Patent Publication Number: US-10317042-B1

Title: Indirect LED lighting system for a suspended ceiling

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/973,823 filed on May 8, 2018 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,145,536 on Dec. 4, 2018. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The following invention relates to T-bars and other supports for ceiling tiles within a dropped ceiling (also referred to as a suspended ceiling) above an interior space of a building. More particularly, this invention relates to T-bars and other supports for suspended ceilings which include lighting therein, and most particularly, lighting which shines upwardly against a reflective surface for redirecting of the light down into the interior space beneath the suspended ceiling to provide indirect lighting. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Placing lights within T-bars which are also used to suspend ceiling tiles for a “dropped ceiling” is a known lighting option, such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,177,385, incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Such lighting typically utilizes LED lighting technology to have a relatively bright but low power light provided from a relatively small space within a lower portion of the T-bar which is exposed below ceiling tiles supported by the T-bar. 
     One goal of lighting an interior space is to provide as much light as necessary, without having the light sources ever shining directly into the eyes of individuals within the interior space. When prior art ceiling mounted lighting shines down on an interior space, an individual looking up at the ceiling will have the light shining directly into the individual&#39;s eyes. This is not entirely desirable, as it can be blinding to the individual and make it hard to see within an interior space. 
     Some lighting is noted in the prior art to be indirect, generally with light sources on a pedestal resting on the ground, or otherwise mounted in a manner spaced away from the ceiling, and then shining upward at the ceiling and upper portions of walls, and providing the ceiling and/or walls either white or sufficiently light in color that they reflect much of the light back into the room, but without blinding intensity. Such indirect lighting can be advantageous, but typically impacts on the usefulness of the interior space, in that the indirect lighting shining up at the ceiling takes up some space that could otherwise be utilized beneficially for other purposes. Accordingly, a need exists for providing indirect lighting within an interior space without taking up any of the interior space that could be otherwise utilized. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     With this invention, indirect lighting is provided which is integrated into a T-bar or similar support structure which is also provided for supporting ceiling tiles or other ceiling elements within a ceiling, and most typically a suspended ceiling (also referred to as a dropped ceiling). The indirect lighting T-bar typically has an elongated spine extending between ends thereof, the ends configured so that they can connect to adjacent T-bars. A rest shelf is optionally but preferably provided which is spaced below an upper end of the spine and extending at least partially laterally. Edges of ceiling tiles are supported upon these rest shelves or other supports. 
     The spine and rest shelf can be formed together as an extruded element, such as from aluminum or other sufficiently high strength material. A lighting module or other body supports a lighting source thereon and is suspended beneath the spine or other elongate support. This lighting source is oriented upwardly. A reflective surface is also provided, adjacent to a lower end of the spine or other elongate support and below any rest shelf or other ceiling tile edge support. This reflective surface is preferably located upon a reflector plate, such as having an under surface which acts as at least part of the reflective surface facing the lighting source. The lighting source thus reflects light off of the reflective surface and indirectly into the interior space beneath the ceiling. 
     In one embodiment, the reflector plate supports the reflective surface and also doubles as at least a portion of a rest shelf or other support element for supporting the edges of ceiling tiles thereon. In another embodiment, a rest shelf separate from the reflector plate acts as a support for supporting edges of ceiling tiles thereon. As a further option, a combination of both a rest shelf and the reflector plate can act together to support edges of ceiling tiles, particularly when the ceiling tile edges are notched so that they present two separate lower surfaces at different heights which match a spacing between the rest shelf and the reflector plate. 
     The reflector plate is typically oriented horizontally when the ceiling is to be oriented horizontally, and is adjacent to but just beneath the ceiling tiles which are resting upon and carried by the T-bar to which the reflector plate is attached. A central portion of this reflector plate can be provided with facets which angle downwardly slightly as they extend toward a central plane of the T-bar. This way, lighting extending straight up from the lighting source is not reflected straight back down into the lighting source, but rather is directed laterally somewhat to provide further indirect lighting into the interior space beneath the dropped ceiling. The reflector plates are preferably formed as an extrusion along with the spine and rest shelf, and thus exhibits a substantially constant cross-sectional form. The reflector plate does not need to extend entirely between the ends of the T-bar, but could be provided on only portions of an under side of the T-bar, such as concentrated at one end or concentrated in a middle portion thereof and spaced from each end. 
