Abstract:
Linear lighting fixtures intended to be incorporated into thin architectural surfaces, interconnected and configurable as a continuous run with potential to follow the direction of adjacent planar surface in three dimensional spaces while maintaining the structural integrity of the supporting framework.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/975,234, titled “LINEAR LIGHTING SYSTEM, MANUFACTURING AND METHODS TO CONFIGURE THE SAME”, filed on Apr. 4, 2014. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The majority of small form factor linear lighting fixtures have their drivers in a remote location due to the fact that there is no room for integral drivers in those types of fixtures. These systems have performance losses caused by their long wires and are more difficult to install than integral driver fixtures. 
         [0003]    The remote driver box fixtures are not UL approved for battery packs because most of the battery packs should be factory installed not field installed. 
         [0004]    The installer have to drill thru every joist up to the last one near the fixture and route the conduit from the remote driver compartment. This is additional labor and it would considerably increase the overall cost related to this job. 
         [0005]    International residential building code prescribes limitations for notching and bored holes in both interior and exterior walls. 
         [0006]    The decision about the location of the remote driver compartment is left to the installer and he can run into issues when he is limited by the length of the wire due to limitations imposed by manufacturer for power loss in the wire. He has to take extra steps to add up the segments of the wire way path and figure out the total length. In some situations he has to consult other people like the architect, designer, electrical engineer, building owner, contractors, etc. and incur delays due to these complexities. 
         [0007]    For existent construction or remodeling there is a risk to interfere with electrical conduit runs, HVAC ducts or plumbing pipes as these are hidden inside the wall and most initial plans are not available or consulted before the work is started. 
         [0008]    Those fixtures with integral driver compartment are designed as to allow driver access and maintenance, from the room side, but they require cutting and reframing structural members that are intended to support the walls and/or ceiling. This could extend or invalidate the building approvals required by the code or other authority therefore extending the overall lead time unnecessary. 
         [0009]    Traditional shallow linear recessed fixtures are not usually designed to allow access to replace the light engine while the maintenance of their remote drivers is more difficult than of those fixtures with integral driver. 
         [0010]    The warranty for the L.E.D. driver is usually under 5 years while LEDs could have double that lifetime. 
         [0011]    The power input of these runs is usually at the end of the fixture. Most of the walls and ceilings would have structural joist members at corner or at the end edges therefore these fixtures are not versatile and are not designed for what is mostly needed: end to end, transition corners, etc. 
         [0012]    Most of the other fixtures could not be installed after the planar surface is up, on existent construction. Most of them are for new construction and to be installed before the planar surface is installed. 
         [0013]    Various fixtures have been proposed to secure the light sources to the architectural surfaces. Typically, these fixtures have a relatively large depth profile that necessitates excessive clearance space behind the ceiling, wall, or floor surface. In most cases, it may be necessary to reframe a wall to add sufficient depth for the lighting fixture, which may also require cutting and reframing window sills, headers, and other architectural features for structural continuity. 
         [0014]    Due to its housing depth and because it&#39;s installed to the structure with screws, the integral fixture opening is distorted making the opening variable along the length of the fixture which in turn is not accurate enough to install the light diffusing/converting optical elements like: extruded lens,covers, etc. Additional temporary brackets are used to brace and bridge this opening but they don&#39;t eliminate completely the effect and/or they don&#39;t control the cause of the distortion (deep housing profile, unknown screw torque force applied by the installed in the field). 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0015]    The use of light as an element of design of architectural surfaces is a distinctive trend in modern times. 
         [0016]    In the near future more and more drivers will be integrated into the L.E.D. board. These are so called IC drivers. We can see that trend in direct line AC L.E.D. boards. These boards are connected directly to main power line without the need of a bulky driver to regulate them. Many consumers will want to convert their fixtures by upgrading their L.E.D. boards and this could eliminate one function of the driver compartment as being the enclosure for an L.E.D. driver but the enclosure will still be needed as storage compartment for the additional L.E.D. tape that is a result of using a tape that is not exactly the length of the concatenated run of fixtures. Also, the enclosure will be needed to contain the wire splices, wire nuts or the electrical connectors used to power the L.E.D. tape. This concept is designed to accommodate both, the current need for a driver compartment and the future upgrade. The future L.E.D. light engines could be housed and be powered directly from the power line integral to the small factor channel housing subject to this design. 
         [0017]    This linear fixture system is designed to be installed without cutting of the structural joist members and could have any direction along the thin surfaces as well as it can be laid out to create formations of various shapes within these surfaces (for example resembling many if not all the capital letters in the alphabet), geometric figures, etc. 
         [0018]    The applications of these fixtures are expanded to architectural accent lighting, general/ambient lighting for both, commercial and residential buildings. 
