Lighting fixture with water shunt

A lighting fixture includes a lens frame having a rearmost rear-facing side with an outer perimeter, a baseplate connected to the lens frame, and a water shunt provided at the rearmost rear-facing side near the outer perimeter of the lens frame, the water shunt being structured for restricting water flow directed inwardly of the outer perimeter of the lens frame. A method includes providing a lens frame having a rearmost rear-facing side with an outer perimeter, providing a baseplate connected to the lens frame, and providing a water shunt provided at the rearmost rear-facing side near the outer perimeter of the lens frame, the water shunt being structured for restricting water flow directed inwardly of the outer perimeter of the lens frame.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The invention is related to U.S. application Ser. No. 10/839,428, entitled “Sconce-Type Lighting Fixture,” incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to lighting fixtures and, more particularly, to a lighting fixture having improved durability and adapted for scalable and modular construction thereof.

2. Background of the Invention

The architectural community uses indoor and outdoor lighting products to enhance the image of their facilities, both during the daytime and at night. Of course, tastes may differ, and lighting fixtures may also be selected with little regard for appearance. In either case, a high abuse lighting environment may exist in a commercial facility, where lighting fixtures are subjected to a higher possibility of events and/or conditions that could cause physical and/or environmental damage to the lighting fixture.

Wall fixtures may includes sconces adapted for creating various lighting effects, for example, indirect or accent lighting, direct lighting such as by using luminaires and reflectors, for illuminating walls, walkways, hallways, common areas and the like, for achieving a degree of softness of a lighting environment, for directing illumination in a vertical and/or horizontal direction, for incorporating a particular type of lamp, and others. Wall sconces may be designed to present an aesthetically pleasing overall appearance.

Conventional sconce-type lighting fixtures may provide abundant options regarding aesthetic designs for indoor or outdoor applications. However, such aesthetically designed fixtures do not provide an acceptable environmental durability necessary for public areas. For example, conventional sconce-type lighting fixtures do not address a water-ingress problem, such as that occurring from a high-volume sheet of water falling down a wall surface or a small-volume trickle. In addition, conventional sconce-type lighting fixtures are not designed to provide scalability, modularity, and easy assembly and installation.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide improved sconce-type lighting fixtures for overcoming some of the problems and shortcomings of the prior art, including those referred to above.

Another object of the invention is to provide aesthetically pleasing sconce-type lighting fixtures resistant to breakage such as that caused by vandalism or accidental impact from a foreign object and resistant to damage caused by their environment.

Another object of the invention is to provide sconce-type lighting fixtures for illuminating potentially hazardous areas.

Still another object of the invention is to provide sconce-type lighting fixtures that provide both water resistance and serviceability.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a scalable and modular design for sconce-type lighting fixtures.

Another object of the invention is to provide a sconce-type lighting fixture resistant to corrosion.

A further object of the invention is to provide a sconce-type lighting fixture that may be easily assembled and installed.

How these and other objects are accomplished will become apparent from the following descriptions and drawing figures.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the invention, a lighting fixture includes a lens frame having a rearmost rear-facing side with an outer perimeter, a baseplate connected to the lens frame, and a water shunt provided at the rearmost rear-facing side near the outer perimeter of the lens frame, the water shunt being structured for restricting water flow directed inwardly of the outer perimeter of the lens frame.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method includes providing a lens frame having a rearmost rear-facing side with an outer perimeter, providing a baseplate connected to the lens frame, and providing a water shunt provided at the rearmost rear-facing side near the outer perimeter of the lens frame, the water shunt being structured for restricting water flow directed inwardly of the outer perimeter of the lens frame.

According to a still further aspect of the invention, in a lighting fixture having a baseplate connected to a lens frame having a rearmost rear-facing side with an outer perimeter, an improvement includes a water shunt provided at the rearmost rear-facing side near the outer perimeter, the water shunt being structured for restricting water flow directed inwardly of the outer perimeter of the lens frame.

