EP4710036A1

EP4710036A1 - Shield for backlight control

Info

Publication number: EP4710036A1
Application number: EP24721155.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ling Chen; Reed Alan Bradford
Original assignee: Signify Holding BV
Current assignee: Signify Holding BV
Priority date: 2023-05-08
Filing date: 2024-04-25
Publication date: 2026-03-18
Also published as: CN121195132A; WO2024231130A1

Abstract

A shield (350, 750, 850, 1150, 1250, 1350) for a light fixture (220, 320), the shield comprising: a shield body (351, 751, 851, 1151, 1251, 1351, 1451); a shield element (355, 755, 855, 1155, 1255, 1355, 1455) disposed in the shield body, wherein the shield element comprises: a back wall (357, 757, 857, 1157, 1257, 1357, 1457) that extends downward at a substantially perpendicular angle relative to the shield body, wherein the back wall has a front surface that is configured to be directed toward a target volume of space (118) and a rear surface that is configured to be directed toward an avoided volume of space (119), wherein the back wall of the shield element comprises a slot (358) that traverses the back wall, and wherein the slot is defined by a top surface (367) and a bottom surface (368); and a top wall (359, 759, 859, 1159, 1259, 1359, 1459) that extends from a distal end of the back wall and forms an acute angle (365, 765, 865, 1165, 1265, 1365) relative to the shield body; an opening (352, 752, 852, 1152, 1252, 1352, 1452) that traverses the shield body and is positioned in front of the back wall of the shield element and underneath the top wall of the shield element, wherein the opening is configured to receive a lens assembly of an optical device for a light source of the light fixture; and a light fixture coupling feature (353, 753, 853, 1153, 1253, 1353, 1453) disposed in the shield body and configured to couple to another component of the light fixture.

Description

Shield for backlight control

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to lighting systems, and more particularly to systems, methods, and devices for shields that provide backlight control.

BACKGROUND

In a number of outdoor lighting applications (e.g., streetlights, area lights), it is common for light to spill backwards toward a pole, property line, or other area (commonly called the “house side”). This light spillage, also called light trespass, is away from the intended target area (also called the “street side”), and so is not desired.

SUMMARY

In general, in one aspect, the disclosure relates to a shield for a light fixture. The shield can include a shield body and a shield element disposed in the shield body. The shield element can include a back wall that extends downward at a substantially perpendicular angle relative to the shield body, where the back wall has a front surface that is configured to be directed toward a target volume of space and a rear surface that is configured to be directed toward an avoided volume of space. The shield element can also include a top wall that extends from a distal end of the back wall and forms an acute angle relative to the shield body. The shield can also include an opening that traverses the shield body and is positioned in front of the back wall of the shield element and underneath the top wall of the shield element, where the opening is configured to receive a lens assembly of an optical device for a light source of the light fixture. The shield can further include a light fixture coupling feature disposed in the shield body and configured to couple to another component of the light fixture.

In other aspects, the disclosure relates to a light fixture that includes a light source assembly comprising a circuit board and a light source. The light fixture can also include an optical device disposed adjacent to the light source of the light source assembly, where the optical device comprises a lens assembly. The light fixture can further include a shield disposed adjacent to the optical device. The shield can include a shield body and a shield element disposed in the shield body. The shield element can include a back wall that extends downward at a substantially perpendicular angle relative to the shield body, where the back wall has a front surface directed toward a target volume of space and a rear surface directed toward an avoided volume of space. The shield element can also include a top wall that extends from a distal end of the back wall and forms an acute angle relative to the shield body. The shield can also include an opening that traverses the shield body and is positioned in front of the front surface of the back wall of the shield element and underneath the top wall of the shield element, where the opening is configured to receive the lens assembly of the optical device for the light source of the light source assembly. The shield can further include a light fixture coupling feature disposed in the shield body and coupled to a housing of the light fixture. Light emitted by the light source can pass through the optical device and through the opening in the shield body, and the shield element can redirect light received from the light source toward the target volume of space and away from the avoided volume of space.

These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings illustrate only example embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope, as the example embodiments may admit to other equally effective embodiments. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the example embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or positions may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, the same reference numerals used in different figures may designate like or corresponding but not necessarily identical elements.

FIG. 1 shows a lighting system according to the current art.

FIG. 2 shows a lighting system according to certain example embodiments. FIGS. 3A through 3D show various views of a light fixture according to certain example embodiments.

FIGS. 4A through 4H show various views of the shield of the light fixture of FIGS. 3 A through 3D according to certain example embodiments.

FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of part of a shield element of the shield of FIGS. 4A through 4H according to certain example embodiments. FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of part of an alternative shield element of the shield of FIGS. 4 A through 4H according to certain example embodiments.

FIGS. 7 A through 7D show various views of another shield according to certain example embodiments.

FIGS. 8A through 8D show various views of yet another shield according to certain example embodiments.

FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of part of a shield element of the shield of FIGS. 8A through 8D according to certain example embodiments.

FIG. 10 shows a sectional view of part of an alternative shield element of the shield of FIGS. 8 A through 8D according to certain example embodiments.

FIGS. 11 A through 1 ID show various views of still another shield according to certain example embodiments.

FIGS. 12A through 12D show various views of yet another shield according to certain example embodiments.

FIGS. 13A through 13D show various views of still another shield according to certain example embodiments.

FIGS. 14A through 14D show various views of still another shield according to certain example embodiments.

FIG. 15 shows light distribution using a sectional view of the lighting extension of the light fixture of FIG. 3C according to certain example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, example embodiments provide systems, methods, and devices for backlight control using shields. Example embodiments can provide a number of benefits. Such benefits can include, but are not limited to, more controlled light distribution in certain volumes of space, an aesthetically pleasing appearance, ease of cleaning and maintenance, and compliance with industry standards that apply to light fixtures located in certain environments. Example embodiments can be used with new light fixtures or retrofit with existing light fixtures. Example embodiments described herein can be used with any of a number of different light fixtures, including but not limited to streetlights, parking lot lights, and outdoor area lights.

Light fixtures with example shields for backlight control can be located in one or more of any of a number of environments. Examples of such environments can include, but are not limited to, indoors, outdoors, a parking garage, a parking lot, a manufacturing plant, a warehouse, a road (e.g., a highway, a freeway, a residential street), and a storage facility, any of which can be climate-controlled or non-climate-controlled. In some cases, the example embodiments discussed herein can be used in any type of hazardous environment, including but not limited to an airplane hangar, a drilling rig (as for oil, gas, or water), a production rig (as for oil or gas), a refinery, a chemical plant, a power plant, a mining operation, a wastewater treatment facility, and a steel mill.

Light fixtures with example shields for backlight control can be directly or indirectly mounted onto any of a number of different structures. Such structures can include, but are not limited to, a pole, a building wall, an outdoor facade, concrete, and a beam. A user may be any person that interacts with light fixtures. Examples of a user may include, but are not limited to, an engineer, an electrician, an instrumentation and controls technician, a mechanic, an operator, a property manager, a homeowner, a tenant, an employee, a consultant, a contractor, and a manufacturer’s representative.

Light fixtures with example shields for backlight control (including portions thereof) can be made of one or more of a number of suitable materials to allow the light fixtures to meet certain standards and/or regulations while also maintaining durability in light of the one or more conditions under which the light fixtures and/or other associated components (e.g., an example shield for backlight control), including components thereof, of the light fixtures can be exposed. Examples of such materials can include, but are not limited to, aluminum, stainless steel, fiberglass, glass, plastic, polymer, ceramic, and rubber.

Example shields for backlight control, or portions or components thereof, described herein can be made from a single piece (as from a mold, injection mold, die cast, or extrusion process). In addition, or in the alternative, example shields for backlight control (including portions or components thereof) can be made from multiple pieces that are mechanically coupled to each other. In such a case, the multiple pieces can be mechanically coupled to each other using one or more of a number of coupling methods, including but not limited to epoxy, welding, fastening devices, compression fittings, mating threads, snap fittings, and slotted fittings. One or more pieces that are mechanically coupled to each other can be coupled to each other in one or more of a number of ways, including but not limited to fixedly, hingedly, removeably, slidably, and threadably.

Components and/or features described herein can include elements that are described as coupling, fastening, securing, abutting against, in communication with, or other similar terms. Such terms are merely meant to distinguish various elements and/or features within a component or device and are not meant to limit the capability or function of that particular element and/or feature. For example, a feature described as a “coupling feature” can couple, secure, fasten, abut against, and/or perform other functions aside from merely coupling.

A coupling feature (including a complementary coupling feature) as described herein can allow one or more components and/or portions of an example shield for backlight control to become coupled, directly or indirectly, to one or more other components of the shield, to some other component of a light fixture, and/or to a structure (e.g., a stud, drywall, a beam). A coupling feature can include, but is not limited to, a clamp, a portion of a hinge, an aperture, a recessed area, a protrusion, a hole, a slot, a tab, a detent, and mating threads. One portion of an example shield for backlight control can be coupled to another component or feature of the shield, to some other component of a light fixture, and/or to a structure by the direct use of one or more coupling features.