         [0019]    The attached driver compartment option is designed to inherit the advantages of the integral fixtures and remove many of their disadvantages. For example a nearby driver would allow short wires between the L.E.D. board and driver therefore reducing considerably the power efficacy loss. The capability to access and replace a faulty driver is another advantage. 
         [0020]    Another reason the traditional fixtures are 3″ to 5″ deep is due to the methods of mixing and diffusing L.E.D. light. The LEDs are oriented directly to the target therefore the point source is visible if it&#39;s too close to the lens. Advancements have been done relative to the optics, the diffuser lens are capable to blend the point source into a uniform, glare free, linear source while allowing smaller distances between the diffuser surface and L.E.D. chips. 
         [0021]    The light source could be remote phosphor style, traditional white L.E.D. or any other electroluminescent diode that is capable of generating radiation in response to an electrical signal. For example, the light source of a remote phosphor style would comprise of L.E.D.s installed on a printed circuit board (P.C.B.), that would emit blue light, namely a “blue pump” L.E.D, with the dominant wavelength ranging from 450 nm to 460 nm. Above the P.C.B., at a certain distance around the LED, there would be a material that contains phosphor that is intended to convert the wavelength of the photons emitted by the blue pump LEDs to white light spectrum. This phosphor material is separate and not packaged into the L.E.D. therefore it&#39;s known as “remote phosphor”. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]    The foregoing and other features and aspects of the invention are best understood with reference to the following description of certain exemplary embodiments, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
           [0023]      FIG. 1  illustrates an isometric view, frontal perspective, of a line segment of the embodied lighting system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  illustrates an isometric view, rear perspective, of a line segment of the embodied lighting system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  illustrates a front view of a line segment of the concatenated run of linear fixtures, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  illustrates a top view of a line segment of the concatenated run of linear fixtures, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  illustrates a back view of a line segment of the concatenated run of linear fixtures, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  illustrates section view of a line segment of the concatenated run of linear fixtures taken along section line  6 - 6  as labeled in  FIG. 4 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  illustrates section view of a line segment of the concatenated run of linear fixtures taken along section line  7 - 7  as labeled in  FIG. 4 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  illustrates a side view of a line segment of the concatenated run of linear fixtures installed in a planar surface, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  illustrates an exploded view of a line segment of the concatenated run of linear fixtures installed in a planar surface, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  illustrates an exploded isometric view of a line segment of the concatenated run of linear fixtures installed in a planar surface, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 11  illustrates a side view of component  10 , named “high voltage wireway channel”, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 12  illustrates a side view of alternate construction of component named “high voltage wireway channel”, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 13  illustrates a side view of corner construction of component named “high voltage wireway channel”, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 14  illustrates a side view of component  20 , named “spackle flange”, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 15  illustrates a top view of component  20 , named “spackle flange”, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 16  illustrates a side view of light diffusing/converting optical element  30 , named “lens”, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 16-A  illustrates a side view of a first variation of light diffusing/converting optical element profile named “lens”, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0040]      FIG. 16-B  illustrates a side view of a second variation of light diffusing/converting optical element profile named “lens”, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0041]      FIG. 17  illustrates a top view of component  40 , named “L.E.D. driver enclosure”, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0042]      FIG. 17-A  illustrates a detail/partial view of component  40 , taken within the circle “A” as labeled in  FIG. 17 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0043]      FIG. 18  illustrates a section view of component  40 , taken along section line  18 - 18  as labeled in  FIG. 17 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0044]      FIG. 19  illustrates a side view of component  40 , named “L.E.D. driver enclosure”, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 20  illustrates an isometric view of component  40  named “L.E.D. driver enclosure”, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 21  illustrates a top view of component  50 , named “power input segment housing for light engine”, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0047]      FIG. 22  illustrates a side view of component  50 , named “power input segment housing for light engine”, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0048]      FIG. 23  illustrates a perspective view of component  50 , named “power input segment housing for light engine”, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0049]      FIG. 24  illustrates an isometric view, frontal perspective, of the internal components of an L.E.D. driver enclosure as installed to frame structure; 
           [0050]      FIG. 25  illustrates an isometric view, rear perspective, of the external components attached to the back of an L.E.D. driver enclosure; 
           [0051]      FIG. 26  illustrates an exploded view, frontal perspective, of components attached to the front of an L.E.D. driver enclosure; 
           [0052]      FIG. 26-A  illustrates a detail/partial view taken withing the circle “A”, as labeled in  FIG. 26 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 27  illustrates a perspective view of first components of a line segment of a run of light fixtures installed in a planar surface; 
