Abstract:
A fluorescent light fixture is suspended by a longitudinally extending trapezoidal pendant bracket/stabilizer. The trapezoidal pendant bracket/stabilizer includes a horizontally extending top brace and a pair of obliquely extending arms extending downward in opposite directions from the top brace in a trapezoidal crossection. Each obliquely extending arm has a flat, horizontally and outwardly extending attachment foot extending longitudinally along a flat top surface of the fluorescent lamp fixture, wherein each attachment foot is attached to the flat top surface of the fluorescent lamp fixture. The horizontally extending top brace is attachable to a ceiling mounted fastener, such as a toggle hanger or other downwardly extending fastener.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/750,391, filed Dec. 31, 2003, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §120 in part therefrom. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates indoor lighting with controlled uptight capability.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     In order to make a large area visually comfortable, downlight fixtures often include some uptight capabilities, to reduce the “cave” effect caused by ceiling fixtures being too intense for the viewer to see the ceiling beyond the fixtures. The cave effect causes a glare-filled, enclosed effect, which increases eyestrain.  
         [0004]     However, too much uplighting is inefficient and wasteful, not reflecting a large portion of emitted light back to the space below the fixture.  
         [0005]     To provide uptight, it is known to have an open top, which wastes light usage, as much of the light is not reflected back to the space below the fixture. In addition, in general, however, lamp fixtures with open tops have a susceptibility to dirt accumulation.  
         [0006]     Among related patents include U.S. Pat. No. 2,281,377 of Ohm, which has a slanted transparent/translucent wall but no reflector, which does not control uptight to a preferable maximum of 5-19% (by bent and concave angles of the reflector). Ohm&#39;s wall  13  is convex, so most light is not controlled. If a fixture were made similar to that of Ohm &#39;377, wherein it would be fabricated without the lens, the fluorescent lamps would extend beyond the plane of the side of the fixture, allowing for excessive dirt accumulation thereon. Furthermore, if one would make a fixture similar to that of Ohm &#39;377 with a non-translucent wall, the fixture efficiency would be greatly diminished. In addition, the lack of a photometrically designed reflector would diminish the obtainable efficiency of the fixture.  
         [0007]     U.S. Pat. No. 2,534,182 of Schwartz has different angles for reflectors  31 ,  32 ,  33  that don&#39;t control uplighting. Their rounded lenses are not as efficient as using a flat lens.  
         [0008]     In U.S. Pat. No. 2,548,500 of Sachs, the position of the reflector  15  beneath the fluorescent lamp tubes causes 50% of light up and 50% down, not a preferable controlled 5-19% as uptight. Also, if one removes the item  15  of Sachs, one accumulates dirt within the fixture.  
         [0009]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,428,183B1 of McAlpin gets 100 percent of light up with visual waste and needs extra upper lamps  32 ,  33  with separate mounts. These upper lamps are exposed and subject to dirt accumulation.  
         [0010]     U.S. Pat. No. 2,619,583 of Baumgartner describes a fluorescent fixture with and end reflector  72  spaced from the outer edge of a vertical wall to direct a portion of the light upwardly.  
         [0011]     U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,018 of Kassay describes an angled V-shaped lighting fixture having a seven-sided polygonal fastening bracket with angled bottom edges engaging the V-shaped top surface of the angled fixture.  
         [0012]     U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,967 of Soorus is mainly a V-shaped uptight fixture open at top, so dirt will invariably accumulate therein.  
         [0013]     U.S. Pat. No. 2,545,058 of Walsh has an open top with susceptibility to dirt accumulation. Walsh is mainly uptight only as in  FIG. 10  therein.  
         [0014]     U.S. Pat. No. 2,474,341 of Wince doesn&#39;t have a reflector.  
         [0015]     U.S. Pat. No. 2,348,930 of Shepmoes has a V-shape end view configuration of lamp fixtures. Downward light is less than 70%.  
