TOOLESS COVER RETENTION AND MOISTURE PROTECTION FOR LUMINAIRES

A luminaire assembly comprising: a housing; a moisture intrusion guard including an orifice and at least one slot; a cover coupled to the housing, the cover comprising a retention assembly including at least one protrusion passing through at least one slot of the moisture intrusion guard, the retention assembly locking the cover to the housing.

FIELD

The present invention relates to luminaires and associated components and, in particular, to covers or panels eliminating tooling requirements for installation and/or retention of the panels on the luminaires and moisture protection mechanisms therefor.

BACKGROUND

Luminaire design is wide and varied depending on application and associated lighting characteristics. For areal lighting applications, including street lights and rural lighting, the luminaires are generally mounted in elevated positions relative to the ground or intended lighting area. The luminaires can include one or more panels associated with various architectures. Luminaires often include a panel or cover providing access to the driver assembly. Current luminaire design requires bolts of screws to couple the cover to the luminaire housing. This design is cumbersome, requiring correct placement of small screws through portions of the cover to engage the housing. Additionally, this design requires tooling, such as a screwdriver, drill or other rotational tool, to lock the bolts or screws into place. Moreover, the elevated positioning of the luminaires further complicates access to the cover and correct placement and tightening of bolts and/or screws.

In addition to the problems identified above, there is no simple and/or cost effective solution for preventing, or at least reducing, moisture intrusion into luminaire housings where they interface with poles or posts.

SUMMARY

In view of these disadvantages, luminaire housings and associated covers or panels are described herein that require reduced tooling or no tooling for installation and/or removal of the covers from the luminaire housing. Additionally, using the covers or panels as described herein allows for a simplified retention design for a moisture intrusion guard. Briefly, a luminaire assembly comprises a housing, and a cover coupled to the housing, the cover comprising a retention assembly including at least one protrusion passing through an aperture in the housing and locking the cover to the housing. The protrusion can engage one or more structural members defining the aperture in the housing. In some embodiments, the protrusion establishes a friction fit or cantilevered support with the housing. Alternatively, the protrusion can rotate around the structural member between open and closed positions of the cover.

In another aspect, a luminaire comprises a housing and a cover coupled to the housing and together forming an enclosure with a mounting opening thereinto. A moisture intrusion is position in the enclosure, the moisture intrusion guard defining an orifice substantially aligned with the mounting opening and including at least one slot. A guard retention structure comprises at least one protrusion passing through the at least one slot, thereby securing the moisture intrusion guard in the enclosure and forming a seal about the mounting opening.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a luminaire assembly comprising: a housing; and a cover coupled to the housing, the cover comprising a retention assembly including at least one protrusion passing through an aperture in the housing and locking the cover to the housing.

In an embodiment of the invention, the retention assembly of the cover comprises a plurality of protrusions for passing through apertures in the housing.

In an embodiment of the invention, the cover is locked to the housing in the closed position.

In an embodiment of the invention, the protrusion of the retention assembly comprises a back plate engaging the housing when the cover is in an open position.

In an embodiment of the invention, the back plate is rotatable between an open and closed position of the cover.

In an embodiment of the invention, the protrusion engages a structural member defining the aperture in the housing.

In an embodiment of the invention, the protrusion establishes cantilevered support with the housing.

In an embodiment of the invention, the protrusion rotates around the structural member between open and closed positions.

In an embodiment of the invention, the protrusion comprises a stepped architecture for receiving the structural member.

In an embodiment of the invention, the cover encloses a driver assembly of the luminaire assembly.

In an embodiment of the invention, the cover couples to a bottom side of the housing.

In an embodiment of the invention, the housing comprises a recess in a top portion of the housing with fins of a heatsink along the recess.

In an embodiment of the invention, walls of the recess are commensurate in length with the fins.

In an embodiment of the invention, the fins extend beyond walls of the recess.

In an embodiment of the invention, the fins are substantially parallel with one another.

In an embodiment of the invention, the fins curve radially outward.

According to a further aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, luminaire assemblies are described herein having unique heat sink architectures for the efficient operation and cooling of light emitting diode (LED) light engines. A luminaire assembly, in some embodiments, comprises a housing including a base, and a recess along a top portion of the base. Heat sink fins extend independently from a back wall of the recess in a substantially parallel fashion. In some embodiments, the walls of the recess are commensurate in length with the fins. In such embodiments, the recess walls can hide or obscure view of the fins, resulting in a smooth profile of the luminaire assembly.