     The lighting module or other lighting source supporting body is suspended beneath the T-bar by a suspension element which in one embodiment is a pair of legs extending down from upper portions of the T-bar or other elongate linear ceiling support member to the lighting module. In this embodiment, one leg is provided at each end of the lighting module. The lighting source with lighting module thus has nothing between itself and the reflector plate, other than optionally a diffuser to protect the lighting source, keep dirt from coming directly into contact with the lighting source, and, if desired, to some extent diffuse light from the lighting source, before it continues up to the reflector plate for redirection into space beneath the ceiling. Wiring delivering electric power to the lighting source, such as an LED mounted upon a printed circuit board, can be routed through at least one of these legs, so that such wiring can be hidden from view. The wiring leads to a DC power supply located above the ceiling tiles, such as mounted to an upper end of the spine. 
     OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, an object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide indirect lighting within an interior space beneath a suspended ceiling, without taking up any useful space within the interior space for the indirect lighting. 
     Another object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide indirect lighting beneath a suspended ceiling, which indirect lighting is suspended from the suspended ceiling system itself. 
     Another object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide lighting within an interior space which avoids directly shining into eyes of an individual within the interior space. 
     Another object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide lighting within an interior space mounted to a ceiling and which has an attractive appearance and minimizes size and appearance of lighting related structures associated with the ceiling. 
     Another object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a T-bar which both holds up ceiling tiles within a dropped ceiling and also provide lighting therefrom. 
     Another object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide lighting for an interior space which can be easily installed. 
     Another object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a method and lighting unit for easily retrofitting an interior space with additional indirect lighting. 
     Another object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide lighting beneath a dropped ceiling in an interior space which lighting is largely hidden from view. 
     Other further objects of the present invention will become apparent from a careful reading of the included drawing figures, the claims and detailed description of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view from below of an indirect lighting T-bar according to one embodiment of this invention, and with a connector for attaching the T-bar to adjacent structures shown in broken lines. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view from above of that which is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a full sectional view of that which is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is an end elevation view of that which is shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a front elevation view of that which is shown in  FIG. 1 , and with two intermediate sections removed to allow for enlargement of remaining portions thereof. 
         FIG. 6  is an end elevation view of that which is shown in  FIG. 4 , and with light rays illustrated emanating from the lighting source associated with the indirect lighting T-bar of this embodiment, the light shown reflecting off of a reflector plate of the T-bar and into an interior space beneath a ceiling, and with ceiling tiles shown supported by the T-bar as well. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view from below of a suspended ceiling, with the indirect lighting T-bar of  FIG. 1  shown installed into the suspended ceiling. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of that which is shown in  FIG. 1 , depicting a partially lit indirect lighting T-bar with lighting at only one end thereof. 
         FIG. 9  is a bottom plan view of a portion of a suspended ceiling with the partially lit indirect lighting T-bar of  FIG. 8  showed therein, along with a shorter version of the T-bar of  FIG. 1  shown therein, and with ceiling tiles supported by a combination of these indirect lighting T-bars and non-lit T-bars. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the various drawing figures, reference numeral  10  is directed to an indirect lighting T-bar ( FIG. 7 ) which acts to both hold up ceiling tiles C ( FIG. 6 ) or other ceiling components, such as within a dropped ceiling, and also provides lighting of an indirect variety, from a lighting source  80  ( FIG. 6 ) and indirectly reflecting off of a reflector plate  90  and into an interior space beneath the ceiling tiles C. By integrating the lighting source  80  into the T-bar  10 , the lighting source  80  is provided beneath a suspended ceiling without requiring separate lighting units within an interior space beneath the ceiling. 
     In essence, and with particular reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , basic details of this invention are described, according to an exemplary embodiment. The indirect lighting T-bar  10  includes a spine  20  which is of elongate linear form extending between a first end  12  and a second end  14  of the T-bar  10 . A lower end  22  of the spine  20  supports a rest shelf  30  extending laterally from the lower end  22  of the spine  20 . The rest shelf  30  supports ceiling tiles C or other portions of the ceiling resting thereon. Portions of the rest shelf  30  or spine  20  extend further down below the rest shelf  30  and support a reflector plate  90  extending laterally beneath the rest shelf  30 . In one embodiment, the reflector plate  90  acts along with the rest shelf  30 , or in place of the rest shelf  30 , to support edges of ceiling tiles C thereon. 
