Stand for elongated lighting apparatus

In various embodiments, a portable support stand for supporting an elongated luminaire, a luminaire structure for supporting a luminaire on a support surface, and associated methods are provided. In an example embodiment, a portable support stand comprises a base portion configured to be positioned on a support surface and a luminaire holster detachably coupled to the base portion. The luminaire holster is configured to receive an elongated luminaire therein and to support the elongated luminaire in a fixed orientation relative to the support surface.

BACKGROUND

Elongated luminaires, including fluorescent lights and light emitting diode (“LED”) lights are often permanently mounted in a particular location, such as under a cabinet or over a work bench, and are positioned to provide light to the area directly below the mounting position. These luminaires often have a cylindrical profile which causes the luminaire body to be unstable when not mounted to a surface, and thus positioning the luminaire such that it illuminates a selected area is difficult. For example, if a user positions the luminaire on a flat surface such that light is emitted toward a desired working position, the luminaire may roll and change the direction in which light is emitted in response to minor agitation.

Various elongated luminaires comprise integrated hook structures configured to support the luminaire in a hanging position. Although hanging the luminaire generally prevents the luminaire from significantly changing the direction in which light is emitted, such hook structures generally have limited use, as a selected area for use must have an accessible place in which the luminaire can be hung near the user's selected work area. Moreover, such designs generally do not allow the user to reposition the luminaire in order to best light the selected work area.

Therefore, a need exists for a repositionable mechanism for supporting an elongated luminaire in a selected position such that the luminaire illuminates a selected area.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to a multiple piece structure designed as a floor or wall stand that enables an elongated luminaire (e.g., a fluorescent or LED luminaire or portable light stick) or other device to stand upright or in a fixed position without the need to hold the luminaire or device (referred to as the luminaire herein). The luminaire could comprise an integrated power source (e.g., one or more batteries), and/or a power supply cord configured to electrically connect the luminaire to an external power source (e.g., AC power). In some embodiments, the floor or wall stand structure comprises three separate and connectable components. In other embodiments, the floor or wall stand comprises more or less than three separate and connectable components.

In general, the separate and connectable components may be configured to be connected to assemble the floor or wall stand structure in a sufficiently stable manner so as to support a luminaire and to be disassembled to provide for convenient portability of the floor or wall stand.

In various embodiments, the stand structure enables easy slide in insertion and/or removal of the luminaire. In various embodiments, the stand structure is configured for easy disassembly thereof such that the stand may be stored for use at a later time or in a different location. In some embodiments, the stand structure could also incorporate a hook design either integrated or separate from the floor or wall stand structure enabling the luminaire or portable light device to be hung from any structure to provide light when and where desired. In various embodiments, the stand structure with integrated or removable hook component could be utilized for an LED or fluorescent luminaire that can also be mounted under a cabinet, on a wall or ceiling if the stand structure or hook component is not utilized.

In one aspect of the present invention, a portable support stand for supporting an elongated luminaire. In an example embodiment, the portable support stand comprises a base portion configured to be positioned on a support surface and a luminaire holster detachably coupled to the base portion. The luminaire holster is configured to receive an elongated luminaire therein and to support the elongated luminaire in a fixed orientation relative to the support surface.

In another aspect of the present invention, a luminaire structure for supporting a luminaire on a support surface is provided. In an example embodiment, the luminaire structure comprises an elongated luminaire; a base portion configured to be positioned on a support surface; and a luminaire holster detachably coupled to the base portion. The luminaire holster is configured to receive the elongated luminaire therein and to support the elongated luminaire in a fixed orientation relative to the support surface.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for using a luminaire structure is provided. In an example embodiment, the method comprises

A method for using a luminaire structure, the method comprising: providing an elongated luminaire, a base portion comprising a first base component and a second base component, and a luminaire holster comprising a hollow holster body and a fastening mechanism. The example method further comprises placing a hollow holster body of the luminaire holster through a hole in a second base component; placing the hollow holster body of the luminaire holster through a hole in the first base component; sliding the first and second base components along the hollow holster body until at least one of the first and second base components is engaged by the fastening mechanism; and inserting the elongated luminaire into the hollow holster body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a stand for an elongated luminaire. In various embodiments, the luminaire may have an at least substantially circular cross section along the length of a body portion of the luminaire. The elongated luminaire may comprise a housing having a driver (e.g., a ballast) and a lighting module (e.g., a fluorescent lighting module, an LED lighting module, an incandescent lighting module, and/or the like) located therein. The luminaire may additionally comprise one or more batteries within the housing configured to provide a power source for the driver and the lighting module. In various embodiments, the luminaire may be powered by an external power source (e.g., a 120V outlet), and thus a power cord may extend from the housing. Moreover, in various embodiments, the housing may comprise one or more extrusions extending therefrom, such as one or more mounting points configured to facilitate coupling of the luminaire to a separate object and/or surface.