In some embodiments, a luminaire assembly comprises a base, and a recess along a top portion of the base. Heat sink fins extend independently and radially outward from a back wall of the recess. The heat sink fins, in some embodiments, extend to a perimeter of the housing. Additionally, the fins can extend beyond walls of the recess.

There is thus provided a luminaire assembly comprising: a housing comprising a base, and a recess along a top portion of the base; heat sink fins extending independently from a back wall of the recess in a substantially parallel fashion.

In an embodiment of the invention, walls of the recess are commensurate in length with the fins.

In an embodiment of the invention, a light engine of the luminaire assembly resides along a bottom portion of the base under the recess of the top portion.

According to a further aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a luminaire assembly comprising: a housing comprising a base, and a recess along a top portion of the base; heat sink fins extending independently and radially outward from a back wall of the recess.

In an embodiment of the invention, the fins extend to a perimeter of the housing.

In an embodiment of the invention, the fins extend laterally beyond walls of the recess.

In an embodiment of the invention, a light engine of the luminaire assembly resides along a bottom portion of the base under the recess of the top portion.

In another aspect of some embodiments of the invention, a luminaire assembly includes a moisture intrusion guard which is efficiently attached to the assembly whereby the same structures are used for attaching a cover to the assembly as the moisture intrusion guard. Additionally, the moisture intrusion guard is configured with an expandable and/or adjustable orifice which is capable of accommodating light pole tenons of varying diameter without any additional adjustment to the guard.

There is thus provided a luminaire assembly comprising: a housing; a moisture intrusion guard including an orifice and at least one slot; a cover coupled to the housing, the cover comprising a retention assembly including at least one protrusion passing through an aperture in the housing and the at least one slot of the moisture intrusion guard and locking the cover to the housing.

In an embodiment of the invention, the retention assembly of the cover comprises a plurality of protrusions for passing through apertures in the housing and the at least one slot of the moisture intrusion guard.

In an embodiment of the invention, the cover is locked to the housing in the closed position.

In an embodiment of the invention, the protrusion of the retention assembly comprises a back plate engaging the housing when the cover is in an open position.

In an embodiment of the invention, the back plate is rotatable between an open and closed position of the cover.

In an embodiment of the invention, the protrusion engages a structural member defining the aperture in the housing.

In an embodiment of the invention, the protrusion establishes cantilevered support with the housing.

In an embodiment of the invention, the protrusion rotates around the structural member between open and closed positions.

In an embodiment of the invention, the protrusion comprises a stepped architecture for receiving the structural member.

In an embodiment of the invention, the orifice of the moisture intrusion guard is provided with at least one slit around the circumference of the orifice.

In an embodiment of the invention, the orifice of the moisture intrusion guard is configured to receive a tenon with a cross-section of 1.66 inches to 2.375 inches.

In an embodiment of the invention, the moisture intrusion guard is provided with at least one hole disposed on a lower portion of the moisture intrusion guard.

In an embodiment of the invention, a lower portion of the moisture intrusion guard includes at least one cutout.

In an embodiment of the invention, the moisture intrusion guard is constructed of an elastic, pliable or elastomeric material.

According to a further aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a moisture intrusion guard, comprising: a main body having an orifice disposed therethrough, sized and shaped for insertion of a light pole tenon therethrough; at least one slot on an upper portion of the moisture intrusion guard; and, at least one hole in a lower portion of the moisture guard.

In an embodiment of the invention, the guard further comprises at least one mounting portion through which the at least one hole is disposed.

In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one mounting portion is configured to be bendable separately from the main body.

In an embodiment of the invention, the guard further comprises at least one slit disposed around a circumference of the orifice.

In an embodiment of the invention, the guard further comprises at least one cutout disposed in the lower portion.

In an embodiment of the invention, the orifice is 1.66 inches to 2.375 inches in diameter.

In an embodiment of the invention, the guard is constructed of an elastic, pliable or elastomeric material.