           [0054]      FIG. 27-A  illustrates a detail/partial view taken withing the circle “A”, as labeled in  FIG. 27 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0055]      FIG. 28  illustrates a side view of a finished line segment of the concatenated run of linear fixtures installed in a planar surface, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0056]      FIG. 29  illustrates a top view of the alignment plate  11 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0057]      FIG. 30  illustrates a top view of the alignment plate  12 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0058]      FIG. 31  illustrates a top view of an acute corner cleat  13 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0059]      FIG. 32  illustrates a top view a normal corner cleat  14 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0060]      FIG. 33  illustrates a top view an obtuse corner cleat  15 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0061]      FIG. 34  illustrates a perspective view of a bent corner cleat  16 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0062]      FIG. 35  illustrates a top view of a line segment of the concatenated run of linear fixtures, connected by an alignment plate, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0063]      FIG. 35-A  illustrates a detail/partial view taken withing the circle “A”, as labeled in  FIG. 35 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0064]      FIG. 36-A  illustrates an isometric view of a first step process of alignment plate  11  installation, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0065]      FIG. 36-B  illustrates an isometric view of a second step process of alignment plate  11  installation, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0066]      FIG. 36-C  illustrates an isometric view of a third step process of alignment plate  11  installation, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0067]      FIG. 36-D  illustrates an isometric view of a fourth step process of alignment plate  11  installation, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0068]      FIG. 37  illustrates a front view of a section of line segment row of fixtures installed on a planar surface, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0069]      FIG. 38  illustrates a section view taken along line segment  38 - 38 , as labeled in  FIG. 37 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0070]      FIG. 39  illustrates a section view taken along line segment  39 - 39 , as labeled in  FIG. 37 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0071]      FIG. 40  illustrates a perspective view of first components of a line segment of a run of light fixtures installed in a planar surface, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0072]      FIG. 40-A  illustrates a detail/partial view taken withing the circle “A”, as labeled in  FIG. 40 , in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0073]      FIG. 41  illustrates a perspective view of some geometrical figures that could be created on three dimensional planar surfaces utilizing the lighting system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
       
    
    
       [0074]    It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale and that the disclosed embodiments are sometimes illustrated diagrammatically and in partial views. In certain instances, details which are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosed methods and apparatuses or which render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course, that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION 
       [0075]    The present invention is focused on methods to configure linear lighting in different interior building spaces. Although the description of exemplary embodiments is provided below in conjunction with interior building structures, alternate embodiments of the invention are applicable to other illuminated open spaces including, but no limited to, transit, tunnels, staircase, sidewalk, landscape, bollards, parking and other outdoor areas. Furthermore, although the invention has been described with reference to specific methods to configure linear lighting fixtures embedded into interior and exterior architectural surfaces, these descriptions are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense to these applications but a disclosure to apply these concepts to other related applications as recessed lighting applications, cove, surface mount, suspended or track lighting. 
         [0076]    Furthermore, although some embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to specific methods to configure linear lighting fixtures, it is within the scope of the invention to apply the same concept to any elongated fixture or to a fixture substantially longer than its width. 
         [0077]    In one embodiment, the invention is a linear lighting fixture, intended to be installed on a structure without altering the structural members of its framework comprising: an enclosure, mounted on at least a structural member, wherein said enclosure is sufficiently recessed behind its mounting surface and containing an electrical device used as a power source and control; a channel segment, adjoined to said enclosure and mounted on at least a structural member bearing an opening to access said adjoining enclosure; a channel housing, having an integral wire way chase, abutted to and aligned with said channel segment and mounted on at least a structural member; a covering and anchoring surface, covering said wire way chase; a light source, containing electroluminescent diodes, mounted in said channel, and connected to said electrical device; and, a removable cover, mounted on said channel, wherein said channel would have at least an opening for maintenance access to said power source, after said fixture installation; 
         [0078]    In a variation of the embodiment above, the enclosure is placed anywhere along the gap, between the structural members. 
         [0079]    In another exemplary embodiment, the invention is a linear light fixture housing comprising: a channel housing, having one or more complementary located flexible locking features; a removable cover, having one or more complementary located flexible locking features; wherein said complementary located flexible locking features engage functioning as a snap-fit cover attachment system for the linear light fixture. 
         [0080]    In another exemplary embodiment, the invention is a linear light fixture housing comprising: a channel housing, comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, having at least one indentation integrally formed on its inner surface, in at least one of its side walls; and a removable cover, comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, having at least one complementary indentation integrally formed on its outer surface; wherein said indentation of said channel is for receiving and retaining said complementary indentation of said removable cover and functioning as a snap-fit attachment system of said cover to said channel. 
