Abstract:
A lighting system includes a linear light fixture and a linear blockout structure. The linear blockout structure includes a chamber in which the linear light fixture is mountable and side walls on opposite sides of the chamber engageable by flange portions of the linear light fixture when the linear light fixture and linear blockout structure are assembled together. A hinge structure includes first and second hinge components engaging each other such that when the linear blockout structure and linear lighting fixture are being assembled, they are rotatable with respect to each other at the hinge structure. First and second fastening components engage each other to hold the linear blockout structure and linear lighting fixture assembled together with the linear light fixture being disposed within the chamber of the linear blockout structure.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This U.S. nonprovisional patent application is related to and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/003,463, filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on May 27, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Technical Field 
     This disclosure relates to lighting systems, and, more particularly, to in-ground linear lighting systems. 
     2. Discussion of Related Art 
     Conventional in-ground linear lighting systems can be difficult to install. Typically, special tools and hardware are required to complete an installation. Also, in-ground lighting systems can be susceptible to water damage and failure due to their exposure to the outdoor environment. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one aspect, a lighting system is provided. The lighting system includes a linear light fixture and a linear blockout structure mountable in a base of the lighting system. The linear light fixture is mountable in the linear blockout structure when the linear light fixture and linear blockout structure are assembled together. The linear blockout structure includes a chamber in which the linear light fixture is mountable and side walls on opposite sides of the chamber engageable by flange portions of the linear light fixture when the linear light fixture and linear blockout structure are assembled together. A hinge structure includes a first hinge component on a first sidewall of the linear blockout structure and a second hinge component on a first flange portion of the linear light fixture, the first and second hinge components engaging each other such that when the linear blockout structure and linear lighting fixture are being assembled, the linear blockout structure and linear lighting fixture are rotatable with respect to each other at the hinge structure. A fastening structure includes a first fastening component on a second flange portion of the linear light fixture and a second fastening component on a second sidewall of the linear blockout structure, the first and second fastening components engaging each other to hold the linear blockout structure and linear lighting fixture assembled together with the linear light fixture being disposed within the chamber of the linear blockout structure. 
     In some exemplary embodiments of this aspect, the first fastening component comprises a flexible clip and the second fastening component comprises an opening in the second sidewall of the linear blockout structure, the flexible clip being displaced into engagement with the opening when the linear blockout structure and linear lighting fixture are assembled together. In some exemplary embodiments, the hinge structure and the fastening structure are configured such that, during assembly of the linear light fixture and the linear blockout structure, the linear light fixture and the linear blockout structure are rotated about the hinge structure such that, at a first rotational position, the linear blockout structure physically engages the flexible clip to deflect the flexible clip, and, at a second rotational position, the flexible clip is released into the opening in the second side wall of the linear blockout structure to hold the linear light fixture and linear blockout structure in an assembled configuration. In some exemplary embodiments, the second flange portion of the linear light fixture comprises one or more openings which allow access to the fastening structure such that the first and second fastening components can be disengaged from each other such that the linear light fixture and linear blockout structure can be disassembled from each other. In some exemplary embodiments, the lighting system further comprises a disassembly tool configured to be inserted into the one or more openings to engage the flexible clip to deflect the flexible clip out of the opening in the second side wall of the linear lockout structure to allow the linear light fixture and linear blockout structure can be disassembled from each other. 
     In some exemplary embodiments of this aspect, the second flange portion of the linear light fixture comprises one or more openings which allow access to the fastening structure such that the first and second fastening components can be disengaged from each other such that the linear light fixture and linear blockout structure can be disassembled from each other. In some exemplary embodiments, the system further comprises a disassembly tool configured to be inserted into the one or more openings to disengage the fastening structure. 
     In some exemplary embodiments of this aspect, the base of the lighting system comprises concrete. 
     In some exemplary embodiments of this aspect, the base of the lighting system comprises soil. 
     In some exemplary embodiments of this aspect, the base of the lighting system comprises drainage material. 
     In some exemplary embodiments of this aspect, the base of the lighting system comprises a drainage pipe. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present disclosure is further described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of embodiments of the present disclosure, in which like reference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
         FIG. 1  includes a schematic perspective view of a linear light fixture, according to some exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 2  includes a schematic perspective view of the linear light fixture of  FIG. 1 , in which the cover lens has been removed, according to some exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  includes a schematic perspective view of a blockout structure, into which the linear light fixture of  FIGS. 1 and 2  can be assembled, according to some exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 4  includes a schematic perspective view which illustrates the blockout structure of  FIG. 3  installed in the ground or other mounting platform or medium. 