The invention provides a lighting design methodology that combines aesthetics, ease of manufacturing, modularity, scalability, water resistance and channeling, safety, illuminating potentially hazardous areas, resistance to breakage and corrosion, resistance to litter, serviceability, adaptability, and other considerations. These practical considerations provide an improved sconce-type lighting fixture, and associated methods.

This summary does not limit the invention, which is instead defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1is a front view of a sconce-type lighting fixture10according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A lens49extends outwardly from a lens frame9. Crossbars50are welded to lens frame9and protectively cover a portion of the outside surface of lens49. Lens frame9has beveled portions91,92that provide two uniformly angled surfaces facing out to the front of lighting fixture10. Four mounting holes93are provided in lens frame9for accepting fasteners8that secure lens frame9to a rear portion of lighting fixture10. The lens49shown inFIG. 1is a “roof” type diffuser externally having two symmetric and adjoining side walls41, and two symmetrically slanted end walls42. As described further below, the profile of crossbars50‘follows’ the shape of lens49to minimize any gap therebetween. This allows crossbars50to provide optimal protection while also providing an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Similarly, other shapes may be utilized for a lens and corresponding crossbars, where such crossbars follow the shape of the particular lens.

The various component parts of lighting fixture10are designed with the intent that such components, and corresponding manufacturing systems, may be used for as many different embodiments as possible. For example, for a given width of lighting fixture10, crossbars5and lens frame end pieces89may be used for a lighting fixture model having any length. Similarly, stock and tooling such as molds and jigs used in forming lens4and lens frame9may be simply adapted to a desired length fixture.

FIG. 2is a rear view of a sconce-type lighting fixture10according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. A baseplate1may have mounting holes13for securely attaching baseplate1to a wall or other mounting surface, preferably using watertight attachment devices, such as masonry screws and plastic inserts with sealing adhesives or surfaces. A center hole11is provided in baseplate1for attachment of a conduit fitting or other apparatus for feeding wires to lighting fixture10from an electric supply such as an AC line. A knockout12may be provided in baseplate1so that an installer may use a larger size conduit or other fitting by removing the knockout in a known manner. Baseplate1has four extensions14that each have holes15. Holes15are placed so that they are respectively aligned with holes93of lens frame9when assembling light fixture10. Fasteners8may be securely attached to baseplate1via holes93,15, thereby securing lens frame9to baseplate1.

FIGS. 3–9show a sconce-type lighting fixture100according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 3is an exploded view of lighting fixture100. Baseplate1is preferably die formed using marine grade aluminum. Baseplate1is free of any unused openings, and all seams are TIG welded, thereby providing a solid, sealed, corrosion-resistant mounting base for securing lighting fixture100to a wall or other mounting location. Baseplate1has four mounting holes13respectively located near the baseplate corners for four-point mounting of fixture100such as by using insert type screw assemblies, weatherproof bolt assemblies, and others. Center hole11may be provided in the center portion of baseplate1for attachment of a conduit fitting or similar type of wire feed apparatus. For example, when used for indoor lighting, a strain relief may be used in center hole11for securely attaching a power cord, or a grommet or sleeve may be used for feeding an AC line through a corresponding hole in an attachment surface such as a wall. Knockout12may be provided around center hole11, for over box mounting and/or attachment of large fittings (e.g., two-inch). For external use, an appropriate UL and NEMA approved fitting is used for inputting AC power when mounting lighting fixture100in corrosive and/or wet locations such as outdoors.

Threaded studs16are provided for attachment of various items to a bottom portion19of baseplate1by use of nuts18. Lockwashers (not shown) and similar hardware may also be used. Pairs of the threaded studs16are provided for mounting one or more ballast assemblies7(when applicable) and a lamp socket assembly61. A single threaded stud17may be provided as a grounding post for electrically connecting an input ground wire to baseplate1and, thereby, to all the metal of lighting fixture100conductively connected to baseplate1. Bottom portion19is recessed from a flat edge surface25formed around the outer periphery of baseplate1, with one or more surfaces27, either vertical or beveled, therebetween. Two extensions14are located on each lengthwise side of baseplate1and extend outside the rectangular frame portion of baseplate1. Clip nuts26are provided for fitting over respective holes15in extensions14so that lens frame9may be secured to the baseplate1by being fastened to the extensions14using threaded fasteners8, which, for example, may be stainless steel tamper-resistant TORX™ or POSIGRIP™ fasteners, and the like, that help prevent unauthorized fixture entry. Alternatively, holes15may be threaded holes, or other fastening devices may be used. Extensions14are preferably angled away from the rectangular frame portion of baseplate1, at an angle that allows the attachment surface47of extension14to be essentially parallel with both the outer surface of beveled portion91and inner beveled edge75of lens frame9.