     A lighting module  50  is suspended beneath the spine  20  and other portions of the T-bar  10 . In this embodiment, such suspension of the lighting module  50  is by legs  60  extending down from upper portions of the T-bar  10  to the lighting module  50 . A lighting source  80  is provided within the lighting module  50 , with this lighting source  80  pointed at least partially upwardly. Light out the lighting source  80  that reflects off of the reflector plate  90  and down into interior space beneath the ceiling tiles C. A diffuser  70  optionally but preferably covers the lighting source  80 . End caps  100  can cover portions of the T-bar  10  adjacent to the first end  12  and second end  14 . 
     More specifically, and with continuing reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , as well as  FIG. 5 , particular details of the spine  20 , rest shelf  30  and a heat sink  40  at an upper end  24  of the spine  20 , are described according to this exemplary embodiment, providing structural portions of the T-bar  10  (which is also referred to generally as an elongate linear member) above the reflector plate  90 , lighting module  50  and lighting source  80 . 
     The spine  20  and rest shelf  30  are preferably formed together as an extrusion having a constant cross-sectional form. Most preferably, the spine  20  and rest shelf  30  are formed of aluminum, or other material which can be readily extruded and has appropriate strength characteristics and other characteristics to allow it to effectively support ceiling tiles C or other portions of the ceiling within an interior space, typically within a horizontal plane above the interior space. 
     The spine  20  is preferably a planar structure which extends within a vertically oriented central plane in a typical installation where a ceiling including ceiling tiles C or other ceiling components ( FIGS. 10 and 11 ) is to be oriented horizontally. The spine  20  is elongate between ends of the T-bar  10 , and of a thin planar form between a lower end  22  opposite an upper end  24 . The lower end  22  is joined to the rest shelf  30 , such as at a junction mass  32 . The upper end  24  is typically a free end which is suspended from above, such as by having wires anchored above the T-bar  10  and extending down to and connecting to portions of the spine  20 . As an alternative, the spine  20  can be supported in position having ends of the T-bar  10  fitted with connectors  25  ( FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 ) which can attach to adjacent T-bars T ( FIG. 7 ), such as through slots  28  ( FIGS. 2 and 5 ) also formed in such T-bars T. 
     The spine  20  includes at least one such slot  24 , such as with one vertically oriented slot at a midpoint between ends of the T-bar  10 , and preferably with holes  28  on either side of such slots  26 . The slots  26  can receive connectors  25  of other T-bars  10 , T, so that the angled lighting T-bar  10  of this invention can totally function as a non-lit standard T-bar  10 , and additionally includes the lighting source  80  and associated features for indirect lighting to emanate from the T-bar  10 . 
     While in this embodiment a single slot  26  is provided at a central point on the spine  20 , with holes  28  adjacent thereto, such slots  26  could be located in different numbers and at different locations between ends  12 ,  14  of the T-bar  10  and passing through the spine  20 . The holes  28  provide one location where wires or other suspension elements can attach to the T-bar  10  and then be supported from above, so that such wires passing through the holes  28  act as an anchor for the spine  20  and associated T-bar  10  at a desired height within the interior space bounded by the ceiling tiles C, which are supported upon the T-bar  10 . The spine  20  can have other forms in other embodiments, with this spine  20  configuration being one configuration which is effective for providing the indirect lighting T-bar  10  of this invention. 
     The rest shelf  30  is a planar structure which is preferably perpendicular to the spine  20 , or perpendicular to a central plane if there is no spine  20  and coupled to the lower end  22  of the spine  20  (or other upper portions of the T-bar  10 ), such as at the junction mass  32 . The rest shelf  30  has an upper surface  34  on the side facing the spine  20  and typically facing upward when the T-bar  10  is supporting a horizontal ceiling. 
     The rest shelf  30  includes ends  36  at opposite lateral extremities thereof. A wiring hole  37  ( FIGS. 3 and 5 ) preferably passes through the rest shelf  30  at various locations (such as near ends of the T-bar  10 ), which allow for wiring W providing electric power to the lighting source  80  to pass through the rest shelf  30  and into the recess in the lighting module  50  beneath the rest shelf  30 . 
