Selectively-extendable modular lighting fixture

A modular lighting fixture may include a housing having opposite ends, an endplate for fastening to one end of the housing, the endplate having a lens receiving face on a first side and an additional-structure-connecting face on a second side. The second side has an outer perimeter portion and a first peripheral surface, the first peripheral surface being inward of the outer perimeter portion. An additional structure is provided having a second peripheral surface with substantially similar contour as the first peripheral surface on the second side of the endplate. The additional structure is connected to the endplate with the second peripheral surface being proximate to the first peripheral surface of the second side of the endplate. A modular lighting fixture may include first and second elongate housings each having ends, pairs of endplates for being respectively mated with the first and second ends of the first and second elongate housings, the endplates each having a rim, and a bridge adapted for joining one of the endplates of the first elongate housing with one of the endplates of the second elongate housing by sealing cooperation with the respective rims thereof. A lighting fixture may have one or more isolated raceways therein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a lighting fixture and, more particularly, to a modular lighting fixture adaptable for being implemented in various shapes and configurations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many different types of lighting fixtures, including elongate fixtures for various applications and locations, are known in the art. Such fixtures have been installed for illuminating stores, offices, supermarkets, schools, hospitals, banks, and other interior and exterior areas. Appreciating the versatility of such lighting fixtures, including the many engineering designs and configurations, there remains a need for improving versatility and adaptability of a lighting fixture, in order to facilitate and enhance particular applications.

Traditional lighting fixtures are not readily adaptable for adjusting length and changing physical configuration. In particular, conventional structures and lighting methods are not adapted for selectively implementing fixtures having different shapes.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

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

Another object of the invention is to provide a modular lighting system easily adaptable for creating different shapes and configurations in linear lighting applications.

Another object of the invention is to provide a lighting system that provides one or more raceways and/or isolated raceways for other distribution applications, including for example wiring, fiber optics, and other distribution medium and connections.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a system for mating, slidably engaging or sealingly connecting linear lighting modules to one another.

Another object of the invention is to provide a modular lighting system with first and second peripheral surfaces proximate to one another for connecting two or more linear lighting modules or a linear lighting module and an additional structure.

Another object of the invention is to provide a modular lighting system with first and second peripheral surfaces in mating or overlying mating engagement with one another for connecting two or more linear lighting modules or a linear lighting module and an additional structure.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a modular lighting system that allows a designer to implement linear lighting using any number of modules having selectable lengths.

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

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention, a modular lighting system includes a housing having opposite ends and an endplate for fastening to one of the ends of the housing. The endplate includes a lens-receiving face on a first side and an additional-structure-connecting face on a second side, the second side having an outer perimeter portion and a first peripheral surface, the first peripheral surface being proximate to and preferably inward of the outer perimeter portion. An additional structure having a second peripheral surface with substantially similar contour as the first peripheral surface on the second side of the endplate is connected to the endplate with the second peripheral surface being proximate to the first peripheral surface of the second side of the endplate.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of modular lighting includes providing an elongate first housing having ends, and providing a pair of endplates with respective perimeter surfaces adapted for mating attachment to either end of the first housing, each of the endplates being attachable to any of an angularly-disposing bridge, a ring or linear bridge, and an endcap, where the angularly-disposed bridge defines a structure adapted for angularly-directable extension of the first housing, and where the ring or linear bridge defines a structure adapted for linear extension of the first housing.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixture includes an elongate housing having two ends, and at least one endplate engageable with one of the ends of the elongate housing, where, when the endplate is engaged with the elongate housing, at least one and preferably two isolated raceways extend through the elongate housing and the endplate.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixture includes first and second elongate housings each having ends, first and second pairs of endplates respectively mated with the ends of the first and second elongate housings, the endplates each having a peripheral rim, and a bridge adapted for joining one of the endplates of the first elongate housing with one of the endplates of the second elongate housing by cooperation with the respective peripheral rims thereof.