At least one ballast assembly7(when applicable) may be mounted on bottom portion19of baseplate1by being secured to threaded studs16. Ballast assembly7includes a ballast70that provides an appropriate voltage, starting circuit (if applicable), and corresponding power capability for a given lamp2. Ballast assembly7is typically not installed for lighting fixtures100having lamp(s) not requiring a ballast or starting circuit. A functionality of a ballast70can include many different options including, but not limited to, filtering, current and/or voltage regulation, power factor control, remote control and monitoring, brightness adjustment, automatic blackout recovery and similar ‘smart’ starting circuit functionality, microprocessor-based functions, and others. Ballast70is preferably an electronic type ballast having a low profile and weight. According to its functionality, ballast70may have extra wires for input (e.g., control) and output (e.g., functional implementation) circuits, in addition to wires corresponding to AC line input and one or more lamp output voltages.

Depending on the type of ballast70used (if any), various connectors may include those located on a side wall of ballast assembly7and adapted for electrically connecting, directly or indirectly, to electrical wires from an external power source such as an AC line from a circuit breaker. For example, such wires may be fed through center hole11of baseplate1and connected to ballast70by being attached to pigtail jumper wires of a jumper (not shown) having a male connector mated with a corresponding female connector located on ballast assembly7. Such a connection may be made using standard twist on wire connectors or similar devices. Alternatively, a ballast connector may have terminals (not shown) for directly or indirectly attaching the electrical wires, for example by use of a split bolt, screw terminal, insertion terminal, spade or other crimp type terminal, and others. Such terminals may be used for attaching a jumper assembly that mates, in turn, with a second jumper assembly attached by twist on wire connectors to the AC line input wires. Another type of ballast connector may have female pins for receiving corresponding male pins from the supply side.

Depending on a size and/or capacity of lighting fixture100, a corresponding number of ballasts70may be installed by being secured to baseplate1. Many lamps, such as fluorescent type, are designed to be powered in groups by individual ballasts so, for example, a six lamp fixture may utilize two ballasts. Ballast assembly7includes a ballast frame having holes or cutouts for mounting ballast70to baseplate1as described above. AC line input wires may be secured by a known manner of strain relief at center hole11. The neutral and hot AC lines may be attached to the lead wires of a lamp socket72using twist on wire connectors, and the ground wire of the AC feed may be attached to grounding post17.

A lamp socket mounting assembly61, preferably formed of marine grade aluminum, is secured to threaded mounting studs16of baseplate1. Holes63on mounting surfaces62are placed over studs16and lamp socket mounting assembly61is secured thereon by use of kepnuts18or similar fasteners. A center portion67is formed by cutting two notches and twice bending a tab portion of lamp socket mounting assembly61, so that a socket mounting surface36is substantially parallel to a top surface66. (InFIGS. 4A and 4B, bends are shown as dashed lines.). An aperture68is formed in socket mounting surface36. A lamp socket72may have mounting spring-clips (not shown) that are snugly insertable into aperture68. For example, a ‘mini-fluorescent’ type bulb may have a conventional ‘screw-in’ bulb base or it may be structured for fitting into a specialized socket; either, way, such a lamp and socket may be connected directly to the AC line voltage without requiring a ballast. Wires from lamp socket72may be fed through aperture68. Notches71are formed on either side of center portion67, the notches71being adapted for accepting a slidable insert/mounting portion73that includes a locking member (not shown) that ‘clicks’ into aperture68for securely holding the slidable insert73. Insert73includes one or more lamp sockets72that have wires extending therefrom at a location designed for optimal placement of the wires connecting to a ballast70or to the AC input.

