Abstract:
A linearly extensible modular luminaire comprised of mounting tracks ( 100,180 ) and translationally offset overlapping channels ( 211,212 ), with incorporated luminous means, alone or along with hangers ( 331,332,731 ) that provide support for cover brackets ( 431,731 ) that are attached to light modifying coverings ( 400,900 ), and wherein linearly radiated light is distributed directly, or in combination with coverings indirectly or modified, when connected with a source of power and energized. Also, the modular luminaire that is not extensible but otherwise comprised of same components not translationally offset, permitting the construction of a wide variety of luminaires, such as the one in  FIG. 11 , that incorporates a canopy ( 150 ) for mounting over lighting outlet boxes.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     The reader is directed to the Provisional Patent Application 
    File Number: Ser. No. 60/488999     Filing date 22 Jul. 2004     Titled Customizable Modular Luminaire   
 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     After the invention of the light bulb, many innovators devised light sources, and luminaires for supporting and operating them, that produced light which radiated from an axis, rather than just a point. A variety of means for diffusing, reflecting, or altering the light from these sources were employed. Linear incandescent lamps persisted, but fluorescent tube lighting largely took over linear applications. Light emitting diodes used for indicators later were also used for illumination, including linearly.  
         [0006]     Numerous types of housings supported the light source and energizing components. The fixture housing, type of light source, and light modifiers were wed by design. Energizing components had to be serviced in place, even when the luminaire was far from reach, or not readily accessible. Housings were bulky, heavy, and difficult to mount or install. Long rows of linear lighting made by assembling individual luminaire housings typically were crooked or challenged to remain straight.  
         [0007]     A plethora of light modifying coverings mostly molded from plastic, or crafted from metal or wood, often had non-obvious means for removing and replacing coverings. It was difficult to replace lamps, and breakage of the cover was not uncommon. Coves or valences made for indirect lighting, hid the luminaires and lamps entirely from customary views, but this also made the lighting installation difficult and time consuming. Luminaires for indirect lighting that were suspended below a ceiling were arranged with components above the housing, limiting access to them.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
       [0008]     The present invention is directed generally to linear lighting systems, particularly where related to the installation of interior lighting in coves or valences, or as linear surface fixtures, and especially where modular design permits different arrangements of light sources, coverings, and distributions of light. The present invention comprises a modular, linearly extensible wireway for supporting lighting components, and separably supporting various or customized light modifying coverings.  
       OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES  
       [0009]     The present invention overcomes the drawbacks inherent in prior art, offering unique features that provide consumers, contractors, and designers with new ease of installation, and ability to customize appearance and function using standardized modular components.  
         [0010]     An object and advantage of the present invention is to provide a linear luminaire that is easily installed and serviced, even when used in very small coves or suspended for indirect lighting.  
         [0011]     A further object and advantage of the present invention is to provide a luminaire with an extensible housing that is substantially self-supporting when made extremely long relative to its cross-sectional size.  
         [0012]     A further object and advantage of the present invention is to provide a luminaire with an extensible housing that remains straight or smoothly and gently curved over long spans.  
         [0013]     Another object and advantage of the present invention is to provide a luminaire housing that permits energizing components to be readily separated from the part or parts of the housing that are mounted, suspended, or otherwise fixed in place.  
         [0014]     A further object and advantage of the present invention is to provide a linear luminaire that can readily incorporate different light sources.  
         [0015]     Another object and advantage of the present invention is to provide means for readily mounting linear luminaires over conventional electrical lighting outlets boxes without supplemental support or additional attachment of the housing to the structure or surface mounted over.  
         [0016]     Another object and advantage of the present invention is to provide obvious means that allow for easy removal and replacement of light modifying coverings associated with a linear luminaire.  
         [0017]     A further object and advantage of the present invention is to provide means to readily adapt various or custom light modifers for use with luminaire housings that are standardized modular constructions, and independent from their coverings, while also adaptively able to incorporate a variety of coverings with minimal overall change in design.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]      FIG. 1   a  is an end sectional view of a basic track taken along the line  1   a - 1   a  of  FIG. 2   a.    