According to a further aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing a moisture intrusion guard in a luminaire assembly, comprising: positioning the moisture intrusion guard within a housing of the luminaire assembly; passing at least one protrusion of a cover through an aperture of the housing and at least one slot disposed within the moisture intrusion guard; rotating the cover with respect to the housing thereby closing the assembly.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises inserting a fastener through at least one hole on a lower portion of the moisture intrusion guard and into a threaded or unthreaded hole disposed in the housing.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises forming a seal between the moisture intrusion guard and the housing.

According to a further aspect of some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a luminaire assembly comprising: a housing; a moisture intrusion guard including an orifice and at least one slot; a cover coupled to the housing, the cover including a female portion of a hinge arrangement; and, a hinge bracket, attached to the moisture intrusion guard, having at least one protrusion and a male portion of the hinge arrangement inserted therein, wherein the female portion is placed around the male portion such that the female portion is rotatable around the male portion, effectuating hinged movement of the cover.

In an embodiment of the invention, at least one protrusion of the hinge bracket is inserted through the at least one slot on the moisture intrusion guard.

In an embodiment of the invention, the female portion is disposed between two holding rings of the hinge bracket.

In an embodiment of the invention, the assembly further comprises an exterior flange attached to the hinge bracket forming a gap therebetween and trapping the housing therein.

These and other embodiments are further described in the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments described herein can be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description and examples and their previous and following descriptions. Elements, apparatus and methods described herein, however, are not limited to the specific embodiments presented in the detailed description and examples. It should be recognized that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and adaptations will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Luminaire assemblies are described herein requiring reduced tooling or no tooling to secure panels or covers to the luminaire housing. Additionally, luminaires described herein include a simplified retention design for a moisture intrusion guard which helps the inside of the luminaire housing dry. A luminaire comprises a housing, and a cover coupled to the housing, the cover comprising a retention assembly including at least one protrusion passing through an aperture in the housing and locking the cover to the housing. In some embodiments, the retention assembly comprises a plurality of protrusions, each protrusion passing through an aperture in the housing and locking the cover to the housing. A protrusion can pass through an aperture and engage one or more structural members defining the aperture in the housing. Such engagement can occur via a variety of architectures and/or mechanisms. A protrusion, in some embodiments, rotates around a structural member of the aperture. Rotation of the protrusion can occur in response to opening or closing of the cover or panel.

FIG.1illustrates a side perspective view of a luminaire according to some embodiments described herein. In the embodiment ofFIG.1, the luminaire assembly10comprises a housing11and a cover12coupled to the housing11. The cover12is in the open position.

FIG.2Ais a sectional view ofFIG.1further illustrating the coupling mechanism of the cover12to the luminaire housing11. As illustrated inFIG.2A, the cover12comprises two protrusions13for passing through apertures14in the base of the housing11. Each protrusion13comprises a stepped architecture15for engaging a bar or tab16of the housing. The bar or tab16defines part of the aperture14. In the embodiment ofFIG.2, the protrusions13each comprise a back plate17. The back plate17contacts the housing11, thereby retaining coupling between the cover12and housing11when the cover12is in the open position.

FIG.2Bis the sectional view wherein the cover12is in the closed position. In the closed position, each protrusion13has rotated approximately 90 degrees around the bar or tab16of the housing11. The back plate17has rotated away from and is no longer in contact with the housing11.

FIG.3illustrates a bottom plan view of the luminaire assembly10. The cover12is in the closed position. The end18of the cover12opposite the protrusions13can comprise one or more structural features for further engagement with the housing11. The opposing end18of the cover12can comprise one or more protrusions (not shown) for engaging in a mechanical fit, such as a friction fit, with aperture(s) within the housing11interior. Such mechanical fit can assist in locking the cover12in the closed position. Alternatively, the cover12may contain one or more apertures on the opposing end18permitting passage of a fastening device including a clip or screw. As illustrated inFIG.3, the cover12is adjacent to the light engine19of the luminaire assembly10. Accordingly, the cover12can provide access to the LED driver assembly and/or other associated electronics of the luminaire assembly10.