Exemplary Elongated Luminaire

FIG. 1illustrates an exemplary luminaire100having a plurality of mounting points101integrated as a part of end caps102disposed on each end of the elongated luminaire100. Moreover, as illustrated inFIG. 1, the luminaire100may comprise a hook103to facilitate placement of the luminaire100when in use. The hook103may be detachably coupled to one or more end caps102via an attachment mechanism or otherwise secured thereto. As a non-limiting example, as illustrated inFIG. 1, the hook103may have threads disposed thereon that are configured to interact with corresponding threads associated with the end cap102(e.g., threaded insert104). Thus, the hook103may be securely and detachably coupled to the end cap102of the luminaire100. As yet another non-limiting example shown inFIG. 7, a hook assembly200may be detachably coupled to a mounting point101disposed on an end cap102. For example,FIG. 7illustrates an example of a hook assembly200secured to the mounting point101such that the luminaire100may be suspended from wire205. As should be understood, the luminaire100that may be supported by the luminaire stand1may be configured to be mounted and/or suspended in various ways.

Examples of elongated luminaires that may be utilized in conjunction with the described luminaire stand are described in the U.S. Patent Application entitled “Linear LED Lamp Tube with Internal Driver and Interconnect to Line Voltage and Methods of Installing the Same” having Ser. No. 13/766,532, filed Feb. 13, 2013 and U.S. Patent Application entitled “Linear LED Lamp Tube with Internal Driver and Two- or Three-Prong Polarized Plug and Methods of Installing the Same” having Ser. No. 13/961,230 filed Aug. 7, 2013, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In various embodiments, the luminaire100may be directional, such that light is emitted only in a desired direction relative to the luminaire100. For example, the luminaire100may be configured to emit light in a lighting direction through a portion of elongated body. The lighting direction may encompass a portion of the perimeter of the luminaire100, such that light is emitted in the lighting direction, and light is prevented from emission from other portions of the luminaire100. For example, the luminaire100may comprise an opaque portion (e.g., a coating, a liner, and/or the like) configured to prevent light from emitting through a portion of the luminaire100. In various embodiments, the interior of the opaque portion may be reflective and configured to reflect light away from the opaque portion and through the lighting direction. In various embodiments, the opaque portion may be aligned with the one or more mounting points101, such that light is reflected through the lighting direction opposite the mounting points101. In various embodiments, the opaque portion may occupy about half of the perimeter of the luminaire100(e.g., may extend about 180 degrees around the perimeter of the luminaire100), and the lighting direction may correspondingly occupy the remaining about half of the perimeter of the luminaire100. However, it should be understood that the opaque portion and the lighting direction may occupy various portions of the perimeter of the luminaire100.

Exemplary Luminaire Stand

In various embodiments, the luminaire stand may comprise a base portion comprising one or more base components and a luminaire holster configured to be detachably coupled to the base portion. When assembled, the luminaire holster may be positioned at an acute angle relative to at least a portion of the base portion (i.e., less than 90 degrees), such that the luminaire stand is configured to support an elongated luminaire at an acute angle relative to a surface on which the stand is supported.

The luminaire holster may have an at least substantially cylindrical, hollow holster body having an interior diameter larger than the outside diameter of the elongated luminaire housing. The holster body may have an open panel configured such that a power cord and/or other extrusions extending away from the body of the luminaire may be positioned within the open panel when the luminaire is positioned within the luminaire stand.

In various embodiments, the luminaire stand may be configured to be disassembled to facilitate storage and transportation of the luminaire stand. Thus, the base portion and luminaire holster may each comprise one or more parts detachably coupled to one another. As will be described in greater detail herein, the base portion may comprise at least two base components configured to slide over the luminaire holster. The luminaire holster may comprise a fastening mechanism (e.g., comprising at least one resilient tab) configured to detachably secure the components of the base portion proximate a bottom surface of the luminaire holster.