         [0016]     U.S. Pat. No. 2,327,230 of Weber is only concerned with access removal of the lens portion  27 . Lighting inefficiency is similar to Shepnoes.  
         [0017]     U.S. Pat. No. 2,320,829 of Naysmith and U.S. Pat. No. 2,323,002 of Baker both describe V-shaped arrangement of lamps, which does not control uptight.  
         [0018]     Therefore, there is a need to provide a fluorescent lamp fixture which controls uptight to a desirable level, without wasting excess light, while significantly reducing an undesirable cave effect and without the tendency to accumulate dirt within the fixture.  
       OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION  
       [0019]     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fluorescent lamp fixture which controls uptight to a desirable level, without wasting excess light, while significantly reduces an undesirable cave effect and without the tendency to accumulate dirt within the fixture.  
         [0020]     It is a further object of the present invention to provide labor saving features to install fluorescent lamp fixtures rapidly where applicable.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0021]     In keeping with these objects and others, which may become apparent, the fixtures of this invention accommodate straight fluorescent tube lamps of a variety of lengths and electrical design, for example popular four foot sizes. These fixtures have a full upper housing protecting all lamps from the accumulation of dust and debris while providing a controlled amount (5 to 19%) of total light output to uplighting, thereby lighting ceiling and wall areas above the fixture, to negate the so-called “cave effect”. The percentage range of 5 to 19 percent of total uplighting is controlled relative to the quantity of lamps utilized, the angle of the reflector and the height of the outside section of the fixture, which also impacts the angle of the outboard reflector.  
         [0022]     The fixtures of this invention have a central section (from an end view) aimed directly below the fixture with lamp or lamps within a concave reflector or reflectors. Wing sections at an oblique angle extend sideways from the central section, carrying their own lamps and reflectors with totally or largely open distal ends, thereby accommodating uplighting in a controlled fashion. The uplighting provided is at an oblique angle from the fixture, as contrasted from prior-art fixtures with dedicated uptight lamps, or direct vertical upward lenses or windows, which would reflect uptight directly down from the ceiling surface.  
         [0023]     These lighting fixtures preferably incorporate a trapezoidal pendant bracket, which accurately positions the fixture with respect to a pendant pipe and prevents any tendency of the fixture from deviating from orthogonal orientation. However, the pendant bracket/stabilizer of the present invention is usable on any type of suspended light fixture, to stabilize the fixture in place.  
         [0024]     By “pendant pipe” it is assumed that the vertically and longitudinally pipe is either a hollow conduit having electrical wiring therein or a solid rod having electrical wiring adjacent thereto.  
         [0025]     In one embodiment the fixture has no lens and the oblique housing sides are shortened to accommodate uplighting. In a second embodiment, a high efficiency lens is used for downlighting. Then the oblique housing sides are fitted with windows also, which are glazed with flat high efficiency lens panels to accommodate uplighting. Each of these embodiments can accommodate a variety of lamp configurations ranging from three to eight fluorescent lamps per fixture.  
         [0026]     A trapezoidal pendant bracket/stabilizer allows the fixture to be stem hung from a pipe, such as a ¾ inch galvanized conduit stem, creating a very strong and rigid installation. This is used for gymnasiums or other locations where impact is an issue. It also creates a clean aesthetically pleasing installation. This takes some of the stress off of the pipe connection at the top of the fixture, negating any torque if the fixture is hit in anyway. The impact is taken by the points of attachment of the pendant stabilizer. It also suspends the fixture level to the floor. The bracket has a screw which when tightened tightens the fit around the stem  
         [0027]     While the pendant bracket/stabilizer and pendant pipe allow a fixture to be stem hung from a ¾ inch galvanized conduit stem creating a very strong and rigid installation, where impact resistance is not a factor, a toggle hanger of this invention can be used for a more rapid installation. The toggle hanger is installed at the top of the pendant pipe allowing the fixture to be quickly attached to a an eye bolt at ceiling level by just inserting a toggle bolt through both eye bolt and toggle hanger mounting flange and tightening.  
