Abstract:
A luminaire comprising a reflector having first and second outer edges and defining a downwardly open recess, the reflector defining a downwardly depending peak dividing the downwardly open recess into two troughs; a light source located at each of the first and second outer edges and configured to emit light into the downwardly open recess.

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates generally to a luminaire and, more particularly, to a luminaire for hiding one or more light sources from view and redirecting the light from the one or more light sources to illuminate a target area. The disclosure finds particularly useful application when the luminaire employs multiple light sources including, in one embodiment, one or more light emitting diodes (“LEDs”). The disclosure finds particularly useful application as a troffer luminaire for installation in, for example, a drop ceiling. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    Uncontrolled light can be wasted in lighting areas around the target area to be lighted and contributes to unnecessarily high energy costs and more robust power equipment than necessary. When the light source is one or more LEDs (or other small light sources), it is known to distribute the emitted light by one or more reflectors associated with one or more light sources. 
         [0003]    It has been found that the human eye may find looking directly at an illuminated light source (such as an LED) may be unpleasant or unsightly. It has further been found that routing and accessing power facilities such as a driver and electrical wiring to a light source, especially a light source hidden from view, can prevent a luminaire constructed for ready installation that makes efficient use of space and energy and does not cause disruptions in the redirection of light from light sources. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0004]    The present disclosure relates to a luminaire configured to overcome these and other prior deficiencies and efficiently distribute light emitted from one or more light sources in a luminaire in which the one or more light sources are hidden from sight such that all light visible to the human eye has been redirected (i.e. “indirect light”) by, for example, one or more reflectors. 
         [0005]    In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a luminaire comprising a reflector dividing the luminaire into a top side and a bottom side, the reflector having a top surface adjacent the luminaire top side and a bottom surface adjacent the bottom side, the reflector further having first and second opposing ends; a light source located on the luminaire bottom side; a driver located on the luminaire top side for delivering power to the light source; an inner end cap located at the first end of the reflector; an outer end cap associated with the inner end cap, the inner and outer end caps defining a channel therebetween; wiring run from the driver through the channel to the light source. The inner end cap and outer end cap can be contiguous. The channel can be defined by a depression formed in one of the inner end cap and outer end cap. The channel can also be defined by a depression formed in each of the inner end cap and outer end cap. The channel can comprise a vertically oriented channel and a horizontally oriented channel. The reflector can define two inverted troughs, each having an inner side and an outer side, the inner sides of the inverted troughs meeting at a vertical centerline of the luminaire and defining a downwardly depending peak and the driver being located in the luminaire top side of the downwardly depending peak; the inner end cap closing off a first end of the inverted troughs; the light source located at the outer side of one of the inverted troughs; and the channel extending from the luminaire top side of the downwardly depending peak to a position adjacent to the light source. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates a luminaire comprising a reflector defining two inverted troughs, each having an inner side and an outer side, the inner sides of the inverted troughs meeting at a vertical centerline of the luminaire and defining a downwardly depending peak; the inverted troughs jointly defining a downwardly open recess of the luminaire; a first end cap closing off a first end of the inverted troughs and a second end cap closing off a second end of the inverted troughs, wherein the second end of the inverted troughs is opposite the first end of the inverted troughs; a light source located at the outer side of each inverted trough and configured to emit light into the downwardly open recess; and a lip extending inward and upward from adjacent to each light source to a distal end. Each light source can be one or more LEDs. Each light source can comprise one or more LEDs facing inward and upward at an angle from horizontal. The lip distal end can lie in a horizontal plane encompassing the light sources. The lip can be an integral extension of the reflector. Each light source can comprise one or more LEDs located on a LED mount comprising a LED mount base and a lower leg, the lip comprising a lower grasping leg extending from the reflector and an upper grasping leg extending from the lower grasping leg, and the LED mount base lower leg is held between the upper and lower grasping legs. The first and second end caps and the lip can collectively define a light aperture, and the light source can be located so that light emitted from the light source passes through the light aperture. The first and second end caps and the lip can collectively define a light aperture, and the light source can be located so that light emitted from the light source passes through the light aperture, the light aperture defining a horizontal plane that encompasses the downwardly depending peak. The first and second end caps and the lip can collectively define a light aperture, and the light source can be located so that light emitted from the light source passes through the light aperture and the light aperture can define a horizontal plane that does not encompass the downwardly depending peak. The downwardly depending peak can define a V-shaped protrusion culminating in a vertex. The reflector can be symmetrical about the vertical luminaire centerline. The luminaire can further comprise a top plate extending from the top surface of one inverted trough to the other inverted trough, covering the top surface of the downwardly depending peak to create an enclosed space. Each reflector trough can define a straight first reflecting leg, a second straight reflecting leg extending at an angle to the first reflecting leg, a curved third reflecting leg extending from the second reflecting leg and a fourth reflecting leg extending from the third reflecting leg; the fourth reflecting legs of the two reflector troughs meeting at the luminaire vertical centerline. 