Moreover, in various embodiments, the luminaire stand may comprise a hook or other attachment mechanism configured to facilitate attachment of the luminaire stand to external surfaces.

Referring now toFIG. 2, a luminaire stand1according to various embodiments of the present invention may comprise a base portion10and a luminaire holster50. In various embodiments, luminaire stand1may comprise a plastic material, although any of a variety of other materials (e.g., aluminum, steel, other metals, composites, rubber, and/or the like) may be used.

The base portion10may be at least substantially planar, and configured to be positioned on a support surface (e.g., a table or desk, the floor or ground, a wall or other surface). The luminaire holster50may be positioned at least substantially in the center of the base portion10, and may extend away from the base portion in a direction away from the support surface. For example, the base portion10may define a plane and the luminaire holster50may extend out of the plane defined by the base portion10.

The base portion10may have a center portion with a plurality of supports extending away from the center portion at regular intervals. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the base portion may comprise a square central portion with four rectangular supports extending therefrom on each side of the square central portion. However, any of a variety of support configurations are within the scope of the invention, such as three supports extending away from the central portion, or five or more supports extending away from the central portion. Alternatively, the base portion may comprise a single support having a surface area substantially larger than the outside diameter of the luminaire holster. As non-limiting examples, the base portion may have a square, circular, or triangular shape from which the luminaire holster extends.

Referring again toFIG. 2, the base portion may comprise a plurality of base components, such as a first base component20and a second base component30. The plurality of base components may each have a bottom surface positioned adjacent a support surface when the luminaire stand1is placed thereon, and a top surface opposite the bottom surface. In various embodiments, the base components20,30may comprise one or more fastener openings22,32such as slots or holes extending from the top surface to the bottom surface such that separate fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, nails, clips, magnets, and/or the like) may be used to secure the luminaire stand1to a surface. As a non-limiting example, the fastener openings22,23may facilitate securing the luminaire stand1to a vertical surface (e.g., a wall or the like).

As previously noted, the luminaire holster50may extend away from the base portion10perpendicular to the base portion (e.g., normal to the plane defined by the base portion). However, referring momentarily toFIG. 6B, which illustrates a side view of a luminaire stand1supporting a luminaire100, the luminaire holster50may extend away from the base portion10such that an angle α exists between the luminaire holster50and at least a portion of the base portion10. In various embodiments, the angle α is measured from the holster50to a plane parallel to the plane defined by the support surface upon which the luminaire stand1is placed or to the base of the luminaire stand1in the direction in which light is to be emitted from the luminaire100. For example, inFIG. 6B, the angle α is measured from the holster50to a plane parallel to the support surface in the direction that the light ray110is emitted. In various embodiments, the angle α is an acute angle. In other embodiments, the angle α may be an obtuse angle. In various embodiments, this acute angle α is between 0° and 90°, and preferably between 45° and 90°. In various embodiments, the angle may be configurable or selectably adjustable. In other embodiments, the angle is fixed and/or predetermined.

Referring again toFIG. 2, the luminaire holster50may be substantially cylindrical, having an interior surface and an exterior surface and corresponding interior diameter and exterior diameter. The luminaire holster may have an open panel52extending from the exterior surface to the interior surface such that a power cord105or other extrusions on the luminaire100may be positioned therein when the luminaire is placed in the luminaire stand1(seeFIG. 6A). Moreover, as shown inFIG. 2, the luminaire holster50may comprise one or more support flanges53configured to provide additional support to a luminaire100placed within the luminaire holster50. In embodiments wherein the luminaire holster50is oriented at an acute angle α relative to the base portion10, the one or more support flanges53may be positioned on a side of the luminaire holster50corresponding to the acute angle, such that a luminaire100placed within the luminaire holster50is supported at least in part by the one or more support flanges53. The one or more support flanges53may comprise extensions of the holster body of the luminaire holster50extending above an upper edge of the luminaire holster50and extending only partially around the perimeter of the luminaire holster50, such that the one or more support flanges53do not impede light emitted from the luminaire100.