FIGS.4-6illustrate another embodiment of a luminaire wherein at least one protrusion secures a cover to the luminaire housing. In the embodiment ofFIG.4, the cover42comprises two protrusions43for passing through apertures44in the housing41of the luminaire40.FIGS.5A-5Cillustrate engagement of a protrusion43with the housing41. The protrusion43passes through the aperture44in the housing41. In some embodiments, passage of the protrusions43through the apertures44establishes a cantilevered engagement of the protrusions43with the housing41, thereby securing the cover42to the housing41. In some embodiments, the top surface of the protrusion43can comprise a bump or raised tab. The bump or raised tab is reversibly depressible as the protrusion43passes through the aperture. Once passage of the protrusion43has completed, the bump or tab reassumes a non-depressed configuration, further locking the protrusion43into place. The bump or raised tab can subsequently be depressed when disengaging the protrusion43from the aperture44.

In some embodiments, a protrusion of the cover may pass through an aperture and engage a structure of the luminaire housing that does not form part of the aperture. With reference toFIGS.2A and2B, for example, the stepped structure15of the protrusion13may engage a structure beyond or outside of the aperture14. Moreover, covers having engagement mechanisms described herein can be associated with any desired surface of the luminaire housing, including top, bottom, and sides, including front and back.

In another aspect, luminaires are described herein having unique heat sink architectures for the efficient operation and cooling of light emitting diode (LED) light engines. A luminaire, in some embodiments, comprises a housing including a base, and a recess along a top portion of the base. Heat sink fins extend independently from a back wall of the recess in a substantially parallel fashion. In some embodiments, the walls of the recess are commensurate in length with the fins. In such embodiments, the recess walls can hide or obscure view of the fins, resulting in a smooth profile of the luminaire.FIG.7illustrates a perspective view of a luminaire according to some embodiments. As illustrated inFIG.7, the luminaire70comprises a recess71, and heat sink fins72independently extending from a back wall73of the recess71in a parallel or substantially parallel manner. In the embodiment ofFIG.7, the heat sink fins72are commensurate in length with the side walls74of the recess71. In some embodiments, the recess walls74can hide or obscure view of the fins72, resulting in a smooth profile of the luminaire, as illustrated in the side elevational view ofFIG.8.

In some embodiments, a light engine of the luminaire resides along a bottom portion of the base under the recess of the top portion. In this way, heat generated by the light engine can be efficiently dissipated by the heat sink fins. In some embodiments, sidewalls of the luminaire and bottom surface or floor of the recess can have interconnected apertures. The interconnected apertures can permit cooler air to enter through the luminaire side walls and exit at the floor of the recess to cool the heat sink fins. In some embodiments, cooler air can be directed through apertures in the side walls of the recess.

In another aspect, a luminaire comprises a base, and a recess along a top portion of the base. Heat sink fins extend independently and radially outward from a back wall of the recess. The heat sink fins, in some embodiments, extend to a perimeter of the housing. Additionally, the fins can extend beyond walls of the recess.FIG.9illustrates a perspective view of a luminaire according to some embodiments. As illustrated inFIG.9, the luminaire90comprises a recess91, and heat sink fins92independently extending from a back wall93of the recess91. The heat sink fins92extend radially outward from the recess91. In the embodiment ofFIG.9, the fins92extend radially outward to the perimeter95of the luminaire housing96. The luminaire housing can have a curved perimeter95, as illustrated inFIG.9. In contrast toFIGS.7-8, the fins92extend beyond the walls96of the recess91and are visible to an observer, as illustrated inFIG.10. In some embodiments, a light engine of the luminaire resides along a bottom portion of the base under the recess of the top portion. In this way, heat generated by the light engine can be efficiently dissipated by the heat sink fins.

Luminaires having the heat sink fins described herein can also employ any of the cover arrangements described herein. The cover and associated coupling architecture described herein can be applied to the luminaires to cover driver assemblies and/or other electronics.

As described above, current luminaire designs suffer from moisture intrusion into the luminaire housing and/or require expensive and/or complicated solutions for providing a watertight characteristic to the housing, especially where the light pole tenon enters into the housing.FIG.11Aillustrates a front view of a moisture intrusion guard1100, according to some embodiments, configured to be attached in a simple and/or cost effective manner to the luminaire housing11in order to enhance protection against moisture intrusion into the housing11while also being adapted to accommodate varying sizes (e.g. diameter) of light pole tenon without requiring additional structure and/or labor to insert the tenon therethrough. In some embodiments of the invention, the moisture intrusion guard1100is constructed of an elastic, pliable or elastomeric material, such as rubber, synthetic rubber, and/or a polymeric material.