Lamp(s)2may be incandescent, compact fluorescent, biax, linear fluorescent, HID, or other type lamp(s), depending on the lighting effects, illumination properties, power consumption, bulb life, ballast requirements, etc. for a particular installation. Lighting fixture100is modular and readily adaptable for modifying, such as by upgrading a ballast to a more efficient model or one with additional functionality, by changing lamp and/or ballast types, or by changing a lamp configuration within a lighting fixture. For example, a building manager may determine that a new walk way requires additional illumination. Rather than needing to replace an entire lighting fixture, the building manager may simply change a socket, ballast and/or lamp type to increase illumination on the new walkway. Similarly, for example, the building manager may decide to lower a light output of a lighting fixture, and may elect to change to a lower wattage bulb. The old lens frame, lens, baseplate, and lamp socket assembly may be used with appropriate new components. It may be desirable to install a new gasket when servicing or retrofitting a lighting fixture. Importantly, an AC line feed to the lighting fixture, and associated waterproof fittings to the fixture, may remain in place during servicing or retrofit.

A reflector3is placed over lamp socket mounting assembly61so that holes33line up with threaded holes65of lamp socket mounting assembly61, and threaded fasteners35or the like are used for securing reflector3to lamp socket mounting assembly61. In such a position, a reflector portion surrounding a window34of reflector3abuts and is parallel with a top surface of lamp socket mounting assembly61, the window being approximately centered above aperture68. In this manner, a small opening is provided to allow a lamp socket72to extend above reflector3while enclosing all electrical wires and connections in the space defined between baseplate1and reflector3. The baseplate covering portion of reflector3has a flat middle portion32and beveled edges31,37. The lengthwise beveled edges31are further bent down to a position angularly ninety degrees with respect to the top surface32, thereby providing two side surfaces38for reflector3as it sits atop baseplate1and lamp socket mounting assembly61. The outer size of reflector3as defined by a distance between opposite side walls38is slightly smaller than an inner width defined as a distance between inner walls84of baseplate1, so that a gasket6or similar sealing layer material disposed on flat surface25is not interfered with when reflector3is installed.

Reflector3is preferably formed of marine grade aluminum to provide a non-corroding reflecting surface that can withstand adverse environmental conditions. By effecting full use of reflection, approximately 92% reflectivity may be achieved. The reflector shape, including beveled edges31,37and flat surface32, allows the reflecting surface to be maximized, thereby maximizing efficiency, concealing internal components, and minimizing dark spots. The flat outward side32provides uniformity in illumination. As a result of such subtle design elements, reflector3assures that lighting fixture100operates, as a whole, to provide ultra-efficient and high quality lighting, resulting in very high levels of function and aesthetics.

Window34allows a lamp socket72to be positioned on the outward side of reflector3while all electrical connections, including ballast assembly7, are located on the reflector inward side when reflector3is installed in lighting fixture100. Lamps may be easily installed or replaced after lighting fixture100has been installed and the wiring covered. Baseplate1, lamp support61, and reflector3are preferably all painted with a high gloss white paint in order to maximize reflectivity.

Baseplate1may have several pairs of threaded mounting studs16for correspondingly mounting several ballast assemblies7. The electrical output of ballasts70are fed to individual lampholder(s) of lamp socket mounting assembly61via wires or other conductors kept enclosed between reflector3and baseplate1. Ballast assembly7and lamp socket mounting assembly61may be combined into a single module, for example, having conductors being fed between such components through a wire raceway portion (not shown).

Lens4in a preferred embodiment is formed of a high impact, high performance pearlescent, 100% DR acrylic material. Such material is ultraviolet (UV) stabilized, highly impact resistant, pressure-formed, non-yellowing and very strong, providing lamp protection and efficient light diffusion. For example, nominal and uniform thickness of approximately 0.125 inches provides a diffuser that is virtually unbreakable (other than by use of extreme force) when installed in the sconce-type lighting fixture100. Lens4has a flanged outer perimeter portion86with a flat outer section87that includes a gasket face/footprint45, and has a convex outer form.