         [0007]    In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a luminaire comprising a reflector having first and second outer edges and defining a downwardly open recess; the reflector defining a downwardly depending peak dividing the downwardly open recess into two troughs; a light source located at each of the first and second outer edges and configured to emit light into the downwardly open recess. The light source can comprise one or more LEDs. The luminaire can further comprise a first end cap closing off a first end of the inverted troughs and a second end cap closing off a second end of the inverted troughs, the second end of the inverted troughs is opposite the first end of the inverted troughs. The downwardly depending peak can culminate in a vertex located at a vertical centerline of the luminaire. Each light source can comprise one or more LEDs facing inward and upward at an angle from horizontal. The luminaire can further comprise a lip extending inward and upward from adjacent to the light source to a distal end. The lip distal end can lie in a horizontal plane encompassing the light sources. The luminaire can comprise a lip extending inward and upward from adjacent to the light source to a distal end, the first and second end caps and the lip collectively defining a light aperture, and the light source located so that light emitted from the light source passes through the light aperture, the light aperture defining a horizontal plane. The horizontal plane can encompass the downwardly depending peak. Alternatively, the horizontal plane need not encompassing the downwardly depending peak. The downwardly depending peak can define a V-shaped protrusion culminating in a vertex. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1A  is a bottom-side perspective view of an exemplary luminaire according to the instant disclosure. 
           [0009]      FIG. 1B  is a top-side perspective view of the luminaire depicted in  FIG. 1A . 
           [0010]      FIG. 1C  is an exploded view of the luminaire depicted in  FIG. 1A . 
           [0011]      FIG. 2A  depicts a cross-sectional view of the luminaire depicted in  FIG. 1A , taken through line  2 A- 2 A in  FIG. 1B . 
           [0012]      FIG. 2B  is a close-up view of portion  2 B identified in  FIG. 2A . 
           [0013]      FIG. 2C  depicts a LED mount shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . 
           [0014]      FIG. 2D  is a perspective view of the LED mount shown in  FIG. 2C  with a circuit board comprising a plurality of LEDs. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of an access plate of the luminaire of  FIG. 1A . 
           [0016]      FIG. 3B  is a top view of the access plate depicted in  FIG. 3A . 
           [0017]      FIG. 3C  is a side view of the access plate depicted in  FIG. 3A . 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the first inside end cap and first outside end cap of the luminaire depicted in  FIG. 1A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]      FIGS. 1A-1C  depict a luminaire  100  configured as a troffer for installation in a drop ceiling (not shown) or the like. However, the principals of this disclosure can be applied to any type of luminaire for installation in other environments. The luminaire  100  of  FIGS. 1A-1C  comprises a reflector  102 , a top plate  104 , a driver  106  for providing power to a plurality of LEDs  108  mounted on LED mounts  110   a  and  110   b . an access plate  112 , a first inside end cap  114 , a first outside end cap  116 , a second inside end cap  118  and a second outside end cap  120 . Although luminaire  100  is depicted with LEDs  108 , any other light source could be employed with the principals of this disclosure. Use of the term “LED” as part of any element of the luminaire  100  described as part of this exemplary embodiment shall not limit application of that element to other types of light sources. The use of the term LED herein is meant to incorporate any and all light emitting diodes and any other light sources known to date or hereinafter created. 
         [0020]      FIG. 2A  depicts a cross-section of the luminaire  100  taken through lines  2 A- 2 A in  FIG. 1B . This cross-section shows the LED mounts  110   a ,  110   b  on which arrays of LED  108  are mounted and their incorporation into the reflector  102 . The luminaire  100  is symmetrical about a vertical centerline  122 . As best depicted in  FIG. 2C , the LED mounts  110   a,b  have a LED mount base  124  onto which the array of LEDs  108  can be mounted. The LED mount base  124  is depicted as flat, but can be otherwise as needed to facilitate mounting the LEDs  108 . A lower leg  126  extends straight from the LED mount base  124  at an angle A (which can be 119° in one embodiment) to a distal end  128  and serves to secure the LED mount  110   a ,  110   b  to the reflector as will be described in more detail below. An upper leg  130  also extends from the LED mount base  124  and comprises a straight proximate upper leg portion  132  extending straight from LED mount base  124  at an angle B (which can be 131° in one embodiment) to the LED mount base  124 , and a straight distal upper leg portion  134  extending from the proximate upper leg portion  132  at an angle C (which can be 51° in one embodiment) to the proximate upper leg portion  132 . The legs  126 ,  130  and leg portions  132 ,  134  need not be straight, but can, instead, vary as needed to meet the objectives of incorporating the LED mounts  110   a ,  110   b  into the reflector  102  as described below. 