In some embodiments of the invention, an orifice1102is disposed within a main body the guard1100to permit the passage of a light pole tenon therethrough. As most tenons in the lighting industry are cylindrical in shape, the orifice1102is shown being substantially circular in shape. However, it should be understood that the aperture could exhibit any shape and/or size. In some embodiments, the orifice1102accommodates the insertion of a 1.66″ tenon therethrough. The guard1100is also optionally provided with at least one slit1104around the circumference of the orifice1102to enable insertion of tenons that are larger in cross-section than the orifice to be passed therethrough. In some embodiments, the at least one slit1104enlarges the cross-section of the tenon which can be inserted through the orifice1102to 2.375″. It should be understood that the at least one slit1104creates two or more “petals” which open sufficiently for the tenon to pass through but which still abut the outer surface of the tenon to create a substantial barrier for moisture intrusion prevention. This is in contrast with prior art, stamped-metal splash guards which required installers to manually deform the metal to enlarge the opening. In some embodiments, the length of the at least one slit1104can be varied to alter the possible range of tenon cross-section size insertable through the orifice1102.

An upper portion of the guard1100is provided with at least one slot1106through which a protrusion13of the cover12is insertable to assist with securing the guard1100to the luminaire10when the luminaire10is fully assembled (in embodiments including the guard1100). It should be understood, and as will be described more fully below with respect to at leastFIGS.12A,12B and16, there are efficiencies achieved by using the protrusion13to not only attach the cover12to the housing11, but also to assist with the attachment of the guard1100to the whole luminaire assembly.

FIG.11Billustrates a front perspective view of the moisture intrusion guard1100ofFIG.11Aaccording to some embodiments of the invention. In an embodiment of the invention, the guard1100includes at least one bottom mounting portion1110(two are shown, each on an opposing side of the guard1100) for attaching a lower portion of the guard1100to the housing11, as will be described in more detail with respect toFIGS.12B and14. The at least one mounting portion1110has at least one hole1108disposed therein, configured for receipt therethrough of a fastener, such as a screw, which secures the lower portion of the guard1100to the housing11. In some embodiments of the invention, the bottom mounting portion1110is bendable to an angle, such as the approximate 90° angle shown inFIG.11B, separately from the main body to effectuate alignment of the at least one hole1108with a corresponding threaded or unthreaded hole located on the housing11for insertion of the fastener therein; the threaded or unthreaded hole is shown and described in more detail with respect toFIG.14. In some embodiments of the invention, the lower portion of the guard1100is adapted to fit as a counterpart to features which exist in the housing11, for example by having at least one cutout1112wherein housing features11lie when the guard1100is properly installed into the luminaire assembly. In some embodiments of the invention, the counterpart nature of the at least one cutout1112and the housing features inserted therein assist with maintaining the orientation and/or position of the guard1100.

FIGS.12A-12Billustrate attachment of the cover12and moisture intrusion guard1100to the luminaire housing11according to some embodiments. While one guard1100is shown in this embodiment of the luminaire assembly, a plurality of guards could be used, not necessarily all with the same configuration shown inFIGS.11A-11B. In the interests of brevity, the flowchart1500of a method of installing a moisture intrusion guard into a luminaire housing shown inFIG.15is described herewith.FIG.12A.FIG.12Ais a sectional view the luminaire assembly further illustrating the coupling mechanism of the cover12to the luminaire housing11, including the guard1100. In an embodiment of the invention, the guard1100is positioned (1502) in the housing11where the orifice1102is substantially aligned with a tenon opening20(shown inFIGS.1and12A) such that a tenon, shown and described in more detail with respect toFIG.13, is insertable through the tenon opening20and the orifice1102to attach the luminaire assembly10to the tenon1300. In an embodiment of the invention, positioning (1502) includes positioning prominent features of the housing11within the cutouts1112and/or aligning the at least one slot1106with an aperture14and/or flexing the mounting portions1110to an angle (whereby the guard1100would be in a configuration substantially similar to that shown inFIG.11B) and aligning the at least one hole1108with a threaded or unthreaded counterpart hole on the housing11.