         [0019]      FIG. 1   b  is an end sectional view of a basic channel taken along the line  1   b - 1   b  of  FIG. 2   c.    
         [0020]      FIG. 2   a  is a view of a basic track from underneath and to its right.  
         [0021]      FIG. 2   b  shows the same track from above and right.  
         [0022]      FIG. 2   c  is a view of a basic channel from above and to its right.  
         [0023]      FIG. 3   a  is an end sectional view of a basic housing taken along the line  3   a - 3   a  of  FIG. 4  and showing track and channel aligned.  
         [0024]      FIG. 3   b  is an end sectional view of basic housing taken along the line  3   b - 3   b  of  FIG. 4  and showing track and channel fastened.  
         [0025]      FIG. 4  is a veiw above and to right of a basic housing with interlocked track and channel.  
         [0026]      FIG. 5   a  is a front view of a winged hanger.  
         [0027]      FIG. 5   b  is a view of the back of winged hanger with pegs on its front and shown mounted at the end of a track.  
         [0028]      FIG. 5   c  is a front view of winged hanger with pegs shown mounted at the end of track and shown with a cover bracket hanging on its pegs.  
         [0029]      FIG. 5   d  is a perspective view of a luminaire track from above and right.  
         [0030]      FIG. 5   e  is a view from above and to one side of a canopy used with luminaire track to mount over an electrical lighting outlet box.  
         [0031]      FIG. 6   a  is an elongated view of a continuous-row track from above and right showing four copies of basic track combined in one extended length.  
         [0032]      FIG. 6   b  shows a joiner from above and to its right.  
         [0033]      FIG. 6   c  is a view from above a portion of a continuous row housing and toward its right side showing a winged hanger protruding through the gap between the end portions of two adjacent channels.  
         [0034]      FIG. 7   a  is showing the doubled length of a spanning channel in a view from above and right.  
         [0035]      FIG. 7   b  is a view from above a portion of a continuous row housing and toward its right side showing the end portions of two joined tracks and the middle portion of a spanning channel reinforcing the joint.  
         [0036]      FIG. 8   a  is a view a little above and to the right of a two-lamp channel showing socket slots in its sides.  
         [0037]      FIG. 8   b  is a similar view of a one-lamp channel showing a socket slot in its bottom portion.  
         [0038]      FIG. 8   c  is a view underneath and right of a one-lamp channel showing both socket slots in its bottom.  
         [0039]      FIG. 8   d  is a view from right and above into a two-lamp channel showing ballast and sockets for fluorescent lamps.  
         [0040]      FIG. 9   a  is a view of an alternate hanger with pegs and an isolated alternative cover bracket toward its front and from a little below.  
         [0041]      FIG. 9   b  is a view of an alternate track and alternate channel made for a linear row of light emitting diodes as seen from above and to its right.  
         [0042]      FIG. 10  is a view above and to the right of a V-cover showing incorporated cover brackets.  
         [0043]      FIG. 11  shows a complete luminaire with two fluorescent lamps and a V-shaped cover as seen from above and over one end of luminaire.  
         [0044]      FIG. 12  shows a V-shaped cover from underneath and to its right.  
         [0045]      FIG. 13  shows a trapezoidal cover from underneath and to its right. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [heading-0046]     Basic Housing  
         [0047]      FIGS. 1   a ,  1   b ,  2   a ,  2   b , and  2   c , show two parts that when assembled, comprise a luminaire housing, as shown in  FIGS. 3   a ,  3   b , and  4 . An inverted-U-shaped basic mounting track ( 100 ), for mounting and supporting the assembled luminaire and supporting appendages, is shown in  FIGS. 1   a ,  2   a , and  2   b . A similarly sized U-shaped basic channel ( 200 ), for supporting luminous components, is shown in  FIGS. 1   b  and  2   c . The track and channel lengths are much greater than their widths or heights. Both are substantially square-cornered. Both have thin walls made of material that is stiff, but not entirely rigid.  