         [0021]    The LEDs  108  of each LED mount  110   a ,  110   b  mount onto the LED mount base  124 . This can be accomplished by either mounting individual LEDs  108  to the LED mount base  124 , by mounting a printed circuit board (PCB) to the LED mount base  124  wherein the PCB is populated with the LEDs  108 . A single PCB populated with LEDs  108  is depicted in  FIG. 2D . 
         [0022]    The reflector  102  is shown as a formed sheet symmetrical on either side of the centerline  122 . The sheet may be formed sheet metal, plastic or other known material used for reflectors in luminaires and may be a single piece of material or multiple joined pieces of material. The reflector  102  may have any surface finish or coating known for providing sufficient reflection to properly direct the light emitted from the LEDs  108 . The reflector  102  extends from one end  140  located proximate a left side  144  of the luminaire  100  to the other end  140  proximate a right side  146  of the luminaire  100 . The reflector  102  includes two LED mount portions  136  and a light directing portion  138 . The LED mount portions  136  are defined by the portions of the reflector  102  extending from an end  140  of the reflector  102  to the last point of direct contact  142  between the reflector  102  and the corresponding LED mount upper leg distal portion  134 . The reflector light directing portion  138  extends between the two last points of direct contact  142 . 
         [0023]    In the reflector LED mount portions  136 , the reflector end  140  is folded over and around the distal end  128  of the LED mount lower leg  126  to form an upper LED mount grasping leg  148  and a lower LED mount grasping leg  150 . The upper and lower LED mount grasping legs  148 ,  150  together grasp and hold the LED mount  110   a  or  110   b . In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 2B  the lower LED mount grasping leg  150  follows the LED mount lower leg  126 , maintaining contact there along. A face leg  152  of the reflector  102  extends from the lower LED mount grasping leg  150  to an outer edge  154  of the reflector  102  where it meets a vertical leg  156  of the reflector at, in one example, approximately a 90° angle. The face leg  152  comprises first  152   a  and second  152   b  portions. Face leg first portion  152   a  extends at angle D (which is approximately 170° in the depicted embodiment) from the face leg second portion, which is shown as oriented approximately horizontally. In this depicted embodiment, then, the face leg first portion  152   a  is oriented at 10° below horizontal. As shown, the upper and lower LED mount grasping legs  148 ,  150 , as well as the LED mount lower leg  126 , extend at angle J from the face leg first portion  152   a  (32° in one exemplary embodiment). In this configuration, the upper and lower LED mount grasping legs  148 ,  150 , as well as the LED mount lower leg  126 , extend inward and upward to define a lip that assists in hiding the LEDs  108  from view to a person in the target area to be lighted by the luminaire  100 . In the depicted embodiment, the lip extends inward and upward (i.e. above horizontal) at an angel of 22°, but other angles are contemplated consistent with the objective of hiding the LEDs  108  from view and directing the light emitted by the LEDs  108  in the desired light distribution pattern from the luminaire  100 . 
         [0024]    A first inward leg  158  of the reflector  102  extends inward from the vertical leg  156  at an angle E (51° in one exemplary embodiment) and contacts the LED mount upper leg distal portion  134 . The last point of direct contact  142  is defined on the first inward leg  158  in the depicted embodiment. The upper and lower LED mount grasping legs  148 ,  150 , face leg  152 , vertical leg  156  and first reflecting leg  158  form the LED mount portion  136  of the reflector  102 , which defines a nest holding the LED mount  110   a  or  110   b.    
         [0025]    The LEDs  108  are mounted facing inward (i.e. into a downwardly open recess formed by the reflector  102 ) and upward from horizontal. In the depicted embodiment, by way of example, the LEDs  108  are rotated 39° counter-clockwise on the luminaire right side  146  and rotated 39° clockwise on the luminaire left side  144 . Other angles are contemplated as needed to accommodate a different reflector and/or a different light distribution. 
         [0026]    The reflector light redirecting portion  138  is configured to efficiently direct light from the LEDs  108  to the target area to be lighted under the luminaire  100 . The reflector light redirecting portion  138  begins on the first reflecting leg  158  from the last point of direct contact  142  between the reflector  102  and the LED mount upper leg distal portion  134  and continues inwardly to a second reflecting leg  160 , which forms an angle F therewith (13° in one exemplary embodiment). A third reflecting leg  162  initially extends from the second reflecting leg inwardly at an angle F and then forms an upwardly oriented curve (having a radius of curvature of 15.089 inches in one exemplary embodiment). Other curvatures can be employed to achieve the desired light distribution. A fourth reflecting leg  164  extends inwardly and downwardly from the third reflecting leg  162  at an angle H. In the depicted embodiment, the reflector  102  is divided into two halves by the centerline  122  and the two halves form inverted troughs which are mirror images of each other. The fourth reflecting legs  164  on each half of the reflector  102  meet at the centerline to form a depending V-shaped protrusion  166  depending downward to a vertex  164   a . The fourth reflecting legs  164  form an angle I (74° in one exemplary embodiment). In one exemplary embodiment, the fourth reflecting legs  164  of the V-shaped protrusion  166  form an angle of approximately 106° with each other, each fourth reflecting leg  164  forming an angle of approximately 53° with the luminaire centerline  122  in this embodiment. Other angles are contemplated to vary the light distribution produced by the luminaire  100 . All legs of the reflector  102  are substantially straight, except for the third reflecting leg  162 , which defines the above-discussed curvatures, or variations thereof. The various legs of the reflector  102  may be separate pieces or contiguous with each other. 