As will be described in greater detail herein, the luminaire holster50may comprise a fastening mechanism configured to detachably couple the luminaire holster50and the one or more components of the base portion20,30, such as one or more resilient tabs54as illustrated inFIG. 2. The resilient tabs54may each comprise a ledge on a bottom surface of the resilient tab54and a sloped surface opposite the ledge. When assembled, the resilient tabs54may be in a neutral position at which the ledge is positioned above and adjacent the top surface of the base portion10such that the various components of the base portion10are prevented from moving vertically along the length of the luminaire holster50. The fastening mechanism (e.g., resilient tabs54) prevent the need for other fasteners to secure the one or more components of the base portion20,30to the luminaire holster50, thereby reducing the need for extra pieces that may become lost.

FIG. 3is a top perspective view of the first base component20and second base component30. As shown inFIG. 3, the base components20,30may be at least substantially rectangular having a top surface, a bottom surface opposite the top surface, and a thickness measured between the top surface and the bottom surface. Each of the base components20,30may have a length measured parallel to the longitudinal axis of the base component20,30, and a width measured perpendicular to the length. As a non-limiting example, the base components may be sized to provide a stable support base for a luminaire100disposed therein. The base components20,30may each have a rectangular (e.g., square) central portion21,31and one or more supports22A,22B,32A,32B. As previously indicated, the base components20,30may comprise one or more fastener openings23,33configured to facilitate securing the luminaire stand1to a surface. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the fastener openings23,33may be slots extending from an edge of the supports22A,22B,32A,32B and toward a central portion21,31of the base components20,30.

In various embodiments, the size and/or weight of the edge supports22A,22B,32A,32B may be configured to support, balance, and/or counteract the weight of luminaire100at the acute angle α. For example, the edge supports on a side of the luminaire stand1that does not correspond to the acute angle α may be configured to balance and/or counteract the force and/or torque experienced by the luminaire100positioned within the luminaire stand1due to gravity. Thus, in some embodiments, the weight and/or size of the edge supports22A,22B,32A,32B may define a maximum length or weight of luminaire that may be effectively used with the luminaire stand1. However, as noted above, in various embodiments, the base components comprise fastener openings23,33configured to facilitate securing the luminaire stand1to a surface such that the edge supports22A,22B,32A,32B need not balance the weight of the luminaire100. In such embodiments, the maximum length and/or weight of the luminaire100is relevant only to determining if the luminaire stand1need be secured to the surface via the fastener openings23,33.

In various embodiments, multiple sets of base components20,30and/or holsters50may be provided. For example, each set of base components20,30may have edge supports22A,22B,32A,32B of different sizes and configured to enable the use of the luminaire stand1with different size luminaires100. For example, a first set of base components20,30may have edge supports22A,22B,32A,32B that are larger/longer/heavier than those of a second set of base components. The first set of base components20,30may be configured for use with a larger/longer/heavier luminaire100than the second set of base components. In another example, a first holster50may have a hollow holster body51that has a greater diameter and/or that is configured to extend further along the length of the luminaire100than a second holster50. Thus, the first holster50may be configured for use with a larger/longer/wider luminaire100than the second holster50.

Accordingly, each set of base components20,30, and holster50may be configured such that the combined center of gravity of the luminaire100and the luminaire stand1(while the luminaire100is positioned within the holster50as described herein) remain directly above an area defined by a perimeter60(shown as the dashed line inFIG. 6A) bounding the base components20,30(e.g., such that the perimeter of the area is aligned with the outer most edges of the base components20,30) to support the luminaire100in the desired position. Thus, for example, luminaire stand1comprising base components20,30having longer edge supports22A,22B,32A,32B may be configured to support a longer luminaire100and/or a luminaire100oriented at a smaller acute angle α (i.e., approaching 45 degrees and/or approaching 0 degrees), because the combined center of gravity of the luminaire100and the luminaire stand1would remain above the an area defined by a perimeter60bounding the base components20,30, as the combined center of gravity of the luminaire100, the base components20,30, and holster50move away from a central vertical axis aligned with the center of the base components20,30and normal to a plane defined by the base components20,30, and/or the support surface. Similarly, a luminaire stand1comprising heavier base components20,30and/or holster50may be configured to support a longer luminaire100and/or a luminaire100oriented at a smaller acute angle α (i.e., approaching 45 degrees and/or approaching 0 degrees), because the combined center of gravity of the luminaire100and the luminaire stand1would remain proximate the central vertical axis aligned with the center of the base components20,30and normal to a plane defined by the base components20,30, and/or the support surface, and would thereby remain above an area defined by a perimeter bounding the base components20,30. For example, a line that is normal to a plane defined by the base components20,30, and/or the support surface and that passes through the combined center of gravity of the luminaire100and the luminaire stand1would also pass through area defined by perimeter60.