In addition, or in the alternative, a portion of an example shield for backlight control can be coupled to another component or feature of the shield, to another component (e.g., an enclosure, a housing) of a light fixture, and/or to a structure using one or more independent devices that interact with one or more coupling features disposed on a component or feature of the shield. Examples of such devices can include, but are not limited to, a pin, a hinge, a fastening device (e.g., a bolt, a screw, a rivet), epoxy, glue, adhesive, and a spring. One coupling feature described herein can be the same as, or different than, one or more other coupling features described herein. A complementary coupling feature as described herein can be a coupling feature that mechanically couples, directly or indirectly, with another coupling feature.

The use of the terms “substantially”, "about", “approximately”, and similar terms applies to all numeric values, whether or not explicitly indicated. These terms generally refer to a range of numbers that one of ordinary skill in the art would consider as a reasonable amount of deviation to the recited numeric values (i.e., having the equivalent function or result). For example, this term may be construed as including a deviation of ±10 percent of the given numeric value provided such a deviation does not alter the end function or result of the value. Therefore, an angle that is substantially perpendicular may be construed to be within a range from 81° to 99°. Furthermore, a range may be construed to include the start and the end of the range. For example, a range of 10% to 20% (i.e., range of 10%-20%) includes 10% and also includes 20%, and includes percentages in between 10% and 20%, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein. Similarly, a range of between 10% and 20% (i.e., range between 10% - 20%) includes 10% and also includes 20%, and includes percentages in between 10% and 20%, unless explicitly stated otherwise herein.

In the foregoing figures showing example embodiments of shields for backlight control for light fixtures, one or more of the components shown may be omitted, repeated, and/or substituted. Accordingly, example embodiments of shields for backlight control for light fixtures should not be considered limited to the specific arrangements of components shown in any of the figures. For example, features shown in one or more figures or described with respect to one embodiment can be applied to another embodiment associated with a different figure or description.

In certain example embodiments, light fixtures having example shields for backlight control are subject to meeting certain standards and/or requirements. For example, the National Electric Code (NEC), the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA), the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), Underwriters Laboratories (UL), and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) set standards as to electrical enclosures, wiring, and electrical connections. Use of example embodiments described herein meet (and/or allow the light fixtures to meet) such standards when applicable.

If a component of a figure is described but not expressly shown or labeled in that figure, the label used for a corresponding component in another figure can be inferred to that component. Conversely, if a component in a figure is labeled but not described with respect to that figure, the description for such component can be substantially the same as the description for a corresponding component in another figure. The numbering scheme for the various components in the figures herein is such that each component is a three-digit number or a four-digit number, and corresponding components in other figures have the identical last two digits.

In addition, a statement that a particular embodiment (e.g., as shown in a figure herein) does not have a particular feature or component does not mean, unless expressly stated, that such embodiment is not capable of having such feature or component. For example, for purposes of present or future claims herein, a feature or component that is described as not being included in an example embodiment shown in one or more particular drawings is capable of being included in one or more claims that correspond to such one or more particular drawings herein.

Example embodiments of shields for backlight control for light fixtures will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which example embodiments of shields for backlight control for light fixtures are shown. Shields for backlight control for light fixtures may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of shields for backlight control for light fixtures to those of ordinary skill in the art. Like, but not necessarily the same, elements (also sometimes called components) in the various figures are denoted by like reference numerals for consistency.

Terms such as “first”, “second”, “above”, “below”, “inner”, “outer”, “distal”, “proximal”, “end”, “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower”, “side”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear”, and “within”, when present, are used merely to distinguish one component (or part of a component or state of a component) from another. Such terms are not meant to denote a preference or a particular orientation. Such terms are not meant to limit embodiments of shields for backlight control for light fixtures. In the following detailed description of the example embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

FIG. 1 shows a lighting system 100 according to the current art. The lighting system 100 in this case includes a light fixture 120 in the form of a streetlight. The light fixture 120 of the lighting system 100 is mounted to a structure 113 in the form of a pole 111 with an optional extension 112 that is disposed toward a top end of the pole 111 and extends away from the pole 111. The bottom end of the pole I l l is mounted into a surface 102 (e.g., the ground, pavement). The light fixture 120 emits light within a light distribution range 117. Most of the light distribution range 117 falls within a target volume of space 118 (an area that is supposed to be illuminated by the light fixture 120), but some of the light distribution range 117 falls within an avoided volume of space 119 (an area that is not supposed to be illuminated by the light fixture 120, such as the base of the pole 111). In other words, some of the light emitted by the light fixture 120 is backlighting an area that should not be illuminated. The part of the surface 102 where the pole 111 is mounted can be part of the avoided volume of space 119. As discussed above, in some cases the target volume of space 118 can be called the street side, and the avoided volume of space 119 can be called the house side. The light fixture 120 in this case includes a shield 150 currently known in the art. As a result, at least some of the light emitted by the light fixture 120 within the light distribution range 117 falls in the avoided volume of space 119. Example shields for backlight control can greatly reduce or eliminate backlighting of the light fixture so that all of the light is emitted into the target volume of space 118.