FIGS. 10A–10Eshow different crossbar configurations for a “roof” type lens49andFIGS. 11A–11Dshow different crossbar configurations for a “dome” type lens4. The two lenses49,4are formed to have a same rectangular footprint of a flat mounting surface45, a partial bottom view of which is illustrated inFIG. 8. The rectangular footprint45has a same basic shape as flat surface25of baseplate1, so that a gasket6may be placed therebetween for sealing engagement of the surfaces. Dome type lens4has a cylindrical outward profile and lens49has an angular outward profile. Respective lengthwise end portions42,48are slanted so that lighting fixture10,100is free from any ‘shelf’ type surface. The optimum angle was achieved by experimentation with a soda can, whereby the slant angle causes such a can to slide off end portion42,48. As a result, a building manager is assured that lighting fixture10,100does not become unsightly as a result of trash being placed on any surface of the fixture. Similarly, loitering will be discouraged because there is no surface on which a drink may be placed. In addition, when a lighting fixture100has two crossbars5near lengthwise end portions48of fixture100, the lens4is preferably formed so that the outer end face48has its uppermost edge portion57proximate an outward edge60of the corresponding frame bar5, as shown by example inFIG. 11B. Because of the proximity of edge57and outward edge60, it becomes more difficult for a vandal, or other force, to break lens4. Similarly, an uppermost point59of lens49is preferably close to an outer side of crossbar50, as shown by example inFIG. 10C.

Gasket6has a rectangular shape corresponding to the shapes of surfaces25and45of baseplate1and lens4, respectively. Gasket6may be formed of rubber, foam, adhesive, resins, silicone, and other materials, alone or in combination. Preferably, a surface of gasket6being mounted on surface25of baseplate1is secured to surface25with an adhesive, so that when service/maintenance (e.g., lamp replacement) is being performed, gasket6will not be affected.

One or more cross bars5are formed of heavy duty marine grade aluminum, for example having a quarter-inch thickness. In preferred embodiments, a shape of the crossbars5is the same as a shape of a corresponding lens4,49, thereby providing an equally attractive and tough enclosure. For example, crossbars5may be formed to provide an essentially uniform gap24between crossbars5and an outer surface of lens4. Such a gap24may be, for example, approximately 1/32 to 3/16 of an inch. For the exemplary lenses4,49, corresponding crossbars5,50respectively follow a ‘dome’ shape and a ‘roof’ shape.

Crossbar5is welded to lens frame9at a notch section55formed in a lengthwise beveled portion58of inner edge92of lens frame9. The notch section55may also include a section of ridge53in order to provide access to the corresponding end54of crossbar5during the welding process. Weld51joins crossbar5to lens frame9. Notch portions55are formed on sections of lens frame9opposing one another, so that crossbar5is positioned horizontally, or widthwise, when the lengthwise axis of lighting assembly100is vertical. A selected number of crossbars5may be welded in a similar manner to achieve a desired configuration. For example,FIGS. 11A–11Dshow various exemplary bar configurations for a sconce-type lighting fixture100. A crossbar support/channel separator82is formed at an inner surface of frame portions89,91near angled inner portion92. A channel is thereby formed between separator82and angled inner portion92, the channel being defined between respective intersecting points28and29, as shown in the cross section ofFIG. 7. Crossbar support82may be used for positioning crossbar5in preparation for creating weld51.

Lens frame9may be formed using stock marine grade aluminum having a cross section as shown inFIG. 7. Pieces are cut to length from the stock with forty-five degree angles at the ends of the pieces. A corner bracket56is inserted into a bracket channel80of the cut pieces being joined together, so that four corner brackets56are used to form lens frame9. Corner brackets56are preferably formed of stainless steel. Corner brackets56fit snugly into bracket channels80, so that the just-assembled frame may be carried to a jig (not shown) for subsequent welding. When the assembled frame is installed in the welding jig, welds52are formed at each of the four corners of lens frame9, the welds52are dressed and finished, burrs are removed, and then lens frame9is pre-treated and painted with high quality outdoor grade powder coating. A clear or other anodized finish such as satin, or a custom paint may alternatively be used.