         [0048]     The track has two sides and a top, and the channel has two sides and a bottom. The track is narrower than the channel, and the channel is taller than the track. The inside distance between the lower edges of the sides of the channel is the same as the outside distance between the track&#39;s sides. The channels corners are formed to slightly less than ninety degree internal angles, therefore the upper edges of the channel&#39;s sides are spaced apart slightly less than this distance when not assembled with a track, and thus must be sprung open a little to engage the track.  
         [0049]     With the two parts interlocked, as in  FIGS. 3   a  and  4 , their sides are partly overlapped, equally over their lengths. The lower edges of the track&#39;s sides are inside the upper edges of the channel&#39;s sides, and their lengths are centered relative to one another. Alignment dimples on the sides of the channel are engaged with alignment holes in the sides of the track; both are further described below. The closer end of the housing is shown fastened together with two joining screws ( 521 , 522 ), using the holes described below. Joining screws are self-threading with a wide binding head.  
         [0050]      FIG. 4  also shows that the channel is slightly shorter than the track, which allows appendages, such as the hangers described below, to be attached to the track, and to close the ends of the housing, without increasing its length. When used with continuous-row housings, described below, the hangers are allowed to extend outside the space enclosed by the housing, by utilizing the gap formed between adjacent channels.  
         [heading-0051]     Basic Track  
         [0052]      FIG. 2   a  shows two pairs of opposing alignment holes in the basic mounting track&#39;s sides, for engaging alignment dimples in the channel&#39;s sides, described below. One pair ( 18 , 19 ) is near the closer end of the track ( 100 ), and another pair ( 16 , 17 ) is near the farther end. All of the alignment holes are spaced equally above the track&#39;s lower edges. Each alignment hole is also spaced equally away from the end of the track to which it is nearest.  
         [0053]      FIG. 2   a  also shows two pairs of opposing screw-capture holes in the track&#39;s sides for securing the track ( 100 ) and channel ( 200 ) together. One pair ( 11 , 12 ) is near the closer end and the other ( 13 , 14 ) near the farther end. Screw-capture holes are slightly smaller than the outer thread diameter of joining screws, and sized to secure screws driven into them. They are all spaced equally above the track&#39;s lower edges. Each screw-capture hole is also spaced equally away from the end of the track to which it is nearest, and each is closer to that end than is its adjacent alignment hole.  
         [0054]     There are also pairs of screw-capture holes in the top of the mounting track ( 100 ) for fastening appendages, such as hangers, described below.  FIGS. 2   b  and  4  show a pair of holes ( 31 , 32 ) near the closer end, and another pair ( 33 , 34 ) near the farther end of track. Each hole is spaced equally away from the end of the track to which it is nearest. The space between each pair of holes is also an equal amount, and each pair is centered in the width of the top of the track.  
         [0055]     In addition, two single screw-capture holes ( 10 , 15 ) are centered in the width of the top of the track; one near each end, for other uses. Each single hole is spaced equally away from the end of the track to which it is nearest, and each is farther from that end, than is the pair of screw-capture holes in the top of the track, near that same end.  
         [heading-0056]     Basic Channel  
         [0057]     As depicted in  FIGS. 1   b  and  2   c , at the closer end of the basic channel ( 200 ), and near the upper edges of its sides, a pair of conical-shaped alignment dimples ( 28 , 29 ), point inward, toward one another, from opposite sides of the channel. There is another identical pair of alignment dimples ( 26 , 27 ) at the farther end of the channel, shown in  FIG. 2   c.    
         [0058]     The center of each dimple is spaced equally away from the end of the channel to which it is nearest, and they are all spaced equally below the upper edges of the sides of the channel. The center-to-center distance from the closer pair of alignment dimples ( 26 , 27 ) to the farther pair ( 28 , 29 ) on the sides of the channel ( 200 ), is the same as the center-to-center distance from the closer pair of alignment holes ( 16 , 17 ) to the farther pair ( 18 , 19 ) in the sides of the track ( 100 ).  