         FIG. 5  includes a schematic perspective, partially cut-away view of the linear light fixture of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , installed in the blockout structure of  FIG. 3 , according to some exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  includes a detailed schematic cross-sectional view of the blockout structure of  FIGS. 3 and 4 , according to some exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  includes a schematic perspective view of the linear light fixture connected to power and control circuitry by a cable  22  and connector, located above the blockout structure, prior to installation, according to some exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  includes another schematic perspective view of a linear light fixture connected to power and control circuitry by a cable and connector, located above the blockout structure, prior to installation, according to some exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 9  includes another schematic perspective view of the linear light fixture, located partially within an opening or chamber of the blockout structure, during installation of the linear light fixture in the blockout structure, according to some exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 10  includes another schematic perspective view of the linear light fixture, located completely within the opening or chamber of the blockout structure, following installation, according to some exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 11A  includes a schematic top view of a linear light fixture, and  FIG. 11B  is a schematic cross-sectional view of a linear light fixture, taken along line B-B of  FIG. 11A , according to some exemplary embodiments. 
         FIGS. 12, 13, 14A, 14B and 15  include schematic cross-sectional diagrams illustrating the linear light fixture and the blockout structure, during a sequence of steps in the process of installing the linear light fixture into the blockout structure, according to some exemplary embodiments. 
         FIGS. 16A and 16B  include schematic perspective views of the assembled linear light fixture and blockout structure, along with a disassembly tool, according to some exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 17  includes a detailed perspective view of the disassembly tool of  FIGS. 16A and 16B , according to some exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 18  includes a schematic cross-sectional diagram illustrating the linear light fixture and the blockout structure completely assembled, according to exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 19  includes a schematic cross-sectional diagram illustrating the linear light fixture and the blockout structure completely assembled, at the beginning of the disassembly process using the disassembly tool, according to some exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 20  includes a schematic cross-sectional diagram illustrating the linear light fixture and the blockout structure being disassembled, according to some exemplary embodiments. 
         FIGS. 21A and 21B  are additional schematic cross-sectional views of the assembled linear light fixture and blockout structure being disassembled using the disassembly tool, according to some exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 22  includes a schematic cross-sectional view of preparation of an installation environment for the blockout structure, using concrete, according to some exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 23  includes a schematic cross-sectional view of preparation of an installation environment for the blockout structure, using soil, concrete, and a drainage material, according to some exemplary embodiments. 
         FIG. 24  includes a schematic cross-sectional diagram which illustrates the installation configuration of  FIG. 23 , after the concrete has cured, according to some exemplary embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  includes a schematic perspective view of a linear light fixture, according to some exemplary embodiments. Referring to  FIG. 1 , the linear light fixture  10  includes a body or chassis portion  12 , in which are located one or more light sources (not shown), which can be light-emitting-diode (LED) light sources. The light sources can be arranged in a linear array disposed along the longitudinal axis of fixture  10  and can be covered by cover lens  20 . Ends of chassis  12  are closed by end caps  18 . Light fixture  10  also includes surface mount flange portions  14  and  16  at which light fixture  10  can be mounted within an in-ground blockout (not shown). In some exemplary embodiments, fixture  10  is mounted within the in-ground blockout, flush with the ground, via flange portions  14  and  16 . Light fixture  10  also includes a cable  22  and connector  24  for electrically connecting light fixture  10  to power and/or control circuitry used to power and/or control light fixture  10 . 
       FIG. 2  includes a schematic perspective view of the linear light fixture  10  of  FIG. 1 , in which cover lens  20  has been removed, according to some exemplary embodiments. Referring to  FIG. 2 , with cover lens  20  removed, LED light sources  21  can be seen disposed in a linear array, according to some exemplary embodiments. 
