Abstract:
A modular, linear-type lighting fixture may include an elongate housing having lengthwise ends, and a pair of endplates adapted for sealing 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. 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.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present application is a continuation of patent application Ser. No. 10/156,423, filed May 28, 2002, now abandoned. 

   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 isolated raceways for other distribution applications, for example low voltage wiring, fiber optics, and others. 
   Still another object of the invention is to provide a system for sealingly connecting linear lighting modules to one another. 
   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 fixture includes first and second elongate housings each having ends, first and second pairs of end plates respectively mated with the ends of the first and second elongate housings, the end plates each having a peripheral rim, and a bridge adapted for joining one of the end plates of the first elongate housing with one of the end plates of the second elongate housing by sealing cooperation with the respective peripheral rims thereof. 
   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 sealingly 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 end plate adapted for sealing connection to an end of the first elongate housing, and a bridge for sealingly connecting the end plate to at least one additional structure, the bridge being one of an L, T, +, and X type. 
   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 sealing 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 sealing 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 an elongate housing having two ends, and at least one end plate engageable with one of the ends of the elongate housing, where, when the end plate is engaged with the elongate housing, at least two isolated raceways extend through the elongate housing and the end plate. 
   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 end plate affixed at each of the ends of the lighting fixture module, the end plate including an arcuate, inwardly-directed groove adapted for sealingly receiving an end edge portion of a lens. 
   According to another aspect of the invention, a modular lighting fixture includes an elongate lighting fixture housing having ends, a pair of end plates 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 modular lighting fixturing 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, and an endcap, where the bridge defines a structure adapted for angularly-directable extension of the first housing, and where the ring defines a structure adapted for linear extension of the first 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 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. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a luminaire-type linear lighting fixture module having an endcap, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 2  shows two modular lighting fixture sections joined endwise to one another through an interposed coupler ring, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 3  is a fragmentary perspective view of a body section of a lighting fixture with an end plate affixed to the body section of the lighting fixture for attachment to an end cap, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a partially-exploded fragmentary perspective view showing an end of a body section of a lighting fixture module with an end plate secured in place for attachment to a ring-type coupling bridge, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 5  is an elevational view of an end plate for mounting on an end of the body of a housing section of a lighting fixture module, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 6  is an elevational view of a ring-type coupling bridge secured to the end plate of  FIG. 5 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 7  is a fragmentary upward perspective view, with parts omitted for clarity, showing a housing section having an end plate with a coupler fastened thereto, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along the line  8 — 8  of  FIG. 2 , and illustrating a manner of securing one housing section or lighting fixture module to another, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       FIGS. 9A and 9B  are fragmentary, cross-sectional views taken along the line  9 — 9  of  FIG. 2 , with parts omitted for clarity, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 10  is a schematic plan view of two modular sections joined to one another at right angles by means of an “L” type connecting adapter to form an L-node or corner mode assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 11  is a schematic plan view showing three lighting fixture modules connected to a joinder adapter configured as a “T” node, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
       FIG. 12  is a schematic plan view of four lighting fixture modules joined to a rectangular, four-place coupler to form a “+” node type lighting fixture assembly in which the four modules arms extend at 90 degrees with respect to adjacent modules, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a lighting fixture module  24  that may be configured in any of several different forms, in this case being configured as a single module fixture  20  by adding endcaps  52 . Module  24  may also be referred-to herein as “housing section  24 ” that includes a body section  10  and a pair of end plates  34 . Module  24  may also include a lens  80 . 
     FIG. 2  shows a dual-module lighting fixture  30  having two housing sections  24 . The two housing sections  24  of fixture  30  are secured end-to-end to one another at respective facing end plates  34  thereof (e.g.,  FIGS. 3–5 ,  7 ,  8 ), by a coupler  40  interposed between the respective end plates  34 . 
   Either fixture  20 ,  30  may be securely mounted at respective generally planar bases  48  thereof to a ceiling or similar structure  50 . Free ends of housing section  24  may be sealed at end plates  34  thereof with fitted end caps  52 . End cap  52  abuts and is securely mounted to end plate  34 , as shown by way of example in  FIG. 3 . Each housing section  24  includes opposed lineally-extending side walls  56 ,  58  extending co-extensively with base  48  at elongate upper edges  64  and  66  thereof. 