         [0059]     The outer diameter at the base of any alignment dimple is slightly less than the diameter of any alignment hole. In  FIGS. 3   a  and  4 , near the closer end of the housing, the pairs of dimples and alignment holes are shown engaged (hole  18  is not shown in  FIG. 4 ; it is behind the closer side of the channel).  
         [0060]      FIGS. 3   b  and  2   c  show that the channel ( 200 ) also has a pair of opposing screw-locating holes ( 21 , 22 ), near the upper edges in its sides, and near the closer end. Another identical pair ( 23 , 24 ), near the farther end, is shown in  FIG. 2   c . They are all spaced equally below the channel&#39;s upper edges. Each hole is also spaced equally away from the end of the channel to which each is nearest.  
         [0061]     The center-to-center distance from the closer pair of screw-locating holes in the channel ( 21 , 22 ) to the farther pair ( 23 , 24 ), is the same as the center-to-center distance from the closer pair of screw-capture holes to the farther pair in the track (respectively  11 , 12  and  13 , 14  shown in  FIG. 2   a ). Screw-locating holes are smaller than the head of a joining screw, but larger than its outer thread diameter.  
         [0062]     There are also two single screw-capture holes ( 20 , 25 ) in the bottom of the channel; one near each end (hole  25  is not shown in  FIG. 2   c , but is shown in  FIG. 8   c ). They are centered in the width of the bottom of the channel, and each is spaced equally away from the end of the channel to which it is nearest. Also, the center-to-center distance between the single holes ( 20 , 25 ) in the bottom of the channel, is the same as the center-to-center distance between the single holes ( 10 , 15 ) in the top of the track.  
         [heading-0063]     Winged Hanger  
         [0064]      FIG. 5   a  shows a generally wing-shaped hanger ( 330 ) made of thin, stiff material, for hanging luminaire coverings, described below. In profile, it has a square-cornered, inverted-L-shape, and facing, it has a wide-necked, generally triangular vertical front. It has a pair of screw-locating holes ( 56 , 57 ) in its narrow top, and a pair of catch-mounting holes ( 54 , 53 ), in its front, near its bottom left, and bottom right, rounded corners. Catch-mounting holes are smaller than screw-locating holes, but larger than the outer thread diameter of joining screws.  
         [0065]     A short, and wide, rectangular neck portion, in the upper portion of the hanger ( 330 ), joins the top of the hanger, to the generally triangular lower portion. The neck portion is a little taller than the height inside the mounting track ( 100 ). The width of the neck portion, which is the same as the width of the top of the hanger, is a little less than the width inside the track. The length of the top of the hanger is substantially shorter than its width.  
         [0066]     The pair of screw-locating holes ( 56 , 57 ) in the top of the hanger ( 330 ) is centered in its width, and length. The center-to-center distance between the holes of the pair, is the same as the center-to-center distance between pairs of screw-capture holes in the top of the track, such as the holes ( 33 , 34 ) near the farther end of the track ( 100 ) in  FIG. 2   b.    
         [0067]      FIG. 5   a  shows an isolated hanger ( 330 ), in a view to its front.  FIG. 5   b  shows another identical hanger ( 332 ), in a view to its back, and attached at the farther end of the mounting track ( 100 ), in an underside partial perspective view of the track. It shows the attached hanger ( 332 ) fastened to the track with two joining nuts ( 633 , 634 ) threaded onto a pair of joining screws (only the tips of screws  533 ,  534  are shown), that are installed in holes in the top of the track ( 33 , 34  are not shown; they are covered by the hanger) near the farther end, and through the holes in the top of the hanger ( 56 , 57  are not shown; they are covered by the screw heads). Joining nuts are self-locking, and are sized and threaded for fastening onto joining screws.  
         [0068]     Two peg-mounting screws ( 503 , 504 ) are also shown in  FIG. 5   b  installed in the pair of catch-mounting holes ( 53 , 54  are not shown; they are covered by the screw heads). Also, a pair of mounted, short, cylindrical, hollow, inside-threaded pegs ( 303 , 304 ), for supporting cover brackets, described below, are partially shown (they protrude from the away face of the hanger).  