         [0027]    These reflector elements define a reflector  102  that hides the LEDs  108  from the view of persons in the target area to be lighted while at the same time directing light from the hidden LEDs  108  to that target area. This is facilitated by several features and relationships of the luminaire  100 . First, the lip having a distal tip lying in a horizontal plane that encompasses (i.e. goes through) the LEDs  108 . In the depicted embodiment, a portion of the lower half of the LEDs  108  lie in that horizontal plane, but other configurations are contemplated, such as the upper half or uppermost portion of the LEDs lying in that plane or even a portion of a PCB above the LEDs  108  lying in that horizontal plane. In these configurations, the lip defined by the upper and lower LED mount grasping legs  148 ,  150  hides the LEDs  108  from view in the target area to be lighted. 
         [0028]    Second, the shape of the reflector  102  functions to re-direct the light emitted from the hidden LEDs  108 , to the target area to be lighted. In the depicted embodiment, the reflector  102  defines a downwardly open recess having left side and right side LED mount portions  136  in which LEDs  108  are mounted in an upwardly oriented manner (i.e. the PCB is angled above horizontal as previously described), the reflector lip  148   a  (comprised, in the depicted embodiment, of upper and lower LED mount grasping legs  148 ,  150 ) extends inwardly and upwardly from the LED mount portions  136  into the downwardly open recess defined by the reflector  102 , the reflector  102  further defines left side and right side inverted troughs (each comprised, in the depicted embodiment, one of the light redirecting portions  138 ) extending from the LED mount portions  136  upward and inward until the left side and right side inverted troughs meet at a depending protrusion (depending V-shaped protrusion  166  in the depicted embodiment) culminating in a peak (vertex  164   a  in the depicted embodiment). The reflector  102  can be symmetrical about the luminaire centerline  122  running vertically through the vertex  164   a  of the depending protrusion. The left side and right side LED mount portions  136  may define the lowermost portions of the reflector, as in the depicted embodiment. 
         [0029]    Alternatively, the reflector  102  defines two inverted troughs arranged symmetrically on either side of, and meeting at, the vertical luminaire centerline  122  where they form the central downwardly depending peak  166 . The central downwardly depending peak  166  may be the V-shaped protrusion  166  culminating in the vertex  164   a , but other configurations are contemplated. For example, the reflector third reflecting leg  162  can continue its curvature in the downwardly depending peak  166 , eliminating the straight reflector fourth reflecting leg  164 . Alternatively, the reflector fourth reflecting leg  164  may define a curvature different from that of the reflector third reflector leg  162  as needed to modify the light distribution from the luminaire  100 . The inverted troughs may consist of the reflector light redirecting portion  138  in one exemplary embodiment. The inverted troughs jointly define a downwardly open recess of the luminaire  100 . The LEDs  108  are mounted at the outer edges of each of the inverted troughs. The LEDs  108  face generally upward. In the depicted embodiment, for example, the LEDs  108  face inward and upward at an angle of approximately 38°, as depicted in  FIGS. 2A-2C . Other angles are contemplated depending on the shape of the reflector. Mounting of the LEDs  108  relative to the inverted troughs may be facilitated by the LED mount portions  136  and LED mounts  110   a ,  110   b , extending directly or indirectly from the inverted trough. Alternatively, the reflector  102  could extend inward from the troughs to define a functional equivalent of the LED mounts  110   a ,  110   b . In either case, the LEDs may optionally be hidden from view by the lip extending from the LEDs  108  upward at angle. In the depicted embodiment, by way of example, this is accomplished by the upper and lower LED mount grasping legs  148 ,  150  extending upward from horizontal at an angle 22° to define the lip. The lip preferably has a distal tip lying in a horizontal plane that encompasses (i.e. goes through) the LEDs  108 . In these configurations, the lip defined by the upper and lower LED mount grasping legs  148 ,  150  hides the LEDs  108  from view in the target area to be lighted. The left side and right side LED mount portions  136  may define the lowermost portions of the reflector, as in the depicted embodiment. 
         [0030]    In any embodiment of the instant disclosure, the vertex  164   a  may protrude into the luminaire  100  a sufficient distance such that the vertex  164   a  lies in a horizontal plane in which the reflector LED mount portions  136  also lie. The vertex  164   a  also protrudes into the luminaire  100  a sufficient distance such that the vertex  164   a  lies in a horizontal plane in which the LED mounts  110   a ,  100   b  lie or a horizontal plane in which the LEDs  108  lie. In fact, the vertex  164   a  protrudes not less than 50% of the way from the uppermost portion of the reflector  102  to the lowermost portion of the reflector  102 . 