   Housing sidewalls  56 ,  58  of elongate modular lineal section  24  are formed of an extruded high-strength metal alloy, such as aluminum alloys, as a body portion  10  of each modular sections  24 . Sidewalls  56 ,  58  are formed at opposite elongate edge portions thereof with channel-like, downwardly-opening grooves  96 ,  98  that matingly receive therewithin the elongate free edge portions of lens  80 . A gasket (not shown) may also be used for sealing the elongate sides of lens  80  with elongate grooves  96 ,  98  of housing  24 . Lens  80  is preferably formed of a high strength plastics composition. 
   Elongate, sheet-like, arcuate lens  80  extends generally along the bottom of housing section  24  and is secured at its lengthwise sides to longitudinally extending lower free edges  72 ,  74  of the opposed sidewalls  56  and  58  of housing section  24 . In one embodiment, lens  80  has upwardly-directed flanges  86 ,  88  (e.g.,  FIGS. 9A–9B ) that respectively seat within downwardly-opening elongate grooves or slots  204 ,  206  in endplate  34  and in channels  96  and  98  formed in lower free elongate opposed edge zones  104  and  106  of housing sidewalls  56  and  58 . 
   Each endplate  34  is formed at an inner face thereof with an arcuate, inwardly opening slot or groove  200  extending along a bounding peripheral edge zone thereof for slideably receiving, to seat in sealing engagement therewith, an end edge portion of lens  80 , thereby providing sealing engagement of lens  80  with groove  200 . The inner face of end plate  34  is also formed for accepting therewithin, in mating and sealing engagement, the extruded housing  24 . 
   For example, downwardly-projecting strips  110 ,  112  respectively extend longitudinally along a lineal expanse of sidewalls  56 ,  58 . At their free end edges, strips  110 ,  112  respectively abut in sealing engagement with endplate  34 . Channel  200 , which opens outwardly, is contoured, configured and sized at its opposite lateral portions for receiving in close and sealing engagement therewithin the respective opposed edge portions  72  and  74  of the sidewalls  56  and  58 . 
   As shown in  FIGS. 9A–B , a die cut gasket  120  may be interposed to sealingly engage the strips  110 ,  112  and lens  80 . As shown in  FIGS. 9A–9B , channel  200  of endplate  34  may be aligned with corresponding channels  96 ,  98  of housing  24 . 
   End plates  34  are structured in a skeletal, bridge-like manner for mating engagement and positive attachment to each end of housing section  24 , thereby providing through-frame openings. Skeletal adapter ring  40  is attachable to either end plate  34  for facilitating attachment of an additional housing section or module  24  to provide a lighting fixture comprised of two or more modular housing sections  24 . 
   End plates  34  may be formed as high-strength castings having a metal composition, preferably being composed of a lightweight material such as an aluminum alloy. End plates  34  have an inner face perimeter contour corresponding to a perimeter contour of the combined end-wise edge of the housing section  24  including an attached lens  80 . The outer face perimeter contour of end plate  34  corresponds to a perimeter contour of the ring  40 , endcap  52 , or other bridge being attached to end plate  34 . For example, end plate  34  may have a perimeter shoulder  205  for sealingly engaging either an inner rim  226  of coupler ring  40  or an inner edge  160  of end cap  52  to be secured thereon. 
   Ring  40  has a circumscribing top wall that is integrally formed with laterally extending ring-like flanges  220  dimensioned and configured to overlie in sealing engagement therewith a mating  152  wall of endplate  34  formed adjacent shoulder portion  205 . 
   As shown by way of example in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , an end plate  34  is securely engaged with body portion  10  at each end thereof, thereby forming a housing section  24 . End plate  34  has a plate-like, skeletal body  142  having a plurality of through openings or passageways  134 ,  136 ,  138  and  140  formed therein. Such passageways  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140  provide wire 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, passageways  134 ,  136 ,  138 ,  140  may each be parts of individual isolated raceways extending the entire length of module  24  by including enclosed passages within body portion  10 . Housing section  24  has a top flange  148  which extends continuously along a top end edge of the base  48  for sealing engagement with end cap  34 . Integrally formed with and co-extensive with the top flange  48  and stepped downwardly with respect thereto is a second flange  152 . 