         [0081]    The term “L.E.D.” is known in the art and relates to Light-Emitting Diode: a semiconductor diode that emits light when an electric current passes thru it as a result of a specific voltage applied to its terminals. 
         [0082]    The term “L.E.D. driver” is known in the art and relates to an electrical device that manages power and controls the current flow to an L.E.D. lighting source. The electrical device is connected to a power source. 
         [0083]    The term “driver enclosure” (abbreviated as D.E.) is related to the L.E.D. driver enclosure, component  40  in our description, and is known in the art as the electrical enclosure housing the L.E.D. driver and constituting a part of the luminaire intended to:
       (a) reduce the risk of contact with live parts;   (b) enclose electrical parts and components that can involve a risk of fire;   (c) protect internal parts from mechanical damage; and   (d) protect internal parts from the environment.       
 
         [0088]    The term” opening” should be construed per Underwriters Laboratories (UL) definition as “an aperture in an enclosure that is covered or filled by a plug or knockout and that has the potential of becoming an open hole”. 
         [0089]    The term “knockout” (abbreviated as K.O.) relates to a partially cut-out opening that is closed until the precut material is removed. A similar explanation should be related to the term “half-shear” that will be used in our detailed description of the invention embodiment. 
         [0090]    The term “heat sink” should be construed as a material of a particular shape intended to absorb excessive heat from a surface and dissipate that heat thru other surfaces. 
         [0091]    The term “countersink” should be construed as a conical hole cut into a manufactured object. 
         [0092]    The term “plaster” should be construed as “a mixture of lime or gypsum, sand, and water, sometimes with fiber added, that hardens to a smooth solid” and is used for coating walls and ceilings. 
         [0093]    The term “spackle” is a trademark referencing a compound used to fill cracks in plaster and produce a smooth surface. 
         [0094]    The term “spackle flange” is known in the art as that lighting fixture component that is placed in contact with architectural surfaces for the purpose of applying spackle on top of it and bonding the fixture housing to the architectural surface. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the term “covering and anchoring surface” is largely used in reference to the “spackle flange” component but it&#39;s not intended to be limited to that particular embodiment. 
         [0095]    The term “elbow connector” is used in piping and electrical fittings to define a change of direction of an electrical conduit at a specific angle (usually 90 degrees). 
         [0096]    The term “hinge joint” is used in some embodiments of this invention to define an articulation that would allow motion only in one plane. 
         [0097]    For the purpose of this invention, the term “structure” is used in reference to the framework of a building such as an edifice for commercial, residential and industrial space or any other construction establishment. 
         [0098]    The term “stud” is known as a building material that is used to construct the frame of that structure. 
         [0099]    The term “recessed” is used, in this invention, to define a setback position of a component relative to a planar surface or a mounting surface. 
         [0100]    The term “channel” is used to reference an element having an elongated base, a first and a second wall, first wall disposed at a certain distance from the second wall, and extending from the base in a common direction therefore forming a cavity with two open ends. 
         [0101]    The abbreviation “H.V.W.C.” meaning “High Voltage Wire Channel” is in reference to component  10  of the lighting fixture segment. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the term “integral wire way chase”, is used in reference to component  10 . 
         [0102]    The abbreviation “P.I.S./H.-L.E.” meaning “Power Input Segment/Housing for Light Engine” is in reference to component  50  of the lighting fixture segment; Alternatively, in another embodiment, the term “channel segment” is used in reference to component  50 , within the scope of the invention, but not limited to that particular embodiment. 
         [0103]    In an exemplary embodiment, a fastening method is employed to secure at least two components by interlocking their own features (fastening by shape) or by using intermediate fasteners like screws, clips, clasps, glue, etc. 
         [0104]    A “snap-fit” is a mechanical joint system where part-to-part attachment is accomplished with locating and locking features (constraint features) that are homogenous with one or the other of the components being joined. Joining requires the (flexible) locking features to move aside for engagement with the mating part, followed by return of the locking feature toward its original position to accomplish the interference required to latch the components together. “- The First Snap - Fit Handbook ”, Bonenberger, 2000 is incorporated herein by reference. Some examples of locking features are: hooks, ridges, grooves, buttons, holes, depressions, indentations, etc. 
         [0105]    Descriptions of snap-fit joints can be found in US patent application no. US20070000922 A1 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,102,253 A incorporated herein by reference. Snap-fits joints advantageously eliminate other joining methods, e.g. screws, clips, and adhesives. 
         [0106]    For the purpose of this invention, the term “groove” is a long, narrow cut or depression, especially one made to guide motion or receive a corresponding ridge. 