FIG. 2 shows a lighting system 200 according to certain example embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the lighting system 200 of FIG. 2 in this case includes a light fixture 220 (in the form of a streetlight) of FIG. 1. The light fixture 220 of the lighting system 200 of FIG. 2 is mounted to the structure 113 in the form of the pole 111 with the optional extension 112 that is disposed toward a top end of the pole 111 and extends away from the pole 111, as with the lighting system 100 of FIG. 1. The bottom end of the pole 111 is mounted into the surface 102 (e.g., the ground, pavement) of FIG. 1. The difference between the light fixture 220 of FIG. 2 and the light fixture 120 of FIG. 1 is that the light fixture 220 of FIG. 2 uses one or more example shields 250 instead of the shield 150 currently used in the art.

With the example shields 250, the light fixture 220 emits light within a light distribution range 217. The part of the surface 102 where the pole 111 is mounted continues to be part of the avoided volume of space 119. Unlike the light distribution range 117 of FIG. 1, the light distribution range 217 of FIG. 2 falls entirely within a target volume of space 118. None of the light emitted by the light fixture 220 is directed to an avoided volume of space 119. In other words, the example shield(s) used with the light fixture 220 effectively eliminates backlighting.

FIGS. 3 A through 3D show various views of a light fixture 320 according to certain example embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 3 A shows a bottom view of the light fixture 320. FIG. 3B shows a bottom perspective view of part of the light fixture 320. FIG. 3C shows a sectional side view of the light fixture 320. FIG. 3D shows a detailed sectional side view of part of the light fixture 320. FIGS. 4A through 4H show various views of the shield 350 of the light fixture 320 of FIGS. 3 A through 3D according to certain example embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 4A shows a bottom view of the shield 350. FIG. 3B shows a bottom perspective view of the shield 350. FIG. 4C shows a side view of the shield 350. FIG. 4D shows a detailed side view of part of the shield 350. FIG. 4E shows a detailed bottom perspective view of part of the shield 350. FIG. 4F shows a front view of part of the shield 350. FIG. 4G shows a top view of the shield 350. FIG. 4H shows a top-side-rear perspective view of the shield 350. FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of part of a shield element 355 of the shield 350 of FIGS. 4A through 4H according to certain example embodiments. FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of part of an alternative shield element 355 of the shield 350 of FIGS. 4 A through 4H according to certain example embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, the light fixture 320 (including portions thereof) of FIGS. 3A through 6 can be substantially the same as the light fixture 220 of FIG. 2 above. The light fixture 320 can include multiple features and/or components. For example, in this case, the light fixture 320 includes a main cabinet 391 and a lighting extension 325. The main cabinet 391 in this example includes a cover 322, a housing 324, a coupling feature 329 (in this case, a hinge) that couples the cover 322 to the housing 324, one or more sensor devices 326, a mounting feature 321. The mounting feature 321 is configured to be directly or indirectly mounted to a pole (e.g., pole 111). In this case, the mounting feature 321 is configured to directly receive a pole, and so there is no extension (e.g., extension 112).

A sensor device 326 can measure one or more parameters in or proximate to the light fixture 320. For example, a sensor device 326 can be or include a photocell that detects an amount of ambient light from above the housing 324. The housing 324 can include one or more features and/or components, including but not limited to a controller, a power supply (e.g., a driver), a heat sink, an electrical cable, additional sensor devices 326, an energy storage device (e.g., a battery), and any of a number of discrete components (e.g., a capacitor, an inductor, a resistor).

The housing 324 in this example extends to cover some or all of the top of the lighting extension 325. The lighting extension 325 can include one or more features and/or components. For example, in this case, the lighting extension 325 includes one or more lighting modules 340, one or more example shields 350, and one or more optical devices 370. A lighting module 340 in this case includes a circuit board 341 and one or more light sources 342 that are coupled to the circuit board 341. The light sources 342 emit light toward a target volume of space (e.g., target volume of space 118).