         [0031]    The cross-sectional shape of the reflector  102  described above extends longitudinally in a direction perpendicular to the luminaire centerline  122  from a first longitudinal end of the reflector  168  to a second longitudinal end of the reflector  170  to form the inverted troughs. The shape of this cross-sectional curvature defines a first opening  168   a  at the first longitudinal end of the reflector  168  and a second opening  170   a  at the second longitudinal end of the reflector  170 . 
         [0032]    The first inside end cap  114  is mounted to the reflector first longitudinal end  168  and the first outside end cap  116  is mounted against the first inside end cap  114 . Similarly, the second inside end cap  118  is mounted to the reflector second longitudinal end  170  and the second outside end cap  120  is mounted against the second inside end cap  118 . The first and second inside end caps  114 ,  118  are of substantially mirror configurations of one another and the first and second outside end caps  116 ,  120  are likewise of substantially mirror configurations of one another. The first inside end cap  114  comprises a traversing plate  172  that traverses across the width of the luminaire  100  from reflector outer edge  154  to reflector outer edge  154  and closes off the first end opening  168   a . The first inside end cap further comprises first and second mounting brackets  174   a ,  174   b  extending from each longitudinal end of the traversing plate  172 . The first and second mounting brackets  174   a ,  174   b  extend perpendicular to the traversing plate  172  inward along the reflector outer edge  154  for a short distance and have, either defined therein or mounted thereto, structure to receive mounting hardware such as screws, bolts, rivets, mounting clips or the like for mounting the luminaire  100  to the suspended grid of a drop ceiling, or the like. In the depicted embodiment, the first inside end cap  114  mounts to the reflector by use of tabs  176  and slots  178   a . The first outer end cap  116  also comprises a traversing plate  180  which has slots  178   b  defined therein to align with the slots of the first inside end cap  114  so that the tabs  176  may pass through both sets of slots  178   a ,  178   b  and hold both the first inside end cap  114  and the second inside end cap  116  to the reflector first end  168 . 
         [0033]    In the depicted embodiment, the traversing plate  172  of the first inside end cap  114  is approximately rectangular and defines an upper edge  182   a  and a lower edge  182   b  running from end to end. A vertical channel  184  is defined in the traversing plate  172  of the first inside end cap  114  extending inward from the traversing plate  172  toward the reflector first end  168 . A horizontal channel  186  is defined in the traversing plate  180  of the first outside end cap  116  extending outward from the traversing plate  180  away from the adjacent first inside end cap  114 . The channels  184 ,  186  are depicted as approximately half-round, but can be of any shape suitable for their function (described below) and formed by any appropriate method. In one embodiment, the vertical channel  184  extends as far as 0.217 inches inward from the traversing plate  172  of the first inside end cap  114  and the horizontal channel  186  extends as far as 0.188 inches outward from the traversing plate  180  of the first outside end cap  116 . 
         [0034]    The first inside end cap  114  is mounted to the reflector first end  168  with the tabs  176  and slots  178   a  and the first outside end cap  116  is mounted to the first inside end cap  114  with slots  178   b  and tabs  176  such that the outside end cap traversing plate  180  is flush against the first inside end cap traversing plate  172 . With the first inside and outside end caps  114 ,  116  flush in this manner, the inward projecting vertical channel  184  of the first inside end cap  114  defines a channel between the first inside and outside end caps  114 ,  116 . Similarly, the outward projecting horizontal channel  186  of the first outside end cap  116  defines a channel between the first inside and outside end caps  114 ,  116 . When the first end caps  114 ,  116  are assembled against the reflector in this manner, a portion of the first inside end cap traversing plate  172  covers the first end opening  168   a  defined by the first longitudinal end  168  of the reflector  102 , as best depicted in  FIGS. 1A and 2A . 