A modular lighting fixture including an elongate housing having lengthwise ends, an elongate lens adapted for being secured to the housing and having lengthwise end edge portions, and a pair of endplates adapted for mating attachment to either end of the housing. Each of the endplates having an endplate groove adapted for slidably receiving one of the end edge portions of the lens to thereby seat the lens within the endplate groove, each of the endplates being attachable to an angularly-disposing bridge defining a structure adapted for angularly-directable extension of the housing and having an outer surface of substantially the same size to an outer surface of the endplate where the bridge and endplate join; a linear extension type bridge defining a structure adapted for linear extension of the housing and having an outer surface of substantially the same size to the outer surface of the endplate where the bridge and endplate join; or an endcap having an outer surface of substantially the same size to an outer surface of the endplate where the endcap and endplate join.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixture includes first and second elongate linear housings each having ends, and a bridge adapted for connecting one of the ends of the first elongate housing to one of the ends of the second elongate linear housing, and for angularly disposing the second elongate linear housing.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixture includes a first elongate housing having ends, an endplate adapted for connection to an end of the first elongate housing, and a bridge for connecting the endplate to at least one additional structure, the bridge being one of an L, T, +, and X type. The bridge has an outer surface substantially the same in size to an outer surface of the endplate where the bridge and endplate join.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixture includes first and second elongate housings each having ends, and a bridge structured for connection of the first and second elongate housings to one another at respective ones of their ends; wherein the first and second elongate housings, when so connected, are non-colinear.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixture includes an elongate housing having lengthwise ends, and a pair of endplates adapted for attachment to either lengthwise end of the housing, each of the endplates having respective perimeter surfaces adapted for attachment to any one of a bridge adapted for angularly-directable extension of the housing, a bridge adapted for linear extension of the housing, and an endcap.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixture includes first and second elongate housings, two endplates, each having two non-symmetrical end walls, disposed between the first and second elongate housings, an elongate lens attached to the first elongate housing, and a gasket disposed between the lens and the first elongate housing for providing fluid-impervious sealing between the lens and the first elongate housing.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixture includes a lighting fixture module having ends, and an endplate affixed at each of the ends of the lighting fixture module, the endplate including an arcuate, inwardly-directed groove adapted for receiving an end edge portion of a lens. One of the endplates may include a flange to cover a respective end edge portion of the lens preventing external access to the one edge portion of the lens.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixture includes an elongate lighting fixture housing having ends, a pair of endplates respectively affixed at each of the ends of the lighting fixture housing, and an elongate lens adapted for mating attachment to the lighting fixture housing and having flanges along elongate sides thereof that overlie the lighting fixture housing.

According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixture includes a lens having a flange extending symmetrically along each of two longitudinal edges of the lens, and a linear-type lighting fixture housing having slot-like grooves extending along sidewalls of the housing, the grooves being adapted for receiving respective ones of the flanges therein, where attachment of the flanges in the grooves effects fluid-impervious sealing between the lens and the housing.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of lighting includes providing a fluid-impervious lighting fixture adapted for being installed as any of an individual linear housing section, a continuous lighting fixture made up of individual linear housing sections, and a geometric linear lighting fixture made up of individual linear housing sections.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method includes providing a selectable number of linear lighting modules each adapted for being joined at an end thereof to an end of another of the linear lighting modules, each of the linear lighting modules being of a selectable length, and joining the selected number of linear lighting modules together to form a lighting fixture having one and preferably two isolated raceways therein.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of providing a lighting fixture includes providing first and second housing sections each having opposite ends, mounting an endplate to the opposite ends of each of the first and second housings, and sealingly joining together one of the mounted endplates for each of the first and second housing sections, thereby sealingly connecting the first and second housing sections to one another.

As a result of implementing certain aspects of the invention, lighting fixtures may be characterized as providing “selectably extendable and angularly-directable linear lighting.” For example, by joining a number of modules, sections, or housing components to one another at end portions or segments thereof, a lineal array of selectable length or lineal expanse may be provided as required or desired. Alternatively, the fixture may consist of two linear arrays connected at ends thereof to define an angle, for example a 90 degree juncture or corner. In another example, lineal sectors or sections may be oriented with respect to one another to provide various different geometric configurations or shapes. Accordingly, a large variety of lighting design choices may be implemented efficiently. In addition, a structure according to the invention also provides fluid-impervious sealing.

Other and further objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following further description considered with the drawing figures.