       FIG. 3  includes a schematic perspective view of a blockout structure  30 , into which linear light fixture  10  can be assembled, according to some exemplary embodiments. Referring to  FIG. 3 , blockout structure  30  includes an opening and chamber  32  in which linear light fixture  10  can be installed. Ends of blockout structure  30  are capped by end caps  40 . Blockout structure  30  can also include installation clip structures  34  and installation hinge structures  36  by which linear light fixture  10  can be secured in opening/chamber  32  of blockout structure  30  when linear light fixture  10  is installed in blockout structure  30 . Clip structures  34  and hinge structures  36  are described below in more detail. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , blockout structure  30  can be installed in the ground or other mounting platform or medium  38 . Specifically, blockout structure  30  can be located in opening  39  in mounting medium  38 . Opening  39  can be formed by procedures such as placing blockout structure  30  in place where desired, and then pouring a hardening liquid material such as concrete around blockout structure  30 .  FIG. 4  includes a schematic perspective view which illustrates blockout structure  30  installed in opening  39  of ground or other mounting platform or medium  38 . 
       FIG. 5  includes a schematic perspective, partially cut-away view of the linear light fixture  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , installed in blockout structure  30  of  FIG. 3 , according to some exemplary embodiments. As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , linear light fixture  10  is connected to power and control circuitry  50 ,  52 ,  54 ,  56  by cable  22  and connector  24 . Power and control circuitry  50 ,  52 ,  54 ,  56  is also located within blockout structure  30 , and is connected to the external environment through a conduit  58 , which is connected to end cap  18  of blockout structure  30 . 
       FIG. 6  includes a detailed schematic cross-sectional view of blockout structure  30 , according to some exemplary embodiments. Referring to  FIG. 6 , blockout structure  30  includes opening or chamber  32 , into which linear light fixture  10  can be installed. 
       FIG. 7  includes a schematic perspective view of linear light fixture  10 , connected to power and control circuitry  50  by cable  22  and connector  24 , located above blockout structure  30 , prior to installation of linear light fixture  10  into opening or chamber  32  of blockout structure  30 . As illustrated n  FIG. 7 , blockout structure  30  is located in opening  39  in the ground or mounting platform  38 . 
       FIG. 8  includes another schematic perspective view of linear light fixture  10 , connected to power and control circuitry  50  by cable  22  and connector  24 , located above blockout structure  30 , prior to installation of linear light fixture  10  in blockout structure  30 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , blockout structure  30  is located in opening  39  in the ground or mounting platform  38 . Clip structures  34  of blockout structure  30 , which are used to secure linear light fixture  10  in place in blockout structure  30  after installation, are also illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 9  includes another schematic perspective view of linear light fixture  10 , located partially within opening or chamber  32  of blockout structure  30 , during installation of linear light fixture  10  in blockout structure  30 . As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , blockout structure  30  is located in opening  39  in the ground or mounting platform  38 . Linear light fixture  10  has been rotated almost completely into the assembled position within blockout structure  30 . 
       FIG. 10  includes another schematic perspective view of linear light fixture  10 , located completely within opening or chamber  32  of blockout structure  30 , following installation of linear light fixture  10  in blockout structure  30 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , blockout structure  30  is located in opening  39  in the ground or mounting platform  38 . Linear light fixture  10  has been rotated completely into the assembled position within blockout structure  30 . Clip structures  34  of blockout structure  30 , which are used to secure linear light fixture  10  in place in blockout structure  30  after installation, have been displaced into the final stationary secure position in which they secure linear light fixture  10  within blockout structure  30 , as illustrated and described below in detail. 
       FIG. 11A  includes a schematic top view of linear light fixture  10 , and  FIG. 11B  is a schematic cross-sectional view of linear light fixture  10 , taken along line B-B of  FIG. 11A , according to some exemplary embodiments. Referring to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , as described above in detail, linear light fixture  10  includes a body or chassis portion  12 , in which are located one or more light sources  21 , which can be light-emitting-diode (LED) light sources. The light sources can be arranged in a linear array disposed along the longitudinal axis of chassis  12  and can be covered by cover lens  20 , which is not shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B  for clarity of illustration. Light fixture  10  also includes surface mount flange portions  14  and  16  at which light fixture  10  can be mounted within in-ground blockout  30  (not shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B ). In some exemplary embodiments, fixture  10  is mounted within the in-ground blockout structure  30 , flush with the ground, via flange portions  14  and  16 . 