     At least one fin  39  optionally extends upward from the rest shelf  30 . The fin  39  can aid in heat transfer away from the lighting module  50  that may pass up the legs  60  somewhat and up to above the rest shelf  30 , so that heat is carried by conduction out of the interior space bound by the ceiling. Often such interior space beneath the ceiling is air-conditioned space which is desired to be kept at a lower temperature than surrounding spaces. The lighting source  80  can generate significant heat when it is in operation. Rather than allowing this heat to pass into the interior space and then relying on air conditioning systems to remove that heat from the interior space, with this invention, the heat is at least partially removed from the interior space initially, so that heat associated with the lighting source  90  does not need to be totally removed by air-conditioning systems which are conditioning the interior space. While the rest shelf  30  is shown with this particular configuration, other forms for the rest shelf  30  could alternatively be provided according to variations which are within the scope of this invention and provide a basic example of providing a ceiling tile edge support function. 
     The heat sink  40  is optionally but preferably provided at the upper end  24  of the spine  20 . This heat sink  40  has a series of alternating fins  42  with gaps  44  therebetween. The fins  42  and gaps  44  provide surface area through which conduction and convection heat transfer can most effectively happen, at a space entirely above the ceiling tiles C of the ceiling ( FIG. 6 ). In this way, much of heat generated by the lighting source  90  is efficiently directed above the ceiling tiles C. The heat sink  40  could have a greater or lessor number of fins  42  and the fins  42  could be a varying lengths and angles, with the heat sink  40  shown providing one example. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 1-3 and 5 , details of the lighting module  50  are described, according to this exemplary embodiment. The lighting module  50  provides one form of body suspended beneath upper portions of the T-bar  10 , including the spine, rest shelf  30  and reflector plate  90 . The lighting module  50  supports the lighting source  80  in an orientation to shine up and reflect off of the reflector plate  90 . The lighting module  50  can itself be extruded, but typically is a separate extrusion from that which forms the spine  20 , rest shelf  30 , heat sink  40  and reflector plate  90 . It is conceivable that a single extrusion could extrude the lighting module  50  along with upper portions of the T-bar  10 , and then portions, such as a gap between the legs  60  could be cut away. However, typically the lighting module  50  is formed separately from upper portions of the T-bar  10  and then coupled thereto through a methodology such as welding, adhesive bonding, or utilization of mechanical fasteners (rivets, screws, clamps, etc.) to couple the lighting module  50  to upper portions of the T-bar  10 . Typically, such coupling and support of the lighting module  52  to upper portions of the T-bar  10  occurs through the legs  60  described in detail below. 
     The lighting module  50  preferably has a substantially constant cross-sectional form particularly depicted in  FIG. 3 . Generally, the lighting module  50  is of a “U” shape with an open upper end. The lighting module  50  includes a lower wall  52  with sidewalls  58  extending upward from each end of the lower wall  52 . End plates  56  preferably span between the sidewalls  58  at each end of the T-bar  10  or other elongate linear members, so that the lighting module  50  interior recess can only be accessed from above. Similarly, light can only emanate out of the lighting module  50  out of an open top portion of the lighting module  50 . The recess within the interior of the lighting module  50  is defined as a space between the sidewalls  58  and between the end plates  56  and above the lower wall  52 . This recess can support the lighting source  80  therein. 
     Preferably, the lighting source  80  is a series of LEDs  84  mounted to a printed circuit board (“PCB”)  82 . PCB  82  is preferably elongate and thin, fitting with in the bottom of this recess with in the lighting module  50 , and adjacent to an upper surface of the lower wall  52 . Slots  57  are preferably provided within the recess and at a junction between the lower wall  52  and the sidewalls  58 . The slots  57  can retain edges of the PCB  82 , so that the LEDs  84  on the upper surface of the PCB  82  are held in fixed position facing upwardly away from the PCB  82  and away from the lower wall  52  of the module  50 . The LEDs  84  are preferably high intensity LEDs spaced apart from each other with a regular spacing, such as approximately one every two inches, for example. Interior surfaces of the sidewalls  56  are preferably formed to be reflective, to further assist in directing light out of the lighting module  50  and up towards the reflector plate  90 . 