The foregoing summary does not limit the invention, which is instead defined by the attached claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1is a perspective view of a lighting fixture module24that may be configured in any of several different forms, in this case being configured as a single module fixture20by adding endcaps52. Module24may also be referred-to herein as “housing section24” that includes a body section10and a pair of endplates34. Module24may also include a lens80.

FIG. 2shows a dual-module lighting fixture30having two housing sections24. The two housing sections24of fixture30are secured end-to-end to one another at respective facing endplates34thereof (e.g.,FIGS. 3-5,7,8), by a coupler40interposed between the respective endplates34.

Either fixture20,30may be securely mounted at respective generally planar bases48thereof to a ceiling or similar structure50. Free ends of housing section24may be closed at endplates34thereof with fitted endcaps52. Endcaps52abuts and is securely mounted to endplate34, as shown by way of example inFIG. 3. Each housing section24includes opposed lineally-extending side walls56,58extending co-extensively with base48at elongate upper edges64and66thereof.

Housing sidewalls56,58of elongate modular lineal section24are formed of an extruded high-strength metal alloy, such as aluminum alloys, as a body portion10of each modular sections24. Sidewalls56,58are formed at opposite elongate edge portions thereof with channel-like, downwardly-opening grooves96,98that matingly receive therewithin the elongate free edge portions of lens80. A gasket (not shown) may also be used for sealing the elongate sides of lens80with elongate grooves96,98of housing24. Lens80is preferably formed of a high strength plastic composition.

Elongate, sheet-like, arcuate lens80extends generally along the bottom of housing section24and is secured at its lengthwise sides to longitudinally extending lower free edges72,74of the opposed sidewalls56and58of housing section24. In one embodiment, lens80has upwardly-directed flanges86,88(e.g.,FIGS. 9A-9B) that respectively seat within downwardly-opening elongate grooves or slots204,206in endplate34and in channels96and98formed in lower free elongate opposed edge zones104and106of housing sidewalls56and58.

Each endplate34is formed at an inner face thereof with an arcuate, inwardly-opening slot or groove200extending along a bounding peripheral edge zone thereof for slideably receiving an end edge portion of lens80. It may be appreciated that such engagement of lens80and groove200may provide sealing of housing24and fixture module20, may prevent external access to one edge of lens80and may prevent the lens edge or end portions from being pressed inwardly into the interior of housing24or fixture module20. The inner face of endplate34is also formed for accepting therewithin the extruded housing24. Such engagement of endplate34and extruded housing24may provide sealing of the fixture20.

For example, downwardly-projecting strips110,112respectively extend longitudinally along a lineal expanse of sidewalls56,58. At their free end edges, strips110,112respectively abut in engagement with endplate34. Channel200, which opens outwardly, may be contoured, configured and sized at its opposite lateral portions for receiving in close and sealing engagement therewithin the respective opposed edge portions72and74of the sidewalls56and58.

As shown inFIGS. 9A-B, a die cut gasket120may be interposed to provide sealing engagement of strips110,112and lens80. As shown inFIGS. 9A-9B, channel200of endplate34may be aligned with corresponding channels96,98of housing24. Such configuration may also provide water-resistant sealing, fluid impervious sealing or water proof sealing depending on installation requirements.

Endplates34are structured in a skeletal, bridge-like manner for mating engagement and positive attachment to each end of housing section24, thereby providing through-frame openings. Skeletal adapter ring40is attachable to either endplate34for facilitating attachment of an additional structure, housing section or module24to provide a lighting fixture comprised of two or more modular housing sections24.

Endplates34may be formed as high-strength castings having a metal composition, preferably being composed of a lightweight material such as an aluminum alloy. Endplates34have an inner face perimeter contour corresponding to a perimeter contour of the combined end-wise edge of the housing section24including an attached lens80. The outer face perimeter contour of endplate34corresponds to a perimeter contour of the ring40, endcap52, or other bridge being attached to endplate34. For example, endplate34may have a perimeter shoulder205for engaging either an inner rim226of coupler ring40(FIG. 4) or an inner edge160of endcap52(FIG. 3) to be secured thereon. Perimeter shoulder205is disposed proximate to inner rim226or inner edge160when endplate34is secured to coupler ring40or endcap52.