         [0028]     The toggle hanger is an extension of the pendant bracket/stabilizer system. Because it is installed on the top of the stem that goes through the pendant bracket/stabilizer, it allows for a quick installation where an eye bolt is already existing/or will be installed at the ceiling. The installer installs the fixture by just inserting the toggle through the eye bolt and tightening, eliminating the need for an expensive connection point at the ceiling and streamlining the installation to save labor. The unit is designed to support the weight through the two sides of the toggle hanger and centers the hang point to directly above the stem to guarantee a level hang of the fixture. The toggle hanger&#39;s best feature is that it allows for very rapid installations.  
         [0029]     A second alternative mounting feature is the cost-saving quick bracket™ of this invention which replaces both the pendant bracket/stabilizer and the pendant pipe. The quick bracket™ has the general trapezoidal shape of the pendant bracket/stabilizer, but it is sized vertically to place the fixture at the desired height from the ceiling, for example, lengths from 18 inches to 48 inches are available. The top of the quick bracket™ can be used with an existing threaded rod, a new threaded rod, or a hook can be installed to couple to an existing eye bolt. An optional removable handle is used to streamline the installation.  
         [0030]     In the second alternative embodiment, the bracket, like the pendant bracket/stabilizer, also guarantees that the fixture suspends level to the floor due to the spread of the points of attachment and the width of the material. It is an economy hanging system that does not require a stem, thereby eliminating several costly components in the hanging of the fixture. It also allows for a rapid installation. The top of the bracket can be used with an existing threaded rod when replacing existing fixtures or with the installation of a new threaded rod. A hook can also be fastened to the top of the bracket to allow for rapid installation where an eye bolt is already existing (retrofit of existing lighting system) or will be installed. The handle is totally portable and goes from fixture to fixture to allow for ease of handling and ease of holding while installing it. This bracket can come in a plurality of sizes, in lengths from 18 inches to 48 inches. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0031]     The present invention can best be understood in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown in drawings, in which:  
         [0032]      FIG. 1  is a Perspective view of a fluorescent lamp fixture of this invention with no lens;  
         [0033]      FIG. 2  is a Perspective view of a fluorescent lamp fixture of a second embodiment of this invention incorporating lenses;  
         [0034]      FIG. 3  is a Top plan view of a fluorescent lamp fixture of this invention (shown with lenses);  
         [0035]      FIG. 4  is a Side elevational view of the fluorescent lamp fixture of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 5  is an End view of the fluorescent lamp fixture of  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0037]      FIG. 5A  is a close-up detail side view showing the reflectance of the light rays of fluorescent lamps of the fluorescent lamp fixture of this invention, due to the angle and arc of the reflector having an oblique portion and an arcuate portion;  
         [0038]      FIG. 5B  is a close-up detail side view showing the reflectance of the light rays of fluorescent lamps due to the angle and arc of another embodiment for the reflector having small arcuate concave portion, an oblique portion and an inner arcuate concave portion;  
         [0039]      FIG. 6  is an End view of a 3-lamp configuration of a fluorescent lamp fixture of this invention;  
         [0040]      FIG. 7  is an End view of a 4-lamp configuration of a fluorescent lamp fixture of this invention;  
         [0041]      FIG. 8  is an End view of a 5-lamp configuration of a fluorescent lamp fixture of this invention, also indicating geometric features permitting a controlled amount of uplighting;  
         [0042]      FIG. 9  is an End view of a 6-lamp configuration of a fluorescent lamp fixture of this invention; and,  
         [0043]      FIG. 10  is an End view of an  8 -lamp configuration of a fluorescent lamp fixture of this invention;  
         [0044]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a toggle hanger of this invention showing attachments to a pendant pipe at the bottom and an eyebolt at the top;  
         [0045]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the toggle hanger of  FIG. 11  attached to a lighting fixture;  
         [0046]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a quick bracket™ of this invention attached to a lighting fixture and also showing the removable mounting handle;  
         [0047]      FIG. 14  is a front elevation of the quick bracket™ of  FIG. 13 ; and,  
         [0048]      FIG. 15  is a side elevation of the quick brackets of  FIG. 13  showing one of the slotted holes for attachment of the mounting handle. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0049]      FIG. 1  shows the first embodiment of this invention, wherein fixture  1  uses no lenses. Fixture  1  has six straight fluorescent tubes  4  within housing  2  with shortened oblique walls  3 . Central concave reflector  6  is aimed straight down while side reflectors  5  are angled obliquely and have no curved section (or a very truncated one) at their distal ends. Reflector surface finish can vary, however a white finish, a specular reflector, or an enhanced specular reflector surface with 95% reflectivity are currently offered.  