As illustrated inFIG.12A, the cover12comprises two protrusions13for passing (1504) through apertures14in the base of the housing11, while also passing (1504) through the at least one slot1106of the guard1100, to simultaneously attach the cover12and the guard1100to the housing11, using a single structural element of the cover12(the protrusions13). Each protrusion13comprises a stepped architecture15for engaging a bar or tab16of the housing. The bar or tab16defines part of the aperture14. In the embodiment ofFIG.12A, the protrusions13each comprise a back plate17. The back plate17contacts the housing11, thereby retaining coupling between the cover12and housing11when the cover12is in the open position, the open position shown inFIG.12A.

FIG.12Bis the sectional view wherein the cover12is in the closed position. In the closed position, each protrusion13has rotated (1506) approximately 90 degrees around the bar or tab16of the housing11, while still being inserted through the at least one slit1104and the apertures14. The back plate17has rotated away from and is no longer in contact with the housing11.

In some embodiments of the invention, the guard1100is further attached to the housing11by inserting and securing (1508) a fastener through the at least one hole1108and into the threaded or unthreaded hole1400of the housing1108.

In some embodiments of the invention, a seal is formed (1510) between the guard1100and the housing11using a sealant.

In some embodiments, a protrusion of the cover may pass (1504) through an aperture14and/or at least one slot1106and engage a structure of the luminaire housing that does not form part of the aperture. With reference toFIGS.12A and12B, for example, the stepped structure15of the protrusion13may engage a structure beyond or outside of the aperture14and/or at least one slot1106. Moreover, covers having engagement mechanisms described herein can be associated with any desired surface of the luminaire housing, including top, bottom, and sides, including front and back.

FIG.13illustrates a perspective view of the luminaire housing11with the moisture intrusion guard1100attached, according to some embodiments, along with a tenon1300inserted therethrough. It is conceived that the guard1100, with its pliable and/or slitted1104configuration, forms a substantial seal against moisture intrusion into the luminaire assembly10where the tenon1300penetrates the housing11.

FIG.14illustrates a perspective view opposite the view ofFIG.13of the luminaire housing11with the moisture intrusion guard1100attached, according to some embodiments. Shown inFIG.14is the interior side of the guard1100with the tenon1300inserted therethrough. Additionally, the threaded or unthreaded hole1400is shown in close proximity to the at least one hole1108of the bottom mounting portion1110, such that a fastener could be inserted through the hole1108and into the threaded or unthreaded hole1400to attach the guard1100to the housing11.

FIG.16is a bottom perspective view of an alternative luminaire assembly1600with a hinged cover1602, in a lockable, closed configuration, according to some embodiments. In an embodiment of the invention, the luminaire assembly1600is substantially similar to luminaire assembly10, however the cover1602is rotatably attached to the luminaire housing1606by a hinge arrangement1604. It should be understood that possible functions and configurations described with respect to luminaire assembly10are equally applicable to luminaire assembly1600, except with respect to the hinged cover structure and operation of luminaire assembly1600.

FIG.17is a perspective view of the hinged cover1602showing the female portion1702of the hinge, according to some embodiments. It should be noted that the female portion1702of the hinge acts as the counterpart to the male portion2002of the hinge, shown and described in more detail with respect toFIG.20.

FIG.18is a bottom perspective view of the alternative luminaire assembly1600with the hinged cover1602removed according to some embodiments. Removal of the hinged cover1602reveals a bottom view of a hinge bracket1802and a moisture intrusion guard1804, in accordance with some embodiments of the invention. The hinge bracket1802is shown and described in more detail inFIGS.19-21and24-26. The moisture intrusion guard1804is shown and described in more detail inFIGS.22and23.

FIG.19is bottom plan view of the alternative luminaire assembly1600with the hinged cover1602removed according to some embodiments.

FIG.20is an expanded bottom perspective view of the alternative luminaire assembly1600with the hinged cover1602removed according to some embodiments. The male portion2002of the hinge arrangement1604is shown inserted through the hinge bracket1802, where the hinge bracket1802is itself attached to the housing1606and the moisture intrusion guard1804is connected to the hinge bracket1802and the housing1606. In some embodiments of the invention, the male portion2002is a fastener, pin, bolt or screw.