Ring40has a circumscribing top wall that is integrally formed with laterally extending ring-like flanges220dimensioned and configured to overlie in mating engagement therewith a mating wall152of endplate34formed adjacent shoulder portion205. When endplate34is positioned for installation with respect to ring40, flanges220are proximate to wall152.

As shown by way of example inFIGS. 3 and 4, an endplate34is securely engaged with body portion10at each end thereof, thereby forming a housing section24. Endplate34has a plate-like, skeletal body142having a plurality of through openings or passageways134,136,138and140formed therein. Such passageways134,136,138,140provide routing structures that facilitate passage therethrough of electrical wires, illuminating sources, other electrical components, and related structures such as various cabling, adapters, etc. As described in more detail below, passageways134,136,138,140define pathways and may each be parts of individual isolated raceways extending the entire length of module24by including enclosed passages within body portion10. Housing section24has a top flange148which extends continuously along a top end edge of the base48for sealing engagement with endcap52. Integrally formed with and co-extensive with the top flange148and stepped downwardly with respect thereto is a second flange152.

Endplate34is formed with opposed upper side sectors190,192and a continuing lower arcuate section196thereof. As shown in the interior view ofFIG. 7, the interior side of endplate34has an uninterrupted channel200. Channel200is configured and sized for receiving in engagement therewith the end portions81of lens80. Construction in this manner prevents external access to at least one edge portion81of lens80. Channel200of endplate34, as shown by example inFIGS. 9A-9B, has laterally-extending portions202,203structured for respectively receiving outward-extending flanges114,116of lens80. Similarly, vertically-oriented flange portions86,88of lens80respectively fit into channels204,206of endplate34. Die-cut gasket120may be formed in an appropriate manner for sealing of endplate34, for example by being inserted between sealingly engaging strips110,112and lens80.

Gaskets can include die-cut gaskets and the like. Lens80provides distribution of illuminating light emanating from the fixture, and is preferably composed of a high-impact, shock-resistant plastic composition, such as an acrylic plastic or a polycarbonate plastic. As shown in the example ofFIGS. 9A-9B, lens80is formed to engage channel200thereby preventing lens80from being pressed inwardly into an interior portion of fixture20,30or module24.

Endcap52is integrally formed with a flange156projecting outwardly along a top, free edge158thereof. When endcap52is positioned in place to mate with and close the end of housing section24, the top flange156of endcap52is brought into overlying mating engagement with and is proximate to flange152of housing section24. An arcuate lower flange160of endcap52engages and may form a seal with a cooperating lower flange164of endplate34. Endplate34is positively secured to the end of body portion10of housing section24with screws (not shown).

Endcap52is integrally formed with connector posts170and172projecting from the interior of the end wall176at opposed upper corners thereof. A third connector post180, also integrally formed with the endcap52, projects inwardly from the interior of the end wall176at a central lower area thereof. When endcap52is positioned in place, the free ends of posts170,172and180penetrate to seat, respectively, in cooperating outwardly-presented bores184,188and186formed in endplate34.

Housing sections24, which may be of any practical selectable lengths, each have an endplate34at lengthwise ends thereof. Outer faces of endplates34of two linearly adjacent housing sections24are brought matingly to engage an interposed coupling ring40, thus to effect joinder, which may be a sealed joinder, of the two adjacent housing modules24. It may be appreciated that the endplates and bridges disclosed may be substantially similar or identical in contour, dimension and size to effectuate proper engagement, coupling, mating and sealing. For example, lighting fixture20has a single module24of selectable length; alternatively, any number of modular sections24may be joined to one another endwise as a lineal or in-line array, such as two-module lighting fixture30shown inFIG. 2with coupler ring40being used to lineally connect modules24as shown inFIG. 4. Such is effective to provide a lineal lighting fixture of any desired or required expanse.

In the example where two or more housing sections24joined endwise as a continuous uninterrupted physical structure (e.g.,FIG. 2) with a coupler ring40(e.g.,FIG. 4), coupler ring40has generally a contour and form compatible with endplate34and is preferably formed as a metal casting of an aluminum alloy or similar material. Coupler ring40is formed with a plurality of through openings210,212,216and218. Such openings essentially correspond with openings formed in the endplate34and are in through registry therewith when endplate34and coupler ring40are joined together in an assembled lighting fixture having a plurality of body sectors or modules24.