   End plate  34  is formed with opposed upper side sectors  190 ,  192  and a continuing lower arcuate section  196  thereof. As shown in the interior view of  FIG. 7 , the interior side of end plate  34  has an uninterrupted channel  200 . Channel  200  is configured and sized for receiving in sealing engagement therewith the end portions  81  of lens  80 . Channel  200  of endplate  34 , as shown by example in  FIGS. 9A–9B , has laterally-extending portions  202 ,  203  structured for respectively receiving outward-extending flanges  114 ,  116  of lens  80 . Similarly, vertically-oriented flange portions  86 ,  88  of lens  80  respectively fit into channels  204 ,  206  of endplate  34 . Die-cut gasket  120  may be formed in an appropriate manner for sealing of endplate  34 , for example by being interposed for sealingly engaging strips  110 ,  112  and lens  80 . Gaskets can include die-cut gaskets and the like. Lens  80  provides 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 of  FIGS. 9A–9B , lens  80  is formed to engage channel  200   
   End cap  52  is integrally formed with a flange  156  projecting outwardly along a top, free edge  158  thereof. When end cap  52  is positioned in place to mate with and close the end of housing section  24 , the top flange  156  of end cap  52  is brought to overlie and to effect a sealing engagement with flange  152  of housing section  24 . An arcuate lower flange  160  of end cap  52  engages and seals with a cooperating lower flange  164  of end plate  34 . End plate  34  is positively secured to the end of body portion  10  of housing section  24  with screws (not shown). 
   End cap  52  is integrally formed with connector posts  170  and  172  projecting from the interior of the end wall  176  at opposed upper corners thereof. A third connector post  180 , also integrally formed with the end cap  52 , projects inwardly from the interior of the end wall  176  at a central lower area thereof. When cap  52  is positioned in place, the free ends of posts  170 ,  172  and  180  penetrate to seat, respectively, in cooperating outwardly-presented bores  184 ,  188  and  186  formed in end plate  34 . 
   Housing sections  24 , which may be of any practical selectable lengths, each have an end plate  34  at lengthwise ends thereof. Outer faces of end plates  34  of two linearly adjacent housing sections  24  are brought matingly to engage an interposed coupling ring  40 , thus to effect a sealed joinder of the two adjacent housing modules  24 . For example, lighting fixture  20  has a single module  24  of selectable length; alternatively, any number of modular sections  24  may be joined to one another endwise as a lineal or in-line array, such as two-module lighting fixture  30  shown in  FIG. 2  with coupler ring  40  being used to lineally connect modules  24  as shown in  FIG. 4 . Such is effective to provide a lineal lighting fixture of any desired or required expanse. 
   In the example where two or more housing sections  24  joined endwise as a continuous uninterrupted physical structure (e.g.,  FIG. 2 ) with a coupler ring  40  (e.g.,  FIG. 4 ), coupler ring  40  has generally a contour and form compatible with end plate  34  and is preferably formed as a metal casting of an aluminum alloy or similar material. Coupler ring  40  is formed with a plurality of through openings  210 ,  212 ,  216  and  218 . Such openings essentially correspond with openings formed in the end plate  34  and are in through registry therewith when end plate  34  and coupler ring  40  are joined together in an assembled lighting fixture having a plurality of body sectors or modules  24 . 