     Flange mount portion  16  is adjacent to an installation hinge  17 , which mates with and operates in concert with installation hinge structure  36  on blockout structure  30  during installation of linear light fixture  10  in blockout structure  30  and after installation to hold linear light fixture  10  in place within blockout structure  30 . Flange mount portion  14  is adjacent to a flexible installation clip  15 , which mates with and operates in concert with installation clip structure  34  on blockout structure  30  during installation of linear light fixture  10  in blockout structure  30  and after installation to hold linear light fixture  10  in place within blockout structure  30 . 
       FIGS. 12, 13, 14A, 14B and 15  include schematic cross-sectional diagrams illustrating linear light fixture  10  and blockout structure  30 , during a sequence of steps in the process of installing linear light fixture  10  into blockout structure  30 . Referring to  FIG. 12 , the process of installing linear light fixture  10  into blockout structure  30  has begun with power and control circuitry  50  being loaded into opening or chamber  32  of blockout structure  30 . Referring to  FIG. 13 , power and control circuitry  50  has been loaded into chamber  32  of blockout structure  30  and positioned in place at the bottom of chamber  32 . Linear light fixture  10  is located at the top of opening or chamber  32 , in preparation for installation.  FIG. 14B  is a detailed view of a portion of  FIG. 14A , as indicated by dashed detail circle “A” in  FIGS. 14A and 14B . Referring to  FIGS. 14A and 14B , the process of installing linear light fixture  10  in place has begun. Installation hinge  17  on linear light fixture  10  has been mated with installation hinge structure  36  on blockout structure  30 . Referring to  FIG. 15 , linear light fixture  10  is then rotated about the mated installation hinges  17  and  36 , as indicated by arrow  11 . During this rotation, flexible installation clip  15  engages the inner wall of opening or chamber  32  of blockout structure  30  and is elastically deflected away from the inner wall. As rotation continues toward completion of the installation, installation clip  15  is translated down into opening or chamber  32  until it reaches an opening in the inner wall at installation clip structure  34  on blockout structure  30 . At this point in the rotation, installation clip  15  snaps into engagement with the opening in the inner wall, such that installation clip  15  mates with and operates in concert with installation clip structure  34  on blockout structure  30  to hold linear light fixture  10  in place within blockout structure  30 , as illustrated in  FIG. 15 . This completes the process of installing linear light fixture  10  into blockout structure  30 . 
     According to exemplary embodiments, linear light fixture  10  can be disassembled from blockout structure  30  using a disassembly tool, according to exemplary embodiments.  FIGS. 16A and 16B  include schematic perspective views of the assembled linear light fixture  10  and blockout structure  30 , along with a disassembly tool  100 , according to exemplary embodiments.  FIG. 16B  is a detailed view of a portion of  FIG. 16A , as indicated by dashed detail circle “C” in  FIGS. 16A and 16B . Referring to  FIGS. 16A and 16B , flange portion  14  of linear light fixture  10  includes slots or openings  102  to allow access to clip structures  34 . Edge portions  104  of tool  100  are insertable into slots  102  to engage installation clip structures  34  to release the installation clip structures  34  such that linear light fixture  10  can be disassembled from blockout structure  30 . 
       FIG. 17  includes a detailed perspective view of disassembly tool  100 , according to some exemplary embodiments. Referring to  FIG. 17 , disassembly tool  100  includes a front insertion surface  103  and two substantially parallel edge portions  104 . As described above, edge portions  104  of tool  100  are insertable into slots  102  to engage installation clip structures  34  to release the installation clip structures  34  such that linear light fixture  10  can be disassembled from blockout structure  30 . 
       FIG. 18  includes a schematic cross-sectional diagram illustrating linear light fixture  10  and blockout structure  30  completely assembled, according to exemplary embodiments.  FIG. 18  is the same as  FIG. 15  described in detail above, except for the addition of disassembly tool  100 . Disassembly tool  100  is schematically illustrated in position to be inserted into the light fixture and blockout assembly to release installation clip  34 , such that linear light fixture  10  can be disassembled from blockout structure  30 . Insertion of tool  100 , which includes front insertion surface  103  and edge portions  104 , is pictorially indicated by arrow  101 . 