Coupler ring40has a transversely-extending generally planar top surface220and an arcuate bottom surface228, the flange-like top wall220extending laterally of the body224at each of opposed sides thereof effectively to provide two opposed flanges straddling a center portion22. Flange-like top wall220may be engaged with a downwardly displaced or stepped flange152of an endplate34. Endplate34is secured to body portion10of housing module24as previously described. A second lighting fixture module24may be fastened, at its secured endplate34at the opposite, co-extensive second part of the flange220thus to effect a coupling of two housing sections24to one another endwise. In the manner described, it becomes simple and quick to produce a row-mount lighting fixture having a selectable number of separate housing sections each being of a selectable length. Thus, one may readily assemble a lighting fixture of any final overall length, as may be required or desired.

A lighting fixture may include either a single module24of selectable length or, alternatively, a plurality of modular sections, sectors, or housing sections24. Such may be joined to one another endwise as a lineal or in-line array. The method is readily effective to provide a lineal lighting fixture of any desired or required expanse. Many other embodiments of the invention are possible. Modular sections24maybe coupled at joined ends thereof to extend normally to one another to define a right-angle corner. Others may be connected by means of a T-shaped coupler to form a “T”. Still other modular sections, of selectable lengths, may be connected to form an “X” or a cross “+”. Since each module24has endplates34attached thereto, the chosen coupler is adapted to be secured to the respective endplate34.

Referring now toFIGS. 10,11, and12, lighting fixture embodiments are not limited to extending along a straight line, but may include other geometric configurations. For example, referring first toFIG. 10, there is shown a fragmentary view of a lighting fixture having two modular sections24oriented to extend orthogonally with respect to one another. A generally rectangular connector230with an “L” shape has a pair of adjacent sides232and234to which ends236and238of the modular sections24are sealingly joined to form a corner assembly. The resulting fixture having an L shape is suited, for example, for accommodating sharp bends, and for corner installations. Various combinations may be implemented. For example, a use of four such L connectors230and four modular sections24may be assembled to provide a lighting fixture in the physical configuration of a closed rectangular “loop.”

In another example of a non-linear embodiment,FIG. 11shows a generally rectangular connector240having three sides242,244,246to which three corresponding separate modular sections24of the fixture are connected. The assembled fixture ofFIG. 11thus assumes a “T” configuration.

Yet another embodiment of the invention is depicted inFIG. 12. As shown, a four-sided rectangular connector250has four sides to which a corresponding end252,254,256,258of a separate module or fixture section24is joined. There results a fixture having a cross (“+”) type configuration. Further, an “X” type configuration of a lighting fixture may be formed. It will be appreciated that, through the selection and use of appropriate connectors, various open and closed loop lighting fixtures may be provided.

Individual and joined bridges and/or housing sections24of a given lighting fixture establish therein, and along an entire expanse thereof, uninterrupted passageways. Such passageways may include “raceways” for accommodating wires, cables and the like. Such may be effectively isolated from ballasts and lamp wires. By providing physical barriers establishing and effectively separating a number of isolated raceways, for example, a passageway for the ballast power feed wires of a fluorescent lighting fixture does not interfere with the isolated raceways. Such a physical structural arrangement is highly desirable and is considered novel.

The structural arrangement and configuration of lighting fixtures in accordance with the present invention may be utilized for effecting important physical separation, isolation or insulation of high voltage and low voltage wiring. The utility and versatility of such lighting fixtures are thereby enhanced. The structures of endplate34and coaxial coupler ring40are skeletal in construction with a plurality of through openings, pathways, passageways or runs. Such may provide coupling elements of extended raceways between modules24. For example, items that may be safely housed or routed in an isolated raceway such as one contained in fixtures according to the present invention, consist of low voltage and shielded wire and cable runs including 24-volt alarm circuitry, wiring for a fire alarm, fiber optic network cables, thermostat wires, telephone wires, and the like.