Lenses4,49have an inner knee38and an outer knee39, each uniformly formed in a rectangle outwardly of the dome or roof shaped portions, respectively. Inner knee38is formed so that the dome or roof shaped portion of lens4,49begins to project outwardly near beveled inner portion92of lens frame9, and so that angled portion86of lens4,49follows an interior shape of lens frame9when lens4,49is installed. Outer knee39is formed so that flat portion87of lens4,49is parallel to gasket surface25of baseplate1when lens4,49is installed.

As shown inFIG. 8, tabs44are formed on the outward edge of lens4. Tabs44allow lens4to be ‘snap-fit’ into lens frame9. A flat exterior portion87is provided as a rectangular perimeter portion of lens4that rests on the flat portion78of lens channel76of lens frame9when lens4is being installed. An abutment location77of lens channel76limits the lateral position of tabs44during installation of one lengthwise side20of lens4, whereupon slight compression of lens4allows installation of the tabs of opposite lengthwise side90, such tabs44of opposite side90also resting on flat portion78of lens channel76of lens frame9. Tabs44snap into lens channel76when a given tab44is pressed under nub30, nub30being the innermost edge of angled inner surface75of lens frame9. The lens frame channel defined between nub30and flat portion78thereby constitutes an inwardly-facing groove with uniform cross-section. That is, the cross-section of lens channel76, including nub30, abutment location77and flat surface78does not change as that cross-section moves around the circumference of lens frame9. Lens4may be securely installed into an aluminum extrusion without accommodation. In other words, an inwardly-facing channel may be formed in lens frame9, purely as an ‘undercut.’ Therefore, the same aluminum, (or other suitable material) extrusion may be used for manufacturing lens frames of various size, since all corresponding individual frame parts have the same “cross section.” As discussed further below, a same lens frame9may be used for various different lens shapes, by simply substituting correspondingly different crossbars.

Reference character74denotes a beveled surface extending from baseplate mounting surface75to an outer end point99. As shown inFIG. 7, a service channel is formed by the surface between edges98and99, beveled surface74, and the interior surface formed by inner shunt97. Flat shunt faces97,95face toward the rear of lighting fixture100, with a curved shunt channel96formed therebetween.

When lighting fixture100is installed outdoors, for example by being affixed to a wall or other mounting surface, the fixture may be exposed to wet locations. Rain, sprinkler systems, power washers, and other sources may cause a lighting fixture to be subjected to water in varying amounts. In order to ensure that water does not enter any portion of lighting fixture100where electricity is present, gasket6or similar sealing system is used for providing a watertight seal between baseplate1and lens4as described above. In addition, the water shunt formed by surfaces95,96,97acts to divert water when lighting fixture10,100is mounted to a surface. In particular, water is channeled vertically and/or horizontally by curved shunt channel96, which extends circumferentially around the rearmost rear-facing side of lens frame9.

When a large volume of water flows down a wall surface and contacts lighting fixture100, shunt face97, alone or in combination with shunt face95and curved shunt channel96, acts to pass a portion of the water directly onto a rear surface101of baseplate1, whereupon such water portion flows down baseplate1and off of lighting fixture100. Instead of allowing the water of such a high-volume flow to fall into an interior portion of lighting fixture100, the water shunt acts to break adhesion that would otherwise cause a water flow to follow along the interior-most portions of a fixture. For a water flow with a smaller volume, the curved shunt channel96tends to collect water by adhesion of droplets, and subsequent flow is diverted away from the interior of lens frame9by the water's adhesion to shunt channel96. Water that trickles over an edge of shunt face97is additionally channeled away by rear portion101of baseplate1since shunt face97causes such trickle flow to fall directly onto surface101where such trickle subsequently falls away from lighting fixture100, and by the service channel formed by edge99of lens frame9. Further, rear portion101of baseplate1is at or near a rearmost location of lighting fixture100and thereby tends to provide a surface where any water not deflected by water shunt surfaces95,96,97(e.g., by adhesion of water to a mounting surface) flows down and off. Still further, an auxiliary channel for diverting water is formed by the intersection of flat flange portion102and wall103of baseplate1. Such is effective to provide a path for any water not already diverted. Additionally, since such auxiliary channel is rearward of the cross section projection formed to include nub30, it is practically impossible for any significant amount of water to reach nub30. Even if such an unlikely event were to occur, gasket6assures that any such water would be prevented from violating the seal enclosing electrical portions of lighting fixture100.