       FIG. 19  includes a schematic cross-sectional diagram illustrating linear light fixture  10  and blockout structure  30  completely assembled, at the beginning of the disassembly process using disassembly tool  100 , according to exemplary embodiments. Referring to  FIG. 19 , disassembly tool  100  is shown inserted into the assembly and has engaged installation clip  15  such that installation clip  15  has been released out of engagement with installation clip structure  34  of blockout structure  30 . As a result of this disengagement, linear light fixture  10  is now free to be disassembled from blockout structure  30 . 
       FIG. 20  includes a schematic cross-sectional diagram illustrating linear light fixture  10  and blockout structure  30  being disassembled, according to exemplary embodiments. Referring to  FIG. 20 , after release of installation clip structure  15 ,  34  linear light fixture  10  can be rotated about hinge structure  17 ,  36  out of chamber  32  of blockout structure  30 , as indicated by arrow  105 . The remainder of the disassembly process is essentially the reverse of the assembly process described above in detail. 
       FIGS. 21A and 21B  are additional schematic cross-sectional views of the assembled linear light fixture  10  and blockout structure  30  being disassembled using disassembly tool  30 , according to some exemplary embodiments. Referring to  FIG. 21A , disassembly tool  100  has not yet been inserted. Accordingly, installation clip  15  is still engaged with clip structure  34  in blockout  30 , thus holding linear light fixture  10  and blockout structure assembled together. Referring to  FIG. 21B , disassembly tool  100  has been inserted, such that installation clip  15  is displaced and released, and linear light fixture  10  and blockout structure  30  can be disassembled, as described above in detail. 
     According to exemplary embodiments, blockout structure  30  provides for drainage of liquids such as water away from blockout structure  30 , such that flooding of blockout structure  30  and resulting damage to any installed light fixture  10  is avoided.  FIGS. 22 and 23  include schematic cross-sectional views of installation of blockout structure  30  to provide for proper drainage, according to some exemplary embodiments. Specifically,  FIG. 22  includes a schematic cross-sectional view of preparation of the installation environment for blockout structure  30 , using concrete, according to some exemplary embodiments; and  FIG. 23  includes a schematic cross-sectional view of preparation of the installation environment for blockout structure  30 , using soil, concrete, and a drainage material, according to some exemplary embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIG. 22 , in the illustrated “concrete-only” installation, a ground hole is provided with proper drainage piping underneath the installation location of the blockout structure  30 . A drainage pipe  78  is provided in the concrete  70 . Anchor holes  72  are also formed in concrete  70 . Anchors  74  are installed in anchor holes  72 , and blockout structure  30  is located with threaded portions of anchors  74  penetrating vertically up through openings in mounting flange portions  73  of blockout structure  30 . Nuts  76  are threaded onto anchors  74  to secure blockout structure  30  in place. Any fluids such as water entering the space  75  adjacent to blockout structure  30  will be carried away via drainage pipe  78 , thus preventing flooding of blockout structure  30 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 23 , in the illustrated “concrete-and-soil” installation, a ground hole is provided surrounded by soil  80 . Appropriate drainage material  82 , such as sand or other similar material, is provided underneath the installation location of the blockout structure  30 . Blockout retainers  86  are inserted through openings in mounting flange portions  73  of blockout structure  30  to hold blockout structure stationary during a subsequent concrete pour, indicated pictorially by  88 .  FIG. 24  includes a schematic cross-sectional diagram which illustrates the installation configuration of  FIG. 23 , after concrete  88  has cured. Any fluids such as water under blockout structure  30  will be carried away via drainage material  82 , thus preventing flooding of blockout structure  30 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 22 through 24 , blockout structure  30  is configured to include a drainage capability to ensure that any fluids such as water entering the structure from the top or ground level, will be carried through blockout structure  30 , around any light fixture  10  which may be installed in blockout structure  30 , to the drainage system at the bottom of the blockout structure, and away from the assembly. To that end, blockout structure  30  includes open channels which run down along the sides of blockout structure  30 , so that any fluids can be carried away to system drainage, i.e., drainage pipe  78  or drainage material  82 , without entering light fixture  10 . Thus, water damage from the elements, or other such damage due to flowing fluids is eliminated. 
     Whereas many alterations and modifications of the disclosure will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description, it is to be understood that the particular embodiments shown and described by way of illustration are in no way intended to be considered limiting. Further, the subject matter has been described with reference to particular embodiments, but variations within the spirit and scope of the disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art. It is noted that the foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present disclosure. 
     While the present inventive concept has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present inventive concept as defined by the following claims.