It may be especially advantageous and convenient to fabricate all of the modular body sections24of a lighting fixture to be a same length. However, such arbitrary uniformity is not a requirement. Conveniently, for example, individual luminaires may be formed using sections24nominally 8″×24″, 8″×48″, 8″×60″, etc. Other embodiments may be formed using sections24nominally 12″×24″·12″×48″, 12″×60″, etc.

As a result of the present invention, an extendable modular lighting fixture may be structured to provide interconnections having physical and electrical continuity. Such a structure is effectively tolerant of and resistant to physical abuse as well as to environmental hazards. The lighting fixture may include a linear illumination source and a lighting track in the housing, the lighting track including a passageway structured for accommodating electrical conductors for connecting the lighting fixture to an independent electrical power supply. Wire-ways may be formed within the lighting fixture for accommodating conductive wires. The lighting fixture may further include a gasket seated and secured in the housing along an expanse thereof and in sealing engagement for sealing the housing against invasion by objectionable ambient and foreign substances. A lighting fixture may further include a gasket disposed between the body of the fixture and its lens for establishing a fluid-impervious seal between the body of the fixture and the lens. Various structures may be used to establish a fluid-impervious seal between the body of the fixture and the lens.

A method of making and assembling a lighting fixture having any selectable length and finding utility in ceiling, wall and corner installations including suspended mounts may include utilizing modular components in selectable numbers, each component being of any desired length, the components being connectable to one another endwise as operating assemblage constituting a lighting fixture. A method may include mounting an end plate34on the housing-like body section24coaxially therewith at each end thereof.

A method may include fabricating any of the various components, such as by casting. A method may include forming the endplates34to define a parametric contour corresponding to a parametric contour of each end edge of housing section24, including a surmounting lens80of housing section24. A method may include casting endplates34to define a lattice-like wall configuration including a plurality of dividers and through openings demarking passageways or raceways in end walls of housing section24and therebetween. A method may include forming an endplate34, at an inwardly-presented limit thereof, with a coupling structure for engaging end structures of functionally-united, inter-coupling and extending ends including extrusion and lens80. A method may include forming a side or face of endplate34, opposite the side of lens80, with a circumscribing perimeter shoulder for selectively engaging or sealingly engaging either one of a coupler ring to be sleevedly attached thereto, or an endcap of another module24, for preventing intrusion of foreign matter into the lighting fixture.

Further, a method may include forming a casting as a bilateral coupler to be secured to a free end of an endplate34mounted on an end of a body section24. Such a casting may be formed as a ring40including at a circumscribing top wall thereof integrally-formed, laterally extending ring-like flanges each being dimensioned and configured to overlie in mating engagement therewith a mating top wall of an endplate34. Such may provide a positive endwise joinder of two housing sections24to one another in a lineal array, such positive endwise joiner preventing foreign material from entering the joinder. A method may include forming an endcap52of a unitary one-piece configuration having a base, an upstanding endwall, and a top, and defining an integrally-formed, uninterrupted, circumscribing free edge contoured to be congruently fittable over a corresponding circumscribing parametric shoulder of endplate34in sealing engagement therewith.

A method may include forming plastics lens80to define along each extending edge thereof with an angled flange for overlying an edge of the coextensive extruded base of housing or body section24. A method may include forming endplate34at an inner face thereof with an outwardly-opening slot or groove extending along a bounding coextensive edge zone thereof for accepting therewithin, in mating and sealing engagement therewith, the extruded metallic base component of the housing and the plastics lens thereof.

A method may include configuring endplate34, at one of its faces, to define an end face contoured for mounting thereon and affixing thereto, selectively, either an endcap52for capping and closing housing24of the modular structure, or a ring40in the form of a band-like coupler. The method may include configuring such a coupler for sealingly mounting onto endplate34of housing24for joining the end of housing section24to an endplate34of a housing body of a second modular housing section24of the lighting fixture so that the sections are sealingly joined to one another endwise.

A method may include forming an endcap52with an integral, circumambient, outwardly-projecting, flange-like edge portion configured to overlie, in sealing engagement therewith, a shoulder circumscribing an outwardly-presented face at the perimeter of an endplate34attached to housing24.

While the principles of the invention have been described in connection with presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined in the claims. The disclosures and the description herein are intended to be illustrative and are not in any sense limiting of the invention, defined in scope by the following claims.