         [0035]    The vertical channel  182  is located approximately midway along the length of the first inside end cap traversing plate  172  and is elongated, extending vertically from a lower end  184   a  adjacent to the traversing plate lower edge  182   b  upward slightly past half-way between the traversing plate lower edge  182   b  and upper edge  182   a  to a vertical channel upper end  184   b . The vertical channel lower end  184   a  extends at least as low as the horizontal channel  186  so that the channels connect. The vertical channel upper end  184   b  defines a vertical channel aperture  184   c . As best depicted in  FIG. 2A , the vertical channel upper end  184   b  extends above the reflector  102  such that the vertical channel aperture  184   c  has access to the space above the reflector  102 . Although not depicted, the reflector  102  may have a notch to accommodate the inwardly extending vertical channel  184  so that the traversing plate  172  of first inside end cap  114  abuts the reflector first longitudinal end  168 . Similarly, the first inside end cap  114  defines horizontal channel apertures  186   a  adjacent to each end of the luminaire  144 ,  146 . Each horizontal channel aperture  186   a  is preferably located adjacent to the LED mount base  124  of an adjacent LED mount  110   a ,  110   b . Wiring to power the LEDs  108  can be run from the end of a PCB on which the LEDs  108  are mounted, through the horizontal channel apertures  186   a , along the horizontal channel  186 , into the vertical channel  184  at the vertical channel lower end  184   a  and up the vertical channel  184  and through the vertical channel aperture  184   c  into the space above the reflector  102 . Because the LEDs  108  are hidden from view, the wiring connecting to the LEDs  108  is also hidden from view and stays hidden from view through the horizontal and vertical channels  186 ,  184 . Once the wiring reaches the space above the reflector  102 , it may be connected to the driver  106 . The driver  106  is connected to a power supply through the access plate on the top of the luminaire  100 . In this configuration, all wiring to power the LEDs  108  is hidden from view. Alternative embodiments of the channels  184 ,  186  are contemplated. For example, the horizontal channel could be above the reflector and a vertical channel could be located at each end of the reflector, one each dropping down to an aperture adjacent each strip of LEDs  108 . Other variations to hide the wires are also contemplated. 
         [0036]    As indicated above, the second inside end cap  118  comprises all of the features of the first inside end cap  114  in a mirror fashion and the second outside end cap  120  comprises all of the features of the first outside end cap  116  in a mirror fashion. Therefore, discussion of features of the second inside end cap  118  and the second outside end cap  120  will not be repeated and all features thereof will be designated in the figures with the reference numbers of the corresponding features in the first inside and outside end caps  118 ,  120  (e.g. the slots of the second inside and outside end caps  118 ,  120  will be designated  178   a ′ and  178   b ′ in the figures). 
         [0037]    The face leg  152  of each side of the reflector  102  defines the lowermost extremity of the luminaire  100  and is visible from the target area to be lighted. The lip in combination with the first and second inside end cap lower edges  182   b ,  182   b ′ define a light-passing aperture  188  through which light emitted from the LEDs  108  leave the luminaire  100 . In the depicted embodiment, no lens covers the light-passing aperture  188 . In an alternative embodiment, a lens may span the light-passing aperture  188 . 
         [0038]    The top plate  104  comprises a traversing plate  190  atop the reflector  102  and extending along the length of the reflector  102  and beyond to a first mounting flange  192   a  depending from the traversing plate  190  outside the first outer end cap  116  and, at the other end, to a second mounting flange  192   b  depending from the traversing plate  190  outside the second outer end cap  120 . The first and second mounting flanges  192   a ,  192   b  are fixed to the first and second outside end caps  116 ,  120 , respectively. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second mounting flanges define fixing apertures  194   a  located adjacent to corresponding fixing apertures  194   b  in the first and second inner and outer end caps  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  120 . Screws or the like through the fixing apertures  194   a ,  194   b  secure the top plate  104  to the luminaire  100 . The top plate traversing plate  190  extends laterally, symmetrically, on either side of the luminaire centerline  122  to a location adjacent to the reflector third reflecting leg  162 . Optionally, first and second legs  196   a ,  196   b  depend from either side of the top plate traversing plate  190  to the reflector third reflecting leg  162  to help keep bugs, dirt, etc. away from the driver  106 . 
         [0039]    When the top plate  104  is mounted in this fashion, the top plate  104 , reflector  102  and inner end caps  114 ,  118  define an enclosed space  198 . The driver  106  is located in this enclosed space  198 . When the access plate  112  is in place, the driver  106  is kept out of view and cannot be touched. The power can be routed from the driver  106  to the LEDs  108  through wires run through the vertical and horizontal channels  184 ,  186  as previously described. The vertical and horizontal channels  184 ,  186  and related apertures  184   c ,  186   a  need only be provided to one of the first inner and outer end caps  114 ,  116  or second inner and outer end caps  118 ,  120  since, at least in some embodiments, power need only be supplied to one end of the strip of LEDs  108 . However, these channels  184 ,  186  and apertures  184   c ,  186   a  may be provided to both sets of end caps  114 ,  116 ,  118 ,  120  to increase manufacturing and assembly efficiencies by reducing the number of different parts. 
         [0040]    The traversing plate  190  of the top plate  104  defines an access aperture  200  that is, in the depicted embodiment, rectangular in shape having a first end  200   a  adjacent to the first longitudinal end  168  of the reflector  102 , an opposing second end  200   b , and two lateral sides  200   c ,  200   d . Other shapes are also acceptable. The access aperture  200  provides access to the enclosed space  198  and the wiring and driver  106  therein. Because the access aperture  200  is located on the top of the luminaire  100 , it will not be visible, or accessible for tampering when the luminaire is installed in a drop ceiling or the like. 