         [0107]    For the purpose of this invention, the term “rib” is a long raised piece of stronger or thicker material across a surface or through a structure. For the purpose of defining directionality, a coordinate system needs to be related to a linear segment of the lighting system having a light emitting surface normal to Z axis of a cartezian coordinate system while its length is defined in the X direction and its width in Y direction. 
         [0108]    In an exemplary embodiment, depicted in  FIG. 10 , a planar surface could be a wall  80  that is constructed from one or more drywall sheets arranged on a conventional stud frame. A gap of predefined shape could be created by removing a portion or portions from the one or more drywall sheets. Alternatively, the lighting fixture may first be installed on the studs  90  and the wall may be added later. In other embodiments, the wall may be constructed of wallboard, lathing for plaster, wood, or any other material used to construct an architectural surface. 
         [0109]    As illustrated by  FIG. 10 , the basic shape of the gap for a linear segment fixture could have two parallel edges  801  and  802  and it might have an end similar to edge  803 . The main components of the slim form factor fixture segment is comprised of: high voltage wire way chase  10  , labeled “H.V.W.C.” , lens  30  and spackle flange  20 . A side view of the main components is illustrated by  FIG. 8  while  FIG. 9  is intended to clarify the profile of these components in an exploded view. 
         [0110]    In an exemplary embodiment, a gap of predefined shape might be formed in the planar surface similar to a concatenated sequence of “open” line segments with different angles between them. As seen in  FIG. 41 , shapes resembling alpabet letters (A,U,C,H,K,L,M,N,T,V,X,Y,Z) could be created on existent architectural surfaces as well as many other geometric figures. 
         [0111]    In an exemplary embodiment, as depicted in  FIG. 11 , an important component of the fixture is the High voltage wireway chase  10  (H.V.W.C.) This component could be an aluminum extrusion that may or may not be painted depending on certain circumstances. Other preferred materials to manufacture this part are the heat conductive materials and/or materials with electrical insulator properties. Some of its features:  101  is a lip intended to be a protective barrier to block particles, like those of the spakle compound  82  or those of the planar surface  80  illustrated in  FIG. 28 , from reaching the lens  30  or the light source  70  labeled in  FIG. 9 . 
         [0112]    The surface  198  might be an exposed or visible surface, in some configurations, therefore serving as a decorative surface with a required finish. The protrusions  102  and  104  could be one or multiple pairs intended to retain the lens  30  while they are inserted into the channel housing. They are also designed to allow the removal of the lens while a thin object is inserted and acceptable force is applied on that object. The surface  103  is a mounting surface for the L.E.D. light source  70 . The feature  105  is a lip intended to be a protective barrier to block particles, like those of the spakle compound  81  of  FIG. 28  , from reaching the lens  30  or the light source  70 . The top surfaces  105  and  101  are visible from the room side therefore their alignment is important as they have to be perceived as continuous line independent of the number of fixtures that are in the row. The feature  106  is a support receiver channel for the spackle flange  20 . The feature  107  is a screw chase feature designed to receive self tapping screws installed from the end. Those screws are used to secure the end caps of the continuous run. Alternatively, this same feature  107  could serve as channel for guide pins between consecutive extrusions. The features  108  and  109  along with  195  could be described as a “T” slot. This is intended as a receiver slot for corner cleats or alignment plates as those depicted in  FIG. 30  thru  FIG. 34 . The “alignment plates” are flat metal plates, mounted between the channel housings and intended to align these channels and to ensure their position is perceived by the majority of the viewers, as a continuous line. The features  108 ,  109  could also be used to insert protective covers  17  above the screw heads to protect the wires  19  from sharp edges as depicted in  FIG. 6  and  FIG. 7 . The surface  195  is also the surface where the installer would drill holes to secure the fixtures to the structure with wood screws or could have pre-drilled holes to align and pull the extrusions  10  together as seen in  FIG. 35-A  with the help of self tapping flat head screws installed in  121  and  122  locations and by using aligner plate  12 . Next installation step would be directed to the locations  123  and  124  that would receive the wood screws to secure the components to the structure. The feature  111  of  FIG. 11  is another “T” slot intended to align the fixtures in a perpendicular direction to the first slot or if additional alignment is required. Corner cleats similar to those depicted in  FIGS. 30  thru  34  would be used. The aligners  12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16 , being made of thick steel, could be a guide to drill the holes in the aluminum extrusion especially when the extrusion was “field cut to length” and the holes were removed with the scrap piece. 