FIG.21is a perspective view of the hinge bracket1802of the alternative luminaire assembly1600according to some embodiments. In an embodiment of the invention, the male portion2002is inserted through holding rings2102with apertures2104i,2104iidisposed therein. Optionally, first aperture2104idoes not have the same shape and/or size as second aperture2104ii. Protrusions2106of the hinge bracket1802are used to attach the moisture intrusion guard1804to the hinge bracket1802, wherein the protrusions2106extend through slots2202on the moisture intrusion guard1804, as will be shown and described in more detail with respect toFIGS.22,23and26. In some embodiments, the lateral distance between the outer tips of the protrusions is greater than the lateral distance between the slots2202on the moisture intrusion guard1804. In such embodiments, the moisture intrusion guard1804is stretched to fit around the protrusions2106during assembly. Once clear of the outer tips of the protrusions2106, the moisture intrusion guard and associated slots2106can return to a relaxed or non-stretched state. The elastic nature of the intrusion guard1804assists in stretching for installation of the guard1804.

In some embodiments, slanted regions of the protrusions2016engage with alignment slots in the housing of the luminaire, as illustrated inFIG.20. As shown inFIG.20, the recesses of the protrusions2016proximate the holding rings2102receive a portion of the luminaire housing, wherein the slanted regions of each protrusion insert into alignment apertures in the back of the luminaire housing. In some embodiments of the invention, the hinge bracket1802has attachment apertures2108disposed therein for insertion of fasteners2402therethrough.

FIG.22is a front/back view of the alternative moisture intrusion guard1804according to some embodiments. Moisture intrusion guard1804is structurally and functionally similar to moisture intrusion guard1100with optionally slightly differently shaped fastening holes2204, in some embodiments of the invention. As can be seen inFIG.22, holes2204are optionally circular rather than ovoid (like holes1108), although holes2204are also configured for receipt therethrough of a fastener, such as a screw, which secures a “lower” portion2206, as viewed from this orientation, of the guard1804to the housing1806.

FIG.23is a front perspective view of the alternative moisture intrusion guard1804ofFIG.22according to some embodiments. Moisture intrusion guard1804is effectively similar to moisture intrusion guard1100, therefore in the interest of brevity, the description of guard1804will not be repeated.

FIG.24is a rear perspective view of the alternative luminaire assembly1600, according to some embodiments. From this view, the hinge arrangement1604is seen wherein the male portion2002of the hinge is inserted through the hinge bracket1802and the female portion1702on the cover1602is placed around the male portion2002and between the holding rings2102such that the female portion1702is rotatable around the male portion2002, effectuating hinged movement of the cover1602from a closed configuration (shown inFIG.16) to an open configuration. It can also be seen inFIG.24that the hinge bracket1802in combination with an exterior flange2404which is attached to the hinge bracket1802by at least one fastener2402. A gap2406is created between the hinge bracket1802and the exterior flange2404sized for placement of the housing1606therein, such that movement of the housing is restricted by being trapped in the gap2406.

FIG.25is a side perspective view of the rear of the alternative luminaire assembly1600, according to some embodiments. This view shows the gap2406more clearly and the deposition of the housing1606therein.

FIG.26is a side perspective view of the rear of the alternative luminaire assembly1600with the housing removed according to some embodiments. In an embodiment of the invention, protrusion2106is shown inserted into the slot2202, thereby securing the guard1804to the hinge bracket1802. In some embodiments, the hinge bracket1802is not a separate component and is integral with the housing1606of the luminaire. The hinge bracket, for example, can be part of the housing1606casting, thereby becoming monolithic or continuous with the remainder of the housing. In such embodiments, the exterior flange2404and associated fasteners2402may be obviated. Alternatively, the exterior flange2404is not a separate component and is integral with the housing1606of the luminaire. In some embodiments, the exterior flange2404is part of the housing1606casting. Additionally, in some embodiments, both the hinge bracket1802and the exterior flange2404can be integral with the housing1606of the luminaire, including being part of the housing1606casting.

In some embodiments, one or more of the protrusions securing the intrusion guard are associated with or originate in the housing. The protrusions, for example, can be extend from interior wall(s) of the housing or can be associated with one or more structures within the housing. In such embodiments, the protrusions are not associated with the cover or the retention assembly of the cover. In some embodiments, protrusions securing the intrusion guard can be originate from the housing and the cover retention assembly.

It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing from this application many relevant luminaires will be developed and the scope of the term luminaire is intended to include all such new technologies a priori.

The term “consisting of” means “including and limited to”.

The term “plurality” means “two or more”.