         [0041]    The access plate  112  comprises a body  202 , depicted in the form of a plate, having a first end  202   a  for association with the access aperture first end  200   a  adjacent the first longitudinal end  168  of the reflector  102 , an opposing second end  202   b  for association with the access aperture second end  200   b , and two lateral sides  202   c ,  202   d  for association with the access aperture lateral sides  200   c ,  200   d . The body  202  of the access plate  112  covers all, or substantially all, of the access aperture  200  to prevent unwanted access by humans and unwanted ingress of dirt, bugs and the like. Therefore, the shape of the body  202  approximates the shape, and size, of the access aperture  200 . Where the access aperture  200  is rectangular in shape, as depicted, the body  202  is also of rectangular shape. As can be seen in  FIG. 1B , the body  202  is slightly wider than the access aperture  200  such that the lateral sides  202   c ,  202   d  of the body  202  extend beyond the lateral sides  200   c ,  200   d  of the access aperture  200  over the traversing plate  190  of the top plate  104 . The extra width prevents holds the access plate  112  above the top plate  104  and helps prevent ingress of dirt, bugs and the like. 
         [0042]    A retaining plate  204  extends from the body second end  202   b . The retaining plate  204  comprises a drop leg  204   a  extending downward from the body  202  and a catch leg  204   b  extending from the opposing end of the drop leg  204   a . The downward drop of the drop leg  204   a  allows the catch leg  204   b  to extend underneath the top plate traversing plate  190  at the access aperture second end  200   b  while the body  202  sits above the traversing plate  190 . 
         [0043]    A locking flange  206  extends from the first end  202   a  of the body  202  of the access plate  112  toward the reflector first longitudinal end  168  beyond the access aperture second end  200   b  and ends with a U-shaped hook  206   a  having a first leg  206   b  extending upward to an upwardly oriented peak  206   c  and a second leg  206   d , which is longer than the first leg  206   b  such that it extends downward beyond the locking flange. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second legs  206   b ,  206   d  are approximately perpendicular to the plate  202  of the access plate  112 . The locking flange  206  is narrower than the access aperture  200  to facilitate one retaining prong  208  on either side of the locking flange  206 . Each retaining prong  208  is comprised of a drop leg  208   a  extending downward from the body  202  and a catch leg  208   b  extending from the opposing end of the drop leg  208   a . The downward drop of the drop leg  208   a  allows the catch leg  208   b  to extend underneath the top plate traversing plate  190  at the access aperture first end  200   a  while the body  202  sits above the traversing plate  190 . 
         [0044]    The distance between the distal end of the retaining plate catch leg  204   a  and the distal end of the retaining prong catch legs  208   a  is greater than the length of the access aperture  200  (i.e. the distance between the access aperture  200  first and second ends  200   a ,  200   b ). The access plate  112  is installed by (i) first tilting the catch leg  204   a  of the retaining plate downward and sliding that catch leg  204   a  under the access aperture  200  second end  200   b  at least until the distal ends of the catch legs  208   b  of the retaining prongs  208  can pass the access aperture  200  first end  200   a , (ii) passing the retaining prongs  208  through the access aperture  200  until the lateral sides of the access plate body  202  contact the top plate  104 , and (iii) sliding the access plate so that at least a portion of retaining prongs  208  slide under the top plate  104 . After completion of these steps, the retaining plate catch leg  204   b  and the retaining prong catch legs  208   b  will hold the access plate  112  in the access aperture  200 . In the depicted embodiment, the retaining plate catch leg  204   b  and the retaining prong catch legs  208   b  are shown as parallel to the access plate body  202 . However, the distal end of one or both of them may be oriented upward so that they create a friction fit by biasing the access plate body  202  down against the top plate  104  when assembled. 
         [0045]    The top plate  104  traversing plate  190  defines a slot  210  located adjacent to the access aperture first end  200   a  and extending approximately parallel to thereto. The slot  210  is sized and oriented to allow the second leg  206   d  of the U-shaped hook  206   a  to be inserted therein. Because the locking flange  206  extends in the same plane as the access plate body  202  and the U-shaped hook second leg  206   d  extends downward below that plane, that second leg  206   d  will deflect the locking flange  206  upward when the retaining plate  204  and retaining prongs  208  are under the top plate  104 . The location of the slot  210  and the length of the locking flange  206  are defined such that the second leg  206   d  of the U-shaped hook  206   a  will slide into the slot  210  when the retaining plate  204  and retaining prongs  208  are properly located under the access plate body  202 . The length of the second leg  206   d  is chosen so that the force required to flex the locking flange  206  sufficiently to remove the second leg  206   d  from the slot  210  is too great to occur accidentally during normal use and installation of the luminaire  100 , but not so much that a human would experience any material challenge to pulling the U-shaped hook  206   a  and lifting the second leg  206   d  out of the slot  210  to facilitate removal of the access plate  112 . Thus configured, installation of the access plate  112  can be concluded by sliding the access plate  112  toward the slot  210  until the second leg  206   d  of the U-shaped hook  206   a  snaps into the slot  210 , preventing further sliding of the access plate  112  and thus securing the access plate  112  in the access aperture  200  until intentionally removed. The height of the first leg  206   b  is sufficient to allow a human to grasp with hands and/or tools, such as pliers or the like. 