         [0050]     Pendant pipe  11  is used to attach fixture  1  to a ceiling structure; it also carries wiring within. It is mounted in hub  8  and is located accurately by trapezoidal pendant bracket  10  and secured by pendant screw  12 . However, pendant bracket  10  is usable on any type of suspended light fixture, to stabilize the fixture in place.  
         [0051]     In a second embodiment, fixture  20  of  FIG. 2  has housing  21  with full oblique walls  22 . Walls  22  have three rectangular windows  24  with flat high efficiency lenses to permit a controlled amount of uplighting.  
         [0052]      FIGS. 3, 4 , and  5  present top, side and end views of fixture  20  respectively. Vent louvers  28  are used to permit air circulation for cooling of ballasts and lamps while excluding dust contamination. High efficiency downlight lens  30  covers the fluorescent tubes.  
         [0053]     A variety of lamp configurations for the fixtures of this invention are shown in the end views of  FIGS. 6-10 .  
         [0054]     For example,  FIG. 6  shows a 3-lamp fixture  40  with a single lamp  4  in central reflector  41  and a single lamp in each side reflector  42 .  
         [0055]      FIG. 7  shows a 4-lamp fixture  50  with two lamps within central reflector  51  and single lamps within side reflectors  52 .  
         [0056]      FIG. 8  shows a 5-lamp configuration  60  with a single lamp in central reflector  61  and two lamps in each side reflector  62 . Uplighting rays  64  are shown emanating from right side to illustrate the geometric relationships between the lamp  4  location with respect to reflector  62 , truncated end curve  63  and tube  4  surface. Reflector end  63  provides the uptight cut-off and the structural configuration of the reflectors, lamp location, oblique angle, and lamp fixture population permits design of fixtures with uptight percentage fixed as desired, preferably between 5-19% of total.  
         [0057]     For example,  FIG. 5A  shows the reflectance of the light rays  64 ,  65  and  66  of fluorescent lamps  4  due to the angle X and arc A of the reflector  42 . Reflector  42  has a straight oblique portion  42   a  and an arcuate portion  42   b.  A certain portion of rays, emitted from lamp  4  designated as rays  64 , are either emitted upward or are reflected off of portions of reflector  42  in an upward direction. Another portion of rays designated as rays  65  are emitted and directed up, but reflected down by either the straight oblique portion  42   a  or the arcuate portion  42   b  of reflector  42 . A third portion of rays designated as rays  66  are emitted and directed down. Therefore rays  64  are the only light rays which constitute any uplighting of light from fixture  42 . The amount of uplighting is controlled by controlling the angle X of straight oblique portion  42   a  off of imaginary horizontal line H 1  and the arc A off arcuate portion  42   b,  off of imaginary horizontal line H 1 . As a result, a certain percentage of light, such as, for example, 5 to 19 percent, constitutes uptight directed above imaginary horizontal line H 2  through the middle of lamp  4 , either directly upward from lamp  4  or indirectly upward from lamp  4  via reflector portions  42   a  or  42   b . The remaining portion of emitted rays are either emitted indirectly downward from lamp  4  below imaginary horizontal line H 2  off of the center of lamp  4 , via reflector portions  42   a  and/or  42   b,  or directly downward in the form of rays  66  from lamp  4 .  