         [0069]      FIG. 5   c  shows another identical hanger ( 331 ) with pegs, and fastened to the closer end of the track ( 100 ), in a partial view to the track which is similar to that in  FIG. 2   b . The two pegs ( 301 , 302 ) are shown mounted on the hanger&#39;s face, near its lower comers. All pegs are the same, and each is longer than its diameter.  
         [0070]      FIG. 6   c  shows another identical hanger ( 40335 ) with pegs on both its faces ( 20302 , 40304 ) on its right side. There are also pegs (not shown) on both its faces on its left side. The hanger is shown extending between and beyond the outside surfaces of two adjacent spanning channels ( 211 , 212 ) that are mounted on a continuous-row track ( 181  identical with continuous-row track  180 ) and attached with screws ( 40533 ,  40534 ) that extend through the top of the track and through the screw-capture holes in the top of the hanger and into joining nuts (not shown).  
         [heading-0071]     V-shaped Cover Bracket  
         [0072]      FIG. 5   c  also shows an isolated, transparent cover bracket ( 431 ) hanging from the pair of pegs on the winged hanger ( 331 ). The bracket is flat and thick, and its lower portion is generally V-shaped, with a narrow flat bottom. The upper left, and upper right portions, are hooked; each having an inverted-J-shape, and each faces the same way. They are spaced apart the same distance as the pair of pegs ( 301 , 302 ) is on the hanger. The radii of the circular arches inside each of the inverted-J-shaped portions are equal, and slightly greater than half the diameter of any peg.  
         [0073]     Overall, the bracket is slightly wider than the overall width of a hanger. The bracket&#39;s thickness is less than the length of a peg.  FIG. 10  shows another identical cover-bracket ( 432 ) bonded near the farther end of the V-shaped cover ( 400 ), described below. It has the same size, shape, and orientation as the bracket ( 431 ) shown in  FIG. 5   c . The slopes of the left and right lower edges of the brackets, are equal, and the same as the slopes inside the cover ( 400 ).  
         [heading-0074]     Luminaire Track  
         [0075]      FIG. 5   d  shows a luminaire track ( 125 ), that is identical to the basic track ( 100 ), except for three additional holes, in it&#39;s top. There is a round, wire-exit hole ( 35 ) in the center of the width, and length, of the track&#39;s top. Also, there are two screw-capture holes ( 36 , 37 ) for attaching a luminaire-mounting canopy, described below, that are centered in the width of the track&#39;s top, and spaced equally away from the wire-exit hole.  
         [0076]     Four joining screws ( 531 - 534 ) for attaching hangers, are also shown installed in the top of the track, in the pairs of screw-capture holes ( 31 - 34  are not shown; they are covered by the screw heads) near the ends of the top of the track.  
         [heading-0077]     Canopy  
         [0078]      FIG. 5   e  shows a round canopy ( 150 ), with an upwardly arching, circular rim, for mounting a luminaire. This view from above it reveals a wire-exit hole ( 140 ), centered in its flat bottom. Also, there are two spaced-apart pairs of screw-locating holes ( 141 , 142  and  149 , 148 ) in the bottom of the canopy, centered along two perpendicular lines that intersect the center of the wire-exit hole.  
         [0079]     The pair of holes ( 149 , 148 ), that in  FIG. 9  are shown substantially equidistant from the viewer, are spaced equally away from the wire-exit hole in the center of the canopy, and apart from one another the distance that matches the pair of spaced apart threaded holes in a standard swiveling crossbar (not shown) for hanging light fixtures.  
         [0080]      FIG. 11  shows the canopy ( 150 ) on a luminaire track ( 125 ). It is fastened thereon with two joining screws ( 541 , 542 ), using the pair of screw-locating holes ( 141 , 142  are not shown) in the canopy, that in  FIG. 5   e  are shown respectively, closer to, and farther from, the viewer. The holes in this pair are spaced equally away from the center of the wire-exit hole, and apart from one another the same distance as the holes ( 36 , 37 ) in the middle of the top of the modified mounting track ( 125 ).  