In various embodiments, the center of gravity of the luminaire100may be located at a distance from the luminaire stand1. For example, if the luminaire stand1is resting on the floor or a table/desk, the center of gravity of the luminaire100(and consequently the combined center of gravity of the luminaire100and the luminaire stand1) may be located above the luminaire stand1. For example, the center of gravity of the luminaire100may be spaced apart from the holster50, the base components20,30, and/or other component of the luminaire stand1.

In various embodiments, the central portions21,31of the base components20,30may be configured to interlock to form the base portion10. The central portions21,31may have a thickness substantially equal to half the thickness of the base components20,30. As shown inFIG. 3, the central portion21of the first base component20may have an top surface even with (i.e., within the same plane as) the top surface of the first base component20, and may have a bottom surface located halfway between the top surface and the bottom surface of the first base component20.

The central portion31of the second base component30may correspond with the central portion21of the first base component20such that the top surface of the second base component30is even with the top surface of the first base component20when the central portion21of the first base component20is over the central portion31of the second base component30.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the central portions21,31of the base components20,30each comprise a hole24,34extending therethrough. The holes24,34each have interior walls and have equal diameters such that the interior wall of the hole24through the first base component20is even with the interior wall of the hole34through the second base component30when the base components20,30are assembled (seeFIGS. 2 and 5). The diameter of the holes24,34are larger than the exterior diameter of the luminaire holster50, and configured such that the luminaire holster50may be positioned within the holes24,34and the fastening mechanism may secure the base components20,30and the luminaire holster50when each of the components are assembled to form the luminaire stand1.

Referring now toFIG. 4, which illustrates a perspective view of a luminaire holster50according to various embodiments, the luminaire holster50may be configured to support a luminaire100therein. As previously indicated, the luminaire holster50may comprise a hollow holster body51having an interior diameter larger than the outside diameter of the body of a luminaire100to be supported therein. The hollow holster body51may comprise an interior cavity defined by the interior diameter and configured to receive a portion of an elongated luminaire100therein. The luminaire holster50may also comprise a base flange55coupled to the holster body51proximate a bottom portion of the holster body51by joint57. Moreover, the luminaire holster50may have an interior height measured between an interior bottom surface of the luminaire holster50and a top edge of the luminaire holster50. Moreover, as previously indicated, the luminaire holster50may have one or more support flanges extending above the top surface of the luminaire holster50and configured to support a portion of the luminaire100when positioned within the luminaire stand1.

In various embodiments, the luminaire holster50may be configured such that a luminaire100positioned within the luminaire holster50maintains its position therein based on the force of gravity. However, in various embodiments, the luminaire holster may comprise a luminaire retaining mechanism configured to retain the luminaire100therein. As a non-limiting example, the interior bottom surface of the luminaire holster50may comprise a through hole extending therethrough. The through hole may be configured such that the luminaire100may be coupled to the luminaire holster50using one or more fasteners. Referring briefly toFIG. 1, a fastener (e.g., a screw, bolt, and/or the like) may be positioned to extend through the interior bottom surface of the luminaire holster50and to detachably engage the threaded insert104of the luminaire, and thereby couple the luminaire100to the luminaire holster50.

Referring again toFIGS. 2 and 4, the luminaire holster50may comprise a fastening mechanism configured to detachably couple the luminaire holster50and the base portion10. Moreover, the base flange55of the luminaire holster50may be larger than the diameter of the holes24,34of the base components20,30such that the bottom portion of the holster body51is prevented from moving through the holes24,34of the base components20,30. Thus, in various embodiments the fastening mechanism may secure the base portion10between the base flange55and the fastening mechanism of the luminaire holster50. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the holster body51may comprise a riser56located between the fastening mechanism and the base flange55. In various embodiments, the holster body51is coupled to the riser56by joint57. In various embodiments, the riser56may have a diameter larger than the exterior diameter of the remaining portion of the holster body51. In such embodiments, the holes24,34of the base components20,30may have a diameter larger than the diameter of the riser56. In various embodiments, the riser56may have a height at least substantially equal to the thickness of the base components20,30. Moreover, in embodiments in which the holster body51forms an acute angle with the base portion10, the riser56may be perpendicular to the top surface of the base portion10.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 4, the fastening mechanism comprises a plurality of resilient tabs54each having a lower ledge and a sloped top surface. The resilient tabs54have a neutral position such that the tabs extend beyond the exterior surface of the holster body51, and are configured to flex toward the interior of the holster body51such that the components of the base portion10may move past the resilient tabs54when the holster body51is positioned within the holes24,34of the base components20,30.