     A diffuser  70  preferably overlies an opening into the lighting module  50 . This diffuser  70  has opposing edges  72  which are each adjacent one of the sidewalls  58 . Upper portions of the side walls  58  preferably are defined by lips  59 . These lips  59  preferably extend toward each other slightly, with lower portions of the sidewalls  58  tending to taper outwardly as they extend upwardly, so that a small area of maximum width between the sidewalls  58  can be dimensioned to match a width of the diffuser  70  between the edges  72 . The diffuser  70  can thus be held in place adjacent to these lips  59 . The diffuser  70  protects the lighting source  80  from being contacted, such as by flying insects, dust, etc. The upper surface of the diffuser  70 , preferably being substantially flat, can be easily periodically cleaned of any dust or debris collecting thereon. The diffuser  70  is preferably transparent with all of the light from the lighting source  82  beneficially passed therethrough. As an option, the diffuser  70  can have some degree of diffusing character and translucency, rather than strict transparency, such as to absorb certain wavelengths of light if desired, or to otherwise modify light emanating from the lighting source to match preferred lighting for the interior space to be lit by the invention described herein. 
     Wiring W is coupled to the PCB  82  and provides electric power to the PCB  82  and to the LEDs  84 , so that they can cause light L to emanate therefrom. This wiring W ( FIGS. 3 and 5 ) is preferably routed through one of the legs  60  and up to upper portions of the T-bar  10  (and typically to a DC power supply), so that the wiring W can remain hidden from view. 
     The legs  60  ( FIGS. 1, 2 and 5 ) extend, preferably vertically, between the lighting module  50  and upper portions of the T-bar  10 . Thus, preferably two such legs  60  are provided, one adjacent the first end  12  and one adjacent the second end  14 . As an alternative, it is conceivable that a single leg  60  could be provided, such as at a central location between the ends  12 ,  14  of the T-bar  10 , or more than two legs  60  could be provided at various different locations between the lighting module  50  and upper portions of the T-bar  10 . 
     By having a leg  60  at each end  12 ,  14  of the T-bar  10  (or other light bearing elongate linear member), space above the lighting module  50  is essentially entirely open. Thus, light L emanating from the LEDs  84  or other light producing element(s) within the lighting source  80 , and preferably passing through the diffuser  70 , does not encounter any other obstructions before impinging upon the reflector plate  90 . The light L is then reflected downward as indirect lighting into the space beneath the dropped ceiling ( FIG. 6 ). 
     The legs  60  are in this embodiment shown as a C-shaped channel which is open on inwardly facing sides thereof. As an alternative, the legs  60  could be complete tubes, or could be in the form of parallel plates and rely on the end caps  100  to close outer portions thereof. Each leg  60  is preferably an elongate linear structure oriented vertically and extending between a bottom end  62  and a top end  64 . The bottom end  62  is adjacent to the lighting module  50  and the top end  64  is adjacent to central portions of the reflector plate  90  or other upper portions of the T-bar  10 . 
     The legs  60  are preferably separately formed and then fastened to upper portions of the T-bar  10  and to the lighting module  60 , such as by bonding, welding, utilizing adhesive, or some form of fasteners therebetween. As an alternative, the legs  60  could be formed with other portions of the T-bar  10  and then bent into the final form such as that depicted herein. 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 1-3 and 6 , details of the reflector plate  90  are described, according to this exemplary embodiment. Reflector plate  90  provides a preferred form of structure for carrying a reflective surface so that light from the lighting source  80  can be redirected and provide indirect lighting within a space beneath a dropped ceiling. This reflective surface is preferably provided at least partially on an undersurface  96  of the reflector plate  90 . As an alternative, the reflector plate  90  could merely be a portion of the rest shelf  30  with the reflective surface defining an under portion of this rest shelf  30 . Similarly, the rest shelf  30  could be eliminated and the reflective surface could act as a rest shelf to support edges of adjacent ceiling tiles C. As a further option, the reflector plate  90  could at least partially be provided with reflective tape or other reflective material included upon an undersurface of the ceiling tiles C or other ceiling components adjacent to the T-bar  10 , either in place of the reflector plate  90  or to augment the reflector plate  90 . 
     Reflector plate  90  is preferably a linear planar structure which extends horizontally or otherwise within a plane aligned with the ceiling tiles C, but could have an angle that varies somewhat from being strictly parallel with the ceiling tiles C. Reflector plate  90  includes a root  92  affixed to adjacent upper portions of the T-bar  10  or other light bearing elongate linear member, and extending out to tips  94  which define free ends of the reflector plate  90 . Portions of the reflector plate  90  between the roots  92  and the tips  94  are preferably substantially planer and perpendicular to the spine  20  (or a central plane of the T-bar  10 , if the T-bar  10  includes structures other than the spine  20  from which the reflector plate  90  is carried). 