         [0113]    A particular plate for linear alignment is depicted in  FIG. 29 , namely an aligner plate  11  with a jagged area on its first half and smooth zone on the second half with two slots and a tapped hole. This aligner plate  11  could be inserted into an extrusion  10  as illustrated in  FIG. 36-A . A second aligner plate  11  is used temporarily to stop the first aligner plate at a specific depth while its accessible end is tapped with a hammer. When the first plate  11  has reached the intended depth, as depicted in  FIG. 36-B , the stop plate is removed and a second extrusion  10  could be inserted in the free end of the aligner plate  11 , as illustrated in  FIG. 36-C . Once the two extrusions are touching, their contact could be maintained by using a set screw  115  actuated with an Allen wrench  116 , as depicted by  FIG. 36-D . 
         [0114]    As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , surface  196  is the surface that could be in contact with the structure and could be pierced by holes started from surface  195 . The ribs  197  are intended to increase the heat transfer surface on the opposite side of surface  103 , where the light engine is installed, and could be considered as heat sink fins. Alternate construction of extrusion  10  is illustrated in  FIG. 12 , where we can notice 2 symmetric wire way channels. This type of extrusion might be used, for example, when there is a need for  2  circuits that are supposed to be separate. Furthermore, a corner construction for outside longitudinal corner is presented in  FIG. 13 . 
         [0115]    Another component of the lighting fixtures, exemplified in  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15 , is the spackle flange  20 , preferrably made of sheet metal (aluminum, or steel or polimer) but could also be an extruded aluminum component with secondary operations. Grounding screw  21  needs to be factory installed. This could be pre-installed with grounding wire, eyelet, nut and star washer (not shown). The dimples  201  are so called “half-shear” features, well known in sheet metal industry and described previously. They are intended to create the rough surface needed to retain the spackle compound on top of the spackle flange  20 .Alternatively, other protruding features could be formed for the above mentioned purpose. The flange  202  has multiple purpose: one is to strengthen the rigidity of a thin sheet metal, when that sheet metal is bent along its surface, and to flatten the remaining surface, the second purpose is to locate the spackle flange relative to the fixture housing. The feature  203  is the surface that is sitting on top of the existent planar surface, like a drywall. The holes  204  are countersink holes intended to reduce the overall height of a flat head screw  18  and allow spackle compond coverage as seen in  FIG. 28 . 
         [0116]      FIG. 16  illustrates component  30 , the lens or the light diffusing/converting optical element (internal optical profile not shown). Alternatively, in another embodiment, the term “removable cover” is used in reference to component  30 , within the scope of the invention, but not limited to that particular embodiment. The feature  301  is the base of the light diffusing/converting optical element placed near the light source. This surface could have different shapes as exemplified by profile  311  of  FIG. 16-A  or profile  321  of  FIG. 16-B . The feature  302 , representing one or more indents on the side of the lens, is intended to retain the lens to the housing but in the same time allow easy snap in of the lens to the housing. In one exemplary embodiment of this invention, the feature  302  of component  30 , as depicted by  FIG. 16 , is defined as “complementary” to feature  102  of component  10 , as depicted by  FIG. 11 , and working as a snap-fit connection, when the two components are put together, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 9  or  FIG. 28 . Some example of “complementary” located features are groves and ribs or protrusions and indentations. The feature  303  is the surface that would create a sufficient gap beteeen the lens and housing as to allow a thin object to be inserted between the lens and housing for the purpose of lens removal. The surface  304  is the light output surface of the light diffusing/converting optical element. Component  31 , as depicted in  FIG. 16-A  and component  32  of  FIG. 16-B  are examples of internal profiles of the light diffusing/converting optical elements. The material for these lens or for the removable cover could be made of translucent or transparent plastic materials (i.e. acrylic, polycarbonate, polycarbonate with phosphor) or other light diffusing/converting optical grade materials. 
         [0117]    In another embodiment of this invention, the spackle flange  20  and the light diffusing element  30  could be formed as a single piece component. 
         [0118]    The light source  70  is primarily comprised of L.E.D. The technology could be blue, white, RGB L.E.D. chips. The circuit could be soft strips, FR boards, OL.E.D.s or any other electroluminescent diode that is capable of generating radiation in response to an electrical signal. 