   Coupler ring  40  has a transversely-extending generally planar top surface  220  and an arcuate bottom surface  228 , the flange-like top wall  220  extending laterally of the body  224  at each of opposed sides thereof effectively to provide two opposed flanges straddling a center portion  22 . Flange-like top wall  220  may be engaged with a downwardly displaced or stepped flange  152  of an end plate  34 . End plate  34  is secured to body portion  10  of housing module  24  as previously described. A second lighting fixture module  24  may be fastened, at its secured end plate  34  at the opposite, co-extensive second part of the flange  220  thus to effect a coupling of two housing sections  24  to 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 module  24  of selectable length or, alternatively, a plurality of modular sections, sectors, or housing sections  24 . 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 sections  24  maybe 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 module  24  has end plates  34  attached thereto, the chosen coupler is adapted to be secured to the respective end plate  34 . 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 10 ,  11 , and  12 , lighting fixture embodiments are not limited to extending along a straight line, but may include other geometric configurations. For example, referring first to  FIG. 10 , there is shown a fragmentary view of a lighting fixture having two modular sections  24  oriented to extend orthogonally with respect to one another. A generally rectangular connector  230  with an “L” shape has a pair of adjacent sides  232  and  234  to which ends  236  and  238  of the modular sections  24  are 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 connectors  230  and four modular sections  24  may 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. 11  shows a generally rectangular connector  240  having three sides  242 ,  244 ,  246  to which three corresponding separate modular sections  24  of the fixture are connected. The assembled fixture of  FIG. 11  thus assumes a “T” configuration. 
   Yet another embodiment of the invention is depicted in  FIG. 12 . As shown, a four-sided rectangular connector  250  has four sides to which a corresponding end  252 ,  254 ,  256 ,  258  of a separate module or fixture section  24  is 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 sections  24  of 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 of high voltage and low voltage wiring. The utility and versatility of such lighting fixtures are thereby enhanced. The structures of end plate  34  and coaxial coupler ring  40  are skeletal in construction with a plurality of through openings or passageways or runs. Such may provide coupling elements of extended raceways between modules  24   
   For example, items that may be safely housed in an isolated raceway such as one contained in fixtures according to the present invention, include 24-volt alarm circuitry, such as wiring for a fire alarm, fibre optic network cables, thermostat wires, telephone wires, etc. Such capabilities provided by the present invention are believed to be capabilities unique in lighting fixtures of a general linear type. 
   It may be especially advantageous and convenient to fabricate all of the modular body sections  24  of a lighting fixture to be a same length. However, such arbitrary uniformity is in no sense a requirement. Conveniently, for example, individual luminaires may be formed using sections  24  nominally 8″×24″, 8″×48″, 8″×60″, etc. Other embodiments may be formed using sections  24  nominally 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 a sealed, operating assemblage constituting a lighting fixture. A method may include mounting an end plate  34  on the housing-like body section  24  coaxially 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 end plates  34  to define a parametric contour corresponding to a parametric contour of each end edge of housing section  24 , including a surmounting lens  80  of housing section  24 . A method may include casting end plates  34  to define a lattice-like wall configuration including a plurality of dividers and through openings demarking passageways in end walls of housing section  24 . A method may include forming an end plate  34 , 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 lens  80 . A method may include forming a side or face of end plate  34 , opposite the side of lens  80 , with a circumscribing perimeter shoulder for selectively sealingly engaging either one of a coupler ring to be sleevedly attached thereto, or an end cap of another module  24 . 
   Further, a method may include forming a casting as a bilateral coupler to be secured to a free end of an end plate  34  mounted on an end of a body section  24 . Such a casting may be formed as a ring  40  including at a circumscribing top wall thereof integrally-formed, laterally extending ring-like flanges each being dimensioned and configured to overlie in sealing engagement therewith a mating top wall of an end plate  34 . Such may provide a positive endwise joinder of two housing sections  24  to one another in a lineal array. A method may include forming an end cap  52  of 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 end plate  34  in sealing engagement therewith. 
   A method may include forming plastics lens  80  to define along each extending edge thereof with an angled flange for overlying an edge of the coextensive extruded base of housing or body section  24 . A method may include forming end plate  34  at 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 end plate, at one of its faces, to define an end face contoured for mounting thereon and affixing thereto, selectively, either an end cap  52  for capping and closing housing  24  of the modular structure, or a ring  40  in the form of a band-like coupler. The method may include configuring such a coupler for sealingly mounting onto end plate  34  of housing  24  for joining the end of housing section  24  to an end plate  34  of a housing body of a second modular housing section  24  of the lighting fixture so that the sections are sealingly joined to one another endwise. 
   A method may include forming an endcap  52  with an integral, circumambient, outwardly-projecting, flange-like edge portion configured to overlie, in sealing engagement therewith, a perimetric shoulder circumscribing an outwardly presented face of an end plate  34  attached to housing  24 . 
   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.