         [heading-0081]     Continuous-row Track  
         [0082]      FIG. 6   a  shows a continuous-row mounting track ( 180 ), comprising one contiguous track that is identical to four replications of the basic track ( 100 ) wedded end-to-end. A plurality of continuous-row tracks may be joined together, and in combinations with basic tracks, or incremental lengths of row track, using joiners described below, to form a row of virtually any incremental length.  
         [heading-0083]     Joiner  
         [0084]      FIG. 6   b  shows a flat, rectangular joiner ( 40 ) that is slightly narrower than the inside width of any mounting track, and that is a little longer than it is wide. There is a pair of screw-locating holes ( 43 , 44 ) near the closer edge in the joiner, and another pair ( 41 , 42 ) near its farther edge. The center-to-center distance between each hole in the pair, is the same as the center-to-center distance between each pair of screw-capture holes in the top of the basic mounting track ( 100 ), such as the closer pair ( 31 , 32 ) in  FIG. 2   b . The center-to-center distance, between the closer and farther pairs of holes in the joiner, is equal to twice the distance, from an end of the basic track, to the center of a screw-capture hole nearest that end, on top of the track, such as either hole in the closer pair ( 31 , 32 ) in  FIG. 2   b.    
         [heading-0085]     Spanning Channel  
         [0086]      FIG. 7   a  shows a spanning channel ( 201 ) that has the same width and height as the basic channel ( 200 ), and the same size and spacing of holes and dimples near its ends, but is slightly more than twice as long as the basic channel. There are four additional screw-locating holes ( 61 - 64 ), two in each of the spanning channel&#39;s ( 201 ) sides, near each upper edge, and at about the midpoint of its length. They are each offset from the midpoint of the channel, by the same distance to their centers, as the distance from the center of any screw-capture hole in the side of a basic track ( 100 ) is from its adjacent end. Each of these holes ( 61 - 64 ) is also spaced below the upper edge of its side, the same distance as the screw-locating holes ( 21 - 24 ) on the upper edges of the sides of the basic channel ( 200 ).  
         [heading-0087]     Continuous Row Housing  
         [0088]     A housing of virtually any length can be assembled using joiners, tracks, and spanning channels. A basic channel will be needed to start a row or may be needed to start and end a row. Where two adjacent tracks are joined, as shown in  FIG. 7   b , using screws ( 80533 ,  80534 ,  10533 ,  10534 ) that extend through the tops of the tracks, and through a joiner inside the housing and into four joining nuts (not shown), a spanning channel reinforces the joining, using screws ( 80514 ,  10512 ) shown on its right side, and two more on its left side (not shown), that are attached to the tracks in this partial view of the track and channels.  
         [0089]     Appendages, for example hangers, that support coverings, may be periodically attached along the tracks, and allowed to project beyond the space enclosed by the housing, in the gaps between adjacent channels, as shown in  FIG. 6   c . In the case of lamp channels using fluorescent lamps, this means that coverings will be supported in an area where they will not block light from lamps installed in the luminaire. Extensible luminaire housings with or without appendages, and with a flexible power connection cord, can be placed in narrow architectural coves, avoiding the extensive labor otherwise required to install lighting into the cove.  
         [heading-0090]     Lamp Channels  
         [0091]      FIG. 8   a  shows a two-lamp channel ( 220 ), which is substantially the same as the basic channel ( 200 ), but with taller sides, and some additional features. The lamp channel has pairs of rectangular-shaped slots, one at each end, for accepting lamp sockets that hold fluorescent lamps. The two-lamp channel has four slots ( 76 - 79 ;  77  is not shown); a pair in its left side, and another pair in its right side, and they are all spaced equally below the upper edges of the channel&#39;s sides.  
         [0092]      FIGS. 8   b  and  8   c  show a one-lamp channel ( 210 ), having sides with heights the same as the basic channel&#39;s sides, and with only two slots ( 71 , 72 ) centered in the width of its bottom ( 72  is not shown in  FIG. 8   b ); one at each end of the channel. All slots have the same size and shape.  