         [0119]      FIGS. 17 ,  18 ,  19  and  20  illustrates different view angles of an L.E.D. driver enclosure (D.E.)  40 . In  FIG. 17 , the feature  401  is a knockout intended to be removed if a strain relief device, like an elbow connector  46  depicted in  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 6  or  FIG. 25 , would need to be installed to the D.E. to provide power or data wires inside the enclosure. The “depth” of the driver enclosure is limited by the size of the structural elements. In an exemplary embodiment of this invention, an enclosure, mounted on a 2″×4″ (2 inches by 4 inches) structural member, is considered “sufficiently recessed”, if its depth, measured from its mounting surface, is less than 4 inches and its protrusions are less than the thickness of the planar surface into which it is installed. The wiring of the L.E.D. driver enclosure (D.E.) could be done thru any opening on the back of the enclosure (“knock out” holes, access hole and cover plate, etc.) There could be one, two or more K.O. that could receive one, two or more elbow connectors, first being to feed the power wires, a second one to feed the control wires (for example the 0-10V wires). The K.O. could be removed by pushing against the round cap from inside with a screw driver or other object having a diameter smaller than the K.O. diameter and being capable to withstand the force necessary to push the round cap until removed. The D.E. could be made of aluminum sheet metal or steel. The elbow could be an off the shelf item usually made of metals (zinc, steel) 
         [0120]    Continuing description of features at  FIG. 17 , the feature  402  represents an array of half-shear or smaller K.O. features intended for easy removal when a self-tapping screw  43  ( FIG. 24 ) needs to be installed either to mount the L.E.D. driver  45  directly or thru an intermediate bracket  42  to the D.E.  40 . The hole  403  is intended to receive a self-tapping screw  51  as depicted in  FIG. 26-A . The screw  51  is mounting the P.I.S./H.-L.E  50  to D.E.  40  and ensures bonding of those two components. The hole  404  is a countersink hole, on each side of D.E., intended to receive a flat head wood screw  41  as depicted in  FIG. 24  or  FIG. 26-A  or  FIG. 27-A . The screw  41  is securing the D.E. to the structure. In other instances, the  404  hole could be elongated, like a slot. The hole  405  is another countersink hole intended to receive a second flat head wood screw  18  as depicted in  FIG. 27-A . The screw  18  is holding together the H.V.W.C.  10  and D.E.  40  to the structure. The tab  406  is a feature, on each side of the D.E.  40 , that is intended to ensure alignment of the H.V.W.C.  10  to D.E.  40  as seen in  FIG. 27-A . This tab could have another hole, similar to the holes of aligner plate  30 , to ensure the H.V.W.C. extrusion  10  is pulled closer to D.E  40 . The surface  407  is the back surface of D.E.  40  that could serve as the mounting surface to L.E.D. driver or mounting brackets. Alternatively,  408  or  409  surfaces could be used to support the footprint of the driver or mounting brackets. The tabs  499  are two stops that could be formed from the same piece of D.E. or could be separate piece intended to support the access doors  511  and  510 , of component  50 , as illustrated by  FIG. 23 . 
         [0121]    On the back of the driver enclosure we can see a set of small mounting K.O. arranged in any appropriate pattern to match the footprint of a series of L.E.D. drivers intended to be installed for every fixture configuration or by using intermediate mounting bracketing. The mounting of the driver depicted in the exemplary embodiment is not intended to restrict the other options that are not shown here as this driver could be installed on the other adjacent surfaces  408  or  409  of the driver enclosure D.E, as seen in  FIG. 18 . 
         [0122]    As depicted in  FIG. 25 , a driver cooling heat sink  60  could be attached to the back of the driver enclosure  40  using the holes pattern on the back of the L.E.D. driver. The heat sink is extruded aluminum with screw channels that could receive screws.  FIG. 37 ,  FIG. 38 ,  FIG. 39 ,  FIG. 40  and  FIG. 40-A  are illustrating D.E.  40  when the access doors  510  and  511  are open for splice inspection. L.E.D. soft strips connectors  71  are depicted in  FIG. 39 . The enclosure  40  is considered as being “recessed” and, together with the elbow connector  46 , intended to fit within the “depth” limitation of that space, labeled “D 1 ”, as depicted in  FIG. 38  and  FIG. 39 . In general, an enclosure is considered “sufficiently recessed” if its depth, measured from its mounting surface, is less than “D 1 ” and its protrusions are equal or less than the thickness of the planar surface “D” plus the thickness of the plaster, if any. The plaster thickness is usually between 1 mm to 6 mm. In general, the materials that are used to manufacture the electrical enclosures and the wire way chase integral to a channel, are: metals (carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), thermoset polyesters (i.e. fiberglass), thermoplastic (i.e. polycarbonate, ABS, etc.), polyesters, fire retardant plastics, etc. 