         [0046]    As seen in  FIGS. 1B ,  1 C and  2 A, the reflector  102  and the top plate  104  form the top of the luminaire  100  in the depicted embodiment. From lateral edges of the top plate to the reflector outermost edges  154 ,  156 , a top surface  102   a  of the reflector is the uppermost portion of the luminaire  100  and is exposed to the surroundings of the luminaire  100 . Further, between the top plate  104  and the last point of contact  142  between the reflector  103  and the LED mount  110 , the reflector  102  is the only portion of the luminaire  100  between the target area to be lighted and whatever lies above the luminaire. The construction of the luminaire therefore  100  eliminates a housing above the reflector  102 , thus reducing parts, materials, assembly time, weight and, as a result, cost. 
         [0047]    With the access plate  112  providing easy access to the enclosed space  198  as described above, the enclosed space  198  is an ideal location for the driver  106 . The driver can rest atop the reflector  102 , can be secured to the underside of the top plate  104  or can be secured to the underside of the access plate  112 . By securing the driver  106  to the underside of the access plate  112 , the driver can be secured out of sight and away from accidental damage, yet be readily accessible for installation, replacement, etc. by the simple act of flexing the locking flange  206  to remove the second leg  206   d  of the U-shaped hook  206   a  from the slot  210 , sliding the access plate  112  backwards until the retaining prongs  208  clear the access aperture  200  and then remove the access plate  112  from the access aperture  200 . By providing access to the enclosed space  198  from the back of the luminaire  100  via the access aperture  200  and access plate  112 , the reflector  102  need not be disturbed to gain access to the driver from the front side of the luminaire  100 . Prior to the instant disclosure, conventional thinking was to provide an access panel to the driver going through the accessible side. As can be best seen in  FIGS. 1A ,  1 C and  2 A, once the luminaire  100  is installed in a drop ceiling or the like, nearly all portions of the luminaire  100  accessible to a repairman, etc. will be the reflector  102 . However, such an access panel would create seams, gaps, ridges and/or ajar access panels that disrupt the light distribution sought to be created by the reflector  102 . By locating the access plate  112  on the back of the luminaire  100 , any such disruption is avoided. 
         [0048]    The LED mounts  110   a ,  110   b  are held in the luminaire  100  by the upper and lower LED mount grasping legs  148 ,  150  creating a force fit upon the LED mount lower leg  126  to hold the LED mounts  110   a ,  110   b  in place. Alternatively, or by supplement, the LED mounts  110   a ,  110   b  may be fixed to the reflector in other manners such as by welding, screw, bolt, rivet, adhesive or the like. However, because the lower LED mount grasping leg  150  is visible from the target area to be lighted by the luminaire, aesthetic considerations might dictate otherwise. Alternatively, or by supplement, the upper leg distal portion  134  of the LED mount  110   a ,  110   b  can be mounted to the reflector first reflecting leg  158  such as by welding, screw, bolt, rivet, adhesive or the like. Angles A and B of the LED mounts  110   a ,  110   b , in combination with the contour of the reflector  102 , as discussed above, controls the light emitted from the LEDs  108  and thus controls the light distribution passing through the light-passing aperture  188  defined by the luminaire  100 . 
         [0049]    The angle between the LED mount base  124  and the plane defined by the light-passing aperture  188  also impacts this light distribution because it controls the angles at which light leaving the LED mount  110   a ,  110   b  impact the reflector  102 . In the depicted embodiment, the lower LED mount grasping leg  150 , and thus the LED mount lower leg, is 22° above the plane defined by the light-passing aperture  188 . This angle can be adjusted by changing (i) the angle between the lower LED mount grasping leg  150  and the face leg first portion  152   a , and/or (ii) angle A between the LED mount base  124  and the LED mount lower leg  126 . 
         [0050]    In an alternative embodiment, the LED mount  110   a ,  110   b  is not grasped by the reflector  102  at the light-passing aperture  188 . Instead, each LED mount  110   a ,  110   b  is secured to the reflector  102  only at, for example, the LED mount upper leg  130  as previously discussed and angle C is adjusted. In yet another alternative embodiment, the reflector LED mount portion  136  diverges inward to form an LED mount base to receive the LEDs  108 , taking on the function of the LED mount  110   a ,  110   b  in the depicted embodiment. 
         [0051]    While the disclosure makes reference to the details of preferred embodiments of the disclosure, it is to be understood that the disclosure is intended in an illustrative rather than in a limiting sense, as it is contemplated that modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, within the spirit of the disclosure and the scope of the appended claims.