As described above, in various embodiments, the angle α defined by the holster body51and a plane defined by the base components20,30and/or the surface on which the luminaire stand1is positioned is predefined and fixed in some embodiments and selectably adjustable in some embodiments. Thus, in some embodiments, the joint57may comprise a junction between the riser56and the holster body51made via adhesive, welding, fasteners, or some other fixed method of securing the holster body51to the riser56. In some embodiments, the riser56and the holster body51are integrally formed such that the joint57merely marks where the riser56ends and the holster body51begins. In other embodiments, the joint57may comprise a hinged or geared mechanism or other mechanism that allows the angle α to be selectably adjusted. In some embodiments, the joint57may be configured to allow a user to selectably adjust not only the angle α (e.g., the pitch angle) but also adjust the yaw and/or roll angle of the holster body51with respect to the base components20,30and/or the surface on which the luminaire stand1is positioned. For example, in some embodiments, the joint57allows for universal selectable angles relative to 360 degrees about the holster and/or may allow the holster to be selectably adjusted with up to six degrees of freedom. In various embodiments, the joint57may further comprise a locking mechanism configured to cause the joint57to maintain the position selected by the user. Moreover, in various embodiments, the joint57is configured such that the combined center of gravity of the luminaire100and the luminaire stand1remain above an area defined by a perimeter60bounding the base components20,30such that the luminaire100remains supported at any possible position of the joint57. In such embodiments, the luminaire stand1may be configured relative to one or more particular luminaire100sizes and/or weights such that the degrees of freedom of the joint57ensure that the combined center of gravity of a luminaire100satisfying the luminaire size and weight considerations and the luminaire stand1remain above an area defined by a perimeter60bounding the base components20,30.

FIG. 5illustrates the various components of the luminaire stand1being assembled. As shown inFIG. 5, the second base component30is first placed over the luminaire holster50such that the holster body51is positioned within the hole34of the second base component30. The second base component30is moved along the length of the holster body51in the direction of the installation direction arrow, until the bottom surface of the second base component30is adjacent the base flange55, and the top surface of the second base component30is below the fastening mechanism. Similarly, the first base component20is placed over the luminaire holster50such that the holster body is positioned within the hole24of the first base component20. The first base component20is moved along the length of the holster body51in the direction of the installation direction arrow, until the bottom surface of the central portion21of the first base component20is adjacent the top surface of the central portion31of the second base component30and the top surface of the first base component is below and adjacent to the fastening mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 5, moving the base components20,30past the resilient tabs54in the installation direction pushes the resilient tabs toward the interior of the holster body51as a portion of the base components20,30moves along the sloped surface of the resilient tabs54. Once the base portions20,30are past the resilient tabs54, the tabs return to the neutral position, such that the lower ledge impedes motion of the base components20,30in the direction opposite the installation direction.

To disassemble, the resilient tabs54are flexed toward the interior portion of the holster body51such that the base components20,30are able to move past the resilient tabs54in the direction opposite the installation direction. The base components20,30are then moved along the length of the holster body51until removed.

FIGS. 6A-6Cillustrate various views of a luminaire100being supported by the luminaire stand1according to various embodiments of the present invention. Specifically,FIG. 6Ais a close-up perspective view of the luminaire stand1supporting a luminaire100. As shown inFIG. 6A, a cylindrical, elongated luminaire100is positioned within the holster body51, with a power cord105and an extrusion positioned within the open panel52.

FIGS. 6B and 6Cillustrate various side views of a luminaire100positioned within the luminaire stand1according to various embodiments of the present invention. As shown inFIGS. 6B and 6Cthe luminaire100may be substantially longer than the luminaire stand1, and the luminaire stand1may support the luminaire100at an acute angle relative to a support surface. By positioning the luminaire100at an acute angle relative to the support surface, the luminaire stand1may be used to hold a luminaire100such that the luminaire extends away from a vertical support surface, and may facilitate a useful positioning of the luminaire100such that light is emitted onto a selected area.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. As a non-limiting example, the luminaire holster50has been described as having a cylindrical body configured for supporting a luminaire100having a circular cross section. However, luminaires having any of a plurality of cross-section shapes may be supported by a luminaire stand according to various embodiments of the present invention, and the luminaire holster may thus comprise a body having a corresponding shape. As a non-limiting example, a luminaire having a square cross section may be supported by a luminaire stand having a square body. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, alternative luminaire holster body cross sections are also contemplated, such as the non-limiting examples of triangular, rectangular, and/or the like.