     Facets  98  extend away from the roots  92  in a direction generally opposite the direction extending to the tips  94 , with the facets  98  extending toward a central plane of the T-bar  10  inwardly and slightly downward, until they come together at the central plane directly above the lighting source  80 . This junction is preferably in the form of a bevel, so that light L striking one of the facets  98  is either reflected laterally in a first lateral direction or a second lateral direction, but not directly back down at the lighting source  80 . 
     The facets  98  are preferably provided with a reflective surface as well as the undersurface  96  on other portions of the reflector plate  90 , but with the undersurface  96  between the root  92  and tips  94  typically being perpendicular to the central axis of the T-bar  10 .  FIG. 6  depicts one example of pathways for lighting L first extending mostly upwardly from the lighting source  80 , and then reflecting off of either the under surface  96  of the reflector plate  90  or the facets  98  other reflector plate  90  and then downwardly at least partially, to provide indirect lighting into the interior space beneath the ceiling. 
     The roots  92  of the reflector plate  90  are adjacent to end walls  38  of the rest shelves  30 , and particularly lower ends of the end walls  38 , which extends down from the ends  36  of the rest shelf  30 . Preferably in this embodiment, the spine  20 , rest shelves  30 , end walls  38  and various contours of the reflector plate  90  are all formed together as a single extrusion and defining upper portions of the T-bar  10 . The lighting module  50  and structures carried thereby define a lower portion of the T-bar  10 . The legs  60  join the lower portions of the T-bar  10  to the upper portions of the T-bar  10 . While the rigid legs  60  are provided as a preferred form of suspension element for carrying the lighting module  50  beneath the upper portions of the T-bar  10 , other structures such as strings, chains, or other flexible elements could alternatively be utilized (or the wiring W itself could conceivably be utilized). 
     With particular reference to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , details of an alternative embodiment partially lit indirect lighting T-bar  110  are described. This partially lit indirect lighting T-bar is in some respects similar to the partially lit bar described in detail in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/948,803, filed on Nov. 23, 2015, and having Publication No. 2016/0076746, incorporated by reference in its entirely. 
     The partially lit indirect lighting T-bar  110  has a lit portion  120  and an unlit portion  130 . The T-bar  110  extends between a first end  112  and a second end  114 . The lit portion  120  is adjacent to the first end  112  and the unlit portion  130  is provided adjacent to the second end  114 . The unlit portion  130  preferably merely provides a basic T-bar form, while the lit portion  120  has a configuration similar to that depicted in the indirect lighting T-bar  10  of  FIGS. 1-7  (except that typically the overall length of the T-bars  10 ,  110  are similar, so that the lit portion  120  is approximately half the length of the indirect lighting T-bar  10  of  FIGS. 1-7 ). 
     The lit portion  120  generally includes a lighting module  150  and reflector plate  190  which act together to provide indirect lighting off of the lit portion  120  of the partially lit indirect lighting T-bar  110 . A transition  116  defines a midpoint of the partially lit indirect lighting T-bar  110  where it transitions between the lit portion  120  and the unlit portion  130 . 
     The overall partially lit indirect lighting T-bar  110  can be installed between other T-bars T within a dropped ceiling ( FIG. 9 ). Furthermore, a slot at a midpoint in the partially lit indirect lighting T-bar  110  similar to the slot  26  of the T-bar  10  ( FIGS. 2 and 5 ) can support a short T-bar T′ coupled thereto. Also, shorter versions of the T-bar  10 ′ can also attach to the partially lit indirect lighting T-bar  110  and to other T-bars T, so that additional different shapes of lighting and arrangements of lighting within the ceiling can be provided. 
     This disclosure is provided to reveal a preferred embodiment of the invention and a best mode for practicing the invention. Having thus described the invention in this way, it should be apparent that various different modifications can be made to the preferred embodiment without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention disclosure. When structures are identified as a means to perform a function, the identification is intended to include all structures which can perform the function specified. When structures of this invention are identified as being coupled together, such language should be interpreted broadly to include the structures being coupled directly together or coupled together through intervening structures. Such coupling could be permanent or temporary and either in a rigid fashion or in a fashion which allows pivoting, sliding or other relative motion while still providing some form of attachment, unless specifically restricted.