         [0058]      FIG. 5B  shows another embodiment of the reflectance of the light rays  64 ,  65  and  66  of fluorescent lamps  4  due to the angle and arc of the reflector having a first arcuate concave outer portion  42   c,  a second straight oblique portion  42   a  and a third inner arcuate concave portion  42   b.  While the preferable percentage of uplighting is 5 to 19 percent of emitted light reflected above imaginary line H 2 , that percentage of uplighting can be varied by adjusting the angle of oblique reflector portion  42   a,  inner arcuate concave portion  42   b  and/or outer arcuate concave portion  42   c  of reflector  42 .  
         [0059]     Besides the differences in the configuration of reflector  42  and in the variations in angle X shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the actual size of reflector  42  and its location (i.e. distance from) relative to lamp  4  also have a bearing on the percentage of uplighting.  
         [0060]      FIG. 9  shows a 6-lamp design  70  with two lamps in central reflector  71  as well as in each of two side reflectors  72 .  FIG. 10  shows an 8-lamp fixture  80  with two down reflectors  81  in the central section with two lamps each. Oblique side reflectors  82  also have two lamps each.  
         [0061]     While  FIGS. 1 and 2  show pendant pipe  11  attached to pendant bracket/stabilizer  10  and to the lighting fixtures, the attachment at the top end is not defined. In an installation such as a gymnasium, where the fixture may be impacted, the top end is rigidly attached to a sturdy attachment, such as, for example, a ¾ inch galvanized conduit stem. The pipe end is retained by a screw; the installation insures proper leveling and is aesthetically pleasing.  
         [0062]     However, if impact is not an issue, a more cost effective self-leveling method of attachment is possible. Toggle hanger  85  shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12  easily permits attachment to a preattached ceiling mounted holder, such as an eyebolt  90  (or hook) using a toggle bolt  89  through a hole in mounting flange  87  of toggle hanger  85 . Toggle hanger  85  is an inexpensive sheet metal component with housing  86  portion, which permits attachment of the top end of pendant pipe  11  through a hole in the horizontal member and retention via a fastener, such as nut  91 . Proper leveling of fixture  93  is assured by the pivoting attachment.  
         [0063]     A second cost effective and labor saving attachment method uses the quick bracket  95  of this invention as shown in  FIGS. 13-15 . This is an economy hanger system which eliminates the need for the pendant pipe. Bracket  95  is available in stepped sizes (h=18″-48″) to accommodate a variety of hanging distances from the ceiling. The wide distance between attachment feet  96 , coupled with the wide width dimension act as a stabilizer to insure proper leveling of fixture  93 . Handle  97  is totally portable and goes from fixture to fixture to allow for ease of handling and holding during installation. Slotted holes  98  in the sides of quick bracket™  95  permit entry of screw heads at the bottom end, but retain screws securely at the top end thereby facilitating convenient attachment and detachment of optional mounting handle  97  which has fasteners, such as screws, protruding each end. The distal end of quick brackets  95  accepts a threaded rod  99  as shown; alternatively, a hook can be fastened which would readily couple with a pre-installed eye bolt. The ceiling mounting hardware and labor involved is much reduced from that required for a properly installed stem hanger.  
         [0064]     In the foregoing description, certain terms and visual depictions are used to illustrate the preferred embodiment. However, no unnecessary limitations are to be construed by the terms used or illustrations depicted, beyond what is shown in the prior art, since the terms and illustrations are exemplary only, and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention.  
         [0065]     It is further known that other modifications may be made to the present invention, without departing the scope of the invention, as noted in the appended Claims.