Moreover, in the pictured embodiments, the open panel52is positioned on the side of the luminaire holster50corresponding to the acute angle such that the support flanges53are positioned adjacent the open panel52. Other embodiments are considered in which the open panel52is located on a side of the luminaire holster50that does not correspond to the acute angle. For example, the open panel52may be located on a side of the luminaire holster52that is opposite the side corresponding to the acute angle.

In embodiments in which the opaque portion of the luminaire100is aligned with the attachment members101of the luminaire100, the luminaire stand1may be configured to direct the lighting direction away from the acute angle α. Such configuration may thereby facilitate placement of the luminaire100to illuminate a desired area. However, in various embodiments, the acute angle α, and the opaque portion of the luminaire100may be configured such that the lighting direction generally points toward the acute angle α to thereby illuminate, for example, a portion of the support surface proximate the luminaire base1.

FIG. 9illustrates an alternative embodiment of a holster50′ having open panel52and a second open panel52b. For example, in some embodiments, the luminaire100may have a power cord105or other extrusions that exit the side of the luminaire100opposite the light emitting portion of the luminaire. For example, the power cord105or other extrusions (e.g., mounting point101) may extend outwardly from the opaque portion of the luminaire100. The holster50′ is be configured to have the configured to have a power cord105or other extrusions on the luminaire100be positioned in open panel52when the luminaire is placed in the luminaire stand1. The second open panel52bis configured to allow light emitted by the luminaire100to pass therethrough.

As indicated above, the luminaire100may be configured to be mounted or hung in a variety of manners. For example, the luminaire100may comprise an integrated or removable hook (e.g., hook103) from which the luminaire100may be hung. In another example, the luminaire100may comprise one or more mounting points101from which a hook assembly may be detachably coupled for hanging the luminaire100.

Method for Using Luminaire Stand

FIG. 8provides a flowchart illustrating a method of using a luminaire stand (e.g., luminaire stand1). Starting at step302, the hollow holster body51of the luminaire holster50is placed through the hole34of the second base component30. For example, the user may position the second base component30such that the hollow holster body51passes through the hole34. At step304, the hollow holster body51is placed through the hole24in the first base component20. For example, the user may position the first base component20such that the hollow holster body51passes through the hole24. At step306, the first and base components are aligned appropriately. For example, the user may align the first and second base components such that the central portions21,31overlap appropriately. For example, the central portions21,31of the base components20,30may be aligned such that the central portions21,31interlock to form a base portion10. After completing step306, the assembly may be similar to that shown inFIG. 5.

Continuing withFIG. 8, at step308the first and second base components20,30, are slid along the length of the hollow holster body51until the first and second base components are secured by at least one resilient tab54. For example, the first and second base components20,30may be slid along the length of the hollow holster body51until the riser56is positioned within the holes24,34and/or the first and/or second base components20,30are engaged by one or more resilient tabs54. For example, the first base component20may be engaged by one or more resilient tabs54causing the first and second base components20to be secured between the base flange55and the one or more resilient tabs54. After completing step308, the assembly may be similar to that shown inFIG. 2.

Continuing to step310shown inFIG. 8, the luminaire stand1may be placed and/or secured in the appropriate location to illuminate the user's work area, and/or the like. For example, the user may place the luminaire stand1on a table, counter, and/or the like in the desired position. In another example, the user may secure the luminaire stand1to a wall or other vertical surface (e.g., by engaging fasteners within fastener openings22,23) such that the user's work area and/or the like may be illuminated.

At step312, a luminaire100is slid into the luminaire stand1. For example, the user may slide a luminaire100into the luminaire stand1. The user may then turn on the luminaire100(e.g., via an on/off switch supplied thereby) to illuminate the desired work area. The location of the luminaire stand1may be modified as necessary to illuminate the user's work area and/or the like as desired. When the user is done using the luminaire100, the user may follow a process similar to the reverse of the method of use illustrated byFIG. 8to disassemble the luminaire stand1for storage and/or later use.

CONCLUSION