         [0123]    The channel segment or power input segment/housing light engine or P.I.S./H.-L.E labeled  50  as illustrated in  FIG. 21 ,  FIG. 22  or  FIG. 23 , could be made out of sheet metal aluminum or steel. Alternate construction could be made out of extruded aluminum but it would require multiple secondary operations. This segment is intended to match the profile of the extruded H.V.W.C.  10  and ensure row continuity along the lens lines. Also, it needs to allow inspector access, from the room side, to the wire splice compartment. Also, it needs to support the light sources. As illustrated in  FIG. 22 , the edges  503  and  504  are highly visible and are supposed to match  101  and  105  edges of the H.V.W.C.  10  as presented in  FIG. 11  or as it might be depicted in  FIG. 6 . The dimples  501  and  502  depicted by  FIG. 22  are formed and intended to match  102  and  104  depicted by  FIG.11 . In some instances, when the lens is longer that this segment  50 , these dimples might not be needed if there is no visual impact involved. The surface  505  is the mounting surface of  50 .The hole  506  illustrates a countersink hole that is intended to receive a self-tapping screw  51 , on each side of the housing  50  as depicted in  FIG. 26-A . The elements  508  and  509  are hinged access doors that could be manufactured from the same sheet metal piece with the body of  50  or could be separate components. The slots  507  are cut in a specific way as to allow torsion of the remaining bridge material when a regular operator force is applied at the opposite edge  588 . As depicted in  FIG. 23 ,  510  and  511  are the two access doors in an open position. As depicted by  FIG. 39  and by  FIG. 40-A , while the soft strips  70  are installed on the doors  510  and  511 , the doors could be opened without removing the strips because the soft strips are flexible light engines. According to UL standard, a luminaire shall allow for inspection of branch circuit connections, after installation. Two minimum size openings, in the electrical enclosure, are supposed to allow passage of a rod having a diameter of ⅝″ (16 mm) and these openings are covered by the access doors, in an exemplary embodiment of this invention. 
         [0124]    The envelope of the fixture components installed on the framework that is supporting the architectural surface is defined as having the thickness of the respective surface, labeled “D” as illustated by  FIG. 28 . In one exemplary embodiment of this invention, the dimension “D” could take values ranging between ¼ inch to 2 inches. The spakle compound  81  and  82  is applied on the planar surface  80  after the installation of a complete row of fixtures and, in some configurations, before the lens  30  and the light source  70  installation. In other configurations, the light engine  70  and the lens  30  could be installed before the spackle compound is applied. Protective tape is recommended to cover the lens if the last option was chosen. This tape should be removed before the fixture is turned on. 
         [0125]    A section view thru the driver compartment of the lighting system is presented in  FIG. 6 . Most of the components description could be found in previous paragraphs except the wire nuts  47  that are used in the industry to make quick connections between solid copper wires. 
         [0126]    In summary, these are the functions of the main components, or their features, as described previously:
       Spackle flange  20  or covering and anchoring surface
           a) prevent particle intrusion to the integral wire way compartment of the channel housing;   b) support the spackle/plaster compound;   c) prevent or reduce plaster cracking;   
           Electrical enclosure  40 
           a) conceal additional L.E.D. tape;   b) contain the wire splices, mounting brackets, wire nuts and L.E.D. driver;   c) contain the L.E.D. driver;   
           Channel/light engine housing  10 
           a) prevent dirt particles to reach the reflective surface, the optical surface or the L.E.D. chips;   b) retain the light diffusing or light converting optical element;   c) support the L.E.D. light source and transfer the heat out of the light engine;   d) the integral wire way chase is intended to:
               protect the high voltage wire according to the safety standards;   contain T-slots intended to ensure alignment of multiple channels by inserting so-called “cleats” between them;   allow holes to be drilled for mounting to the structure;   contain screw chase features to ensure end caps mounting;   support the spackle flange;   
               
           power input segment/housing-light engine  50 
           a) have an opening for the access doors;   b) have mounting holes to attach the electrical enclosure;   c) prevent dirt particles to reach the reflective surface, the optical surface or the L.E.D. chips;   
           light diffusing or light converting optical element  30 
           a) convert blue light to white light;   b) spread the incident light rays coming from L.E.D. point source to a surface illumination;   
               
 
         [0152]    In other exemplary embodiment, we define a method of mounting at least one lighting fixture on a structure, without altering the structural members of its framework supporting at least one planar surface, comprising:
       a. forming a gap in at least one planar surface;   b. installing at least one electrical enclosure bearing an electrical device attached to a power source, disposed between said structural members, along said gap;   c. mounting at least one channel on said structural members, in the said gap, recessed within the said planar surfaces;   d. attaching at least one covering and anchoring surface to said channel;   e. installing a light source into said channel;   f. connecting said light source to the electrical device; and   g. coupling at least one removable cover to said channel.       
 
         [0160]    Although each exemplary embodiment has been described in detail, it is to be construed that any features and modifications that are applicable to one embodiment are also applicable to the other embodiments. Furthermore, although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, these descriptions are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternative embodiments of the invention will become apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art upon reference to the description of the exemplary embodiments. It should be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the conception and the specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures or methods for carrying out the same purposes of the invention. It should also be realized by those of ordinary skill in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. It is therefore, contemplated that the claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments that fall within the scope of the invention.