FIG. 12is a bottom end view of an embodiment of a lighting fixture200having a deep surface housing22in place of, or in addition to, a lens frame9. Deep surface housing22may be formed as a frame integral with lens frame9or as a separate extending portion110that is attachable to lens frame9as an adapter. In either case, extending portion110may have one or more conduit entries23, such as a half-inch hole for accepting a standard size conduit fitting. By placing such a conduit entry23at a bottom of lighting fixture200, water is kept away by the nature of relative shapes and locations of the various surfaces of lens frame9, which act as a sort of ‘umbrella’ for protecting conduit entry23.

FIGS. 13A and 13Brespectively show a representative candlepower distribution and typical isofootcandle curves for a wall-sconce type lighting fixture according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. For example, two 32 watt lamps may be used for producing approximately 2400 lumens per lamp. In such a case, the curves ofFIG. 13Bmay be used for determining relative performance for different wall mounting heights by using an accompanying chart (not shown). Accordingly, a higher or lower illumination level may be chosen by selecting a lighting fixture size and/or lamp model for a particular application. In many installations, a wall sconce type lighting fixture is chosen to provide safety and aesthetics, rather than having a primary purpose of maximum illumination. Therefore, an architect may choose to select a sconce size and appearance that blends nicely with a building's overall design, while still assuring that walkways and doorways are illuminated with a necessary amount of light.

Lighting fixtures10,100provide a scalable solution to any wall sconce lighting situation. In addition, the present inventors have determined optimum angles for maintaining a wall sconce type lighting fixture in a litter-free condition. Many installations will be in a public area where people are consuming soft drinks, food items, and the like. As a result, many people may choose to place a can, cup, or bottle on a surface as a sort of ersatz coffee table or drink holder. Rather than properly disposing of such cans, cups, and bottles, people may leave these drink items atop the chosen surface as litter. In order to prevent a wall sconce10,100from becoming an unsightly litter receptacle, the present inventors experimented with the angle of end face42of lens40and end face48of lens4to assure that a soft drink can falls off such end face42,48. Therefore, end face42,48is not able to be used as a drink holder and is not a collection point for litter. This assures that sconce type lighting fixture10,100maintains a proper appearance.

Many variations of a sconce type lighting fixture may be obtained without changing molds, fixtures, and/or designs. Since lighting fixture100and its components are designed for modularity and scalability, manufacturing and associated inventory of parts and materials is simplified and less burdensome. Lens frame9has the same cross section for any size length and for each of its four sides. Widths of various components, such as lens4and crossbars5, may be designed for standard widths, whereupon models having different lengths may have their respective components formed from a single design/shape.

Lighting fixture100is designed for serviceability while maintaining watertight sealing of the internal electrical items. Lens frame9and lens4may be removed as a unit by simply removing the four fasteners94. Optionally, an interlock such as a limit switch (not shown) may be provided to disconnect electrical power when lens frame9is removed.

Preferably, all the structural lighting fixture elements are formed of marine grade aluminum, stainless steel, and other premium-quality non-corrosive materials. A material chosen for a lighting fixture component may be formed of other materials including, but not limited to various alloys, fiber, resin, composites, carbon-based materials, galvanized metal, and/or rubber. It is usually necessary and/or desirable for lighting fixture components to be conductive so, for example, backplate1may be used for providing a grounding surface to which all metal components may be electrically connected. For a given installation, such integral conductivity may be required in order to comply with applicable safety requirements specified for lighting fixtures by UL, the National Electric Code, and others.

Although the present invention has been described in conjunction with specific exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, it is to be understood that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as understood by those skilled in the art. Such modifications and variations are considered to be within the purview and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.