         [0093]     In addition, there are engagement holes adjacent each slot, for securing lamp sockets in place. There are four holes ( 86 - 89 ) in the two-lamp channel ( 220 ), shown in  FIG. 8   a  ( 87  is not shown), and two holes ( 81 , 82 ) in the one-lamp channel ( 210 ), shown in  FIG. 8   c . Each engagement hole is centered relative to respectively the height, or width, of its adjacent slot, and each hole is spaced equally away from the end of the channel to which it is nearest. The diameter of any engagement hole is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the engagement pin on any lamp socket.  
         [0094]      FIG. 8   d  shows another two-lamp channel ( 221 ), with installed components. Two pairs of lamp sockets, installed in the four slots in the channel, oppose each other over the length of the channel. There are a pair of sockets in its left side ( 277 , 279 ) and another pair in its right side ( 276 , 278 ). Each socket has a notch, in each of its two lower side edges, that engages with the two opposing shorter edges of any slot in any channel. The sockets ( 279 , 278 ) shown at the closer end of the channel illustrate this.  
         [0095]      FIG. 8   c  shows the underside of a one-lamp channel ( 210 ), with a pair of screw-capture holes ( 91 , 92 ) in its bottom for mounting a ballast. The pair of holes is centered in the channel&#39;s width and length. The center-to-center distance between each hole of the pair, is the same as the industry standard for ballast mounting centers.  
         [0096]     An installed two-lamp ballast ( 922 ) is also shown in  FIG. 8   d . For clarity, it is shown without the wiring that would interconnect it with the sockets ( 276 - 279 ) installed in the channel. It is fastened to the two-lamp channel ( 221 ) with two joining nuts ( 693 , 694 ;  694  is not shown). Each joining nut is fastened onto one of the joining screws (only the tip of screw  593  is shown, and  594  is not shown), installed in the pair of screw-capture holes (not shown), in the channel&#39;s bottom. The screw-capture holes for securing the ballast are also centered in the channel&#39;s width and length, like those in the bottom of the one-lamp channel ( 91 , 92 ) shown in  FIG. 8   c . Components may be similarly installed in one-lamp channels and in spanning channels.  
         [heading-0097]     Alternate Hanger and Alternate Cover Bracket  
         [0098]      FIG. 9   a  shows an alternate substantially rectangular shaped hanger ( 731 ) with pegs ( 701 , 702 ) on its front engaged with an alternative cover bracket having a sloped edge for joining inside a trapezoidal shaped ( 900 ) cover shown in  FIG. 13 .  
         [heading-0099]     Alternate Housing and Alternate Luminous Means  
         [0100]      FIG. 9   b  shows an alternate track ( 1000 ) employing a ridged edge to engage with an alternate channel ( 2000 ) that has a curved surface and a grooved edge for engaging the track, and wherein the channel has numerous tightly spaced holes in a line for accepting light emitting diodes.  
         [heading-0101]     V-shaped Cover  
         [0102]      FIG. 10  shows a V-shaped cover ( 400 ), apart from its associated housing and lamps. The cover has a generally V-shaped cross-section, with a slightly rounded bottom edge, and is otherwise thin and flat over its length. The length of the cover is a little longer than the length of a basic housing, which can be appreciated in  FIG. 11 . The cover is wider, from its left side upper edge, to its right side upper edge, than either cover-bracket ( 431 , 432 ) bonded to it, near each of its ends ( 431  is not shown).  
         [0103]     A flat, thin end-cap ( 401 ) is shown bonded to the closer edge of the cover ( 400 ) in  FIGS. 10, 11 , and  12 .  FIGS. 10 and 11  also show another substantially similar end-cap ( 402 ) bonded to the farther edge of the cover. The lower edges of the end-caps have the same shape as the generally V-shaped edges at the closer and farther ends of the cover. The end-caps also have an upwardly arched, upper portion. The height of an end-cap is less than its width.  
