the glass sheet  700  and secured to the second end  330  by threaded fastener  470  rotationally secured into threaded hole  270  located in second portion  140 .