         [0104]     In  FIG. 11 , the cover ( 400 ) is hung by its two cover-brackets ( 431 , 432 ;  431  is not shown), and from the two hangers ( 331 , 332 ;  331  is not shown) attached to an assembled two-lamp housing ( 105 , 221 ), that is also shown with two lamps ( 1 , 2 ) installed. Either radius, taken perpendicular from the bottom edge of the cover, to the top edge of the upwardly arched portion of either end-cap ( 401 , 402 ), is greater than any perpendicular radius from the bottom edge of the cover, to any part of the top of the mounting track ( 100 ); thus the housing is hidden from views toward either end of the luminaire. Also, each upper side edge of the cover ( 400 ) lies in a plane that is substantially common with the plane containing the central axes of the tubular lamps ( 1 , 2 ) installed in the luminaire, and a substantial portion of light produced by these lamps is unblocked by the cover.  
         [heading-0105]     V-cover Luminaire  
         [0106]      FIG. 11  shows one example of a complete luminaire in a view from above it. It employs the translucent, V-shaped cover ( 400 ), with incorporated end-caps ( 401 ,  402 ), and cover-brackets ( 431 , 432 ;  431  is not shown). This view reveals portions of the lamps ( 1 , 2 ) installed in the luminaire, a portion of the assembled housing ( 125 , 221 ), and a portion of the farther hanger ( 332 ). The closer hanger ( 331  is not shown; it is behind the endcap) and the farther hanger each support one of the cover-brackets that are a part of the cover ( 400 ). A small portion of the farther cover-bracket ( 432 ) is shown in front of the farther end-cap ( 402 ), and behind the farther hanger ( 332 ). Cover-bracket ( 432 ) is hung from two pegs ( 303 , 304  are not shown) on the farther hanger ( 332 ).  
         [0107]     A canopy ( 150 ) is shown attached to the housing&#39;s mounting track ( 125 ) with two joining screws, and three power supply wires ( 151 - 153 ) are shown emerging from a hollow bushing ( 145 ) installed in the concentric wire-exit holes ( 35 , 140  are not shown) in the top of the modified track, and bottom of the canopy. The luminaire is operable to radiate light from along its length in a combination of direct light modified by its cover, and indirect light reflected from a surface when mounted under same, and when energized.  
         [0108]      FIG. 12  shows an ordinary view of the luminaire, from below and to the right of its cover ( 400 ), as the luminaire might appear mounted on the ceiling of a room.  
         [heading-0109]     Alternate Wall Mounted Luminaire  
         [0110]      FIG. 13  shows an ordinary view of an alternative luminaire, from below and to the right of its cover ( 900 ) that has a transluscent sloped portion, and a diffuse clear horizontal portion, and transluscent trapezoidal shaped endcaps, as the luminaire might appear mounted on the wall of a room, such as above a mirror for a vanity.  
         [0111]     While the above descriptions contain many specifics, the reader should not construe these as limitations on the scope of the invention, but merely examples of the embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will envision many other variations that are within its scope.  
         [0112]     For example, the track and channel can alternately be joined with a screw inserted into the single holes near each end and on the bottom of a channel, that is threaded into a hollow peg mounted over the single hole near each end in the top of a track. The track and channel could be made with curved cross-sections rather than square cornered, or made with numerous other features that permit joining in mutually overlapped configurations. Hangers can be made virtually any shape to accomodate different orientations and shapes of light modifying coverings. Cover brackets can be made of a variety of materials, and attached to covers by numerous means. Coverings can be made of virtually any material, having almost any light modifying properties.  
         [0113]     Lamp channels could be made for three or more lamps, or fitted for rows of compact fluorescent lamps, or for rows of light emitting diodes or linear arrays of same, or electroluminescent panels, or even for incandescent lamps. Arrangements could also be made for light to be generated inside the housing, or conveyed into it from a remote location and distributed with optical elements over its surface.  
         [0114]     Extensible luminaires used for continuous-row lighting could be designed to overlap by different amounts, can have a variety of supports attached for suspension, or brackets for mounting, and can employ a flexible power cord for mounting in narrow architectural coves fully assembled.  
         [0115]     Accordingly, the reader is requested to determine the scope of the invention by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples which have been given.