An optical device 370 is positioned directly below the circuit board 341 of the lighting module 340. The optical device 370 in this case includes a base 371 and one or more lens assemblies 375. Each lens assembly 375 of the optical device 370 includes a primary lens portion 376 and a secondary lens portion 377. The primary lens portion 376 in this case is semi-elliptical in shape and in part is positioned directly below a light source 342. The secondary lens portion 377 is positioned adjacent to and behind the primary lens portion 376. The primary lens portion 376 and the secondary lens portion 377 are each configured to manipulate (e.g., refract, reflect) the light emitted by the light source 342 into the target volume of space (e.g., target volume of space 118) and, to a lesser extent, the avoided volume of space (e.g., avoided volume of space 119).

The primary lens portion 376 and a corresponding portion of the base 371 of the optical device 370 can have an aperture 373 therein to form a continuous space with the light source 342. The aperture 373 can be filled with air or some other fluid or material. The collective aperture 373 formed in the base 371 and an upper portion of the primary lens portion 376 can have any of a number of shapes, including but not limited to a semi-sphere, a semi-ellipse, an inverted pyramid, and an irregular shape (as in this example). The detail shown in FIG. 3D can be replicated, at least in terms of the optical device 370 and the lighting module 340, for each of the different shield elements 355 of the shield 350. The shield element 355 shown in FIG. 3D can be one of shield element 355-3 through shield element 355-7.

In this case, there are two example shields 350 (shield 350-1 and shield 350-2) that are configured substantially identical to each other. In alternative embodiments, the lighting extension 325 of the light fixture 320 can include a single shield 350 or more than two shields 350. When the lighting extension 325 of the light fixture 320 includes multiple example shields 350, the configurations (e.g., length, width, thickness, number of shield elements 355, configuration of each shield element 355) can be the same as or different than the corresponding configurations of one or more of the other shields 350.

Each shield 350 in this case includes a shield body 351, one or more coupling features 353 disposed in the shield body 351, multiple openings 352 that traverse the shield body 351, and multiple shield elements 355 that are disposed in and extend away from the shield body 351. In this case, there are four coupling features 353 (coupling feature 353-1, coupling feature 353-2, coupling feature 353-3, and coupling feature 353-4), each in the form of apertures that traverse the thickness of the shield body 351. Coupling feature 353-1 is located at the front center of the shield body 351, coupling feature 353-2 is located at the center of the left side of the shield body 351, coupling feature 353-3 is located at the rear center of the shield body 351, and coupling feature 353-4 is located at the center of the right side of the shield body 351. Each coupling feature 353 can be configured to couple, directly or indirectly, to at least one other component of the light fixture 320.

The coupling features 353 (also sometimes called light fixture coupling features 353 herein) are configured to complement coupling features 378 (in this case, also in the form of apertures) in the base 371 of the optical device 370, coupling features 343 (in this case, also in the form of apertures) in the circuit board 341 of the lighting module 340, and/or coupling features 323 (in this case, also in the form of apertures) in the housing 324 so that the shield body 351 of the shield 350 can be directly or indirectly coupled to the optical device 370, the lighting module 340, and/or the housing 324. In this case, an independent coupling feature 385 in the form of a screw is coupled to a coupling feature 353 of the shield 350, a coupling feature 378 of the optical device 370, and a coupling feature 343 of the lighting module 340, and a coupling feature 323 in the housing 324.

Each shield element 355 of the shield 350 can be configured to direct light emitted by one or more of the light sources 342 toward a target volume of space (e.g., target volume of space 118) and away from an avoided volume of space (e.g., avoided volume of space 119). A shield 350 that has multiple shield elements 355 can be arranged in any of a number of ways that are designed to pair with each of the light sources 342 of the lighting module 340.

In this case, the shield 350 has ten shield elements 355 arranged in three rows (from the left side to the right side of the shield body 351) and six columns (from the front to the back of the shield body 351). Shield element 355-1 is positioned in the first row and the left column. Shield element 355-2 is positioned in the second row and the center column. Shield element 355-3 is positioned in the first row and the right column. Shield element 355- 4 is positioned in the third row and the left column. Shield element 355-5 is positioned in the third row and the right column. Shield element 355-6 is positioned in the fourth row and the left column. Shield element 355-7 is positioned in the fourth row and the right column. Shield element 355-8 is positioned in the sixth row and the left column. Shield element 355- 9 is positioned in the fifth row and the center column. Shield element 355-10 is positioned in the sixth row and the right column.

When a shield 350 has multiple shield elements 355, the configuration of one shield element 355 can be the same as, or different than, the configuration of one or more of the other shield elements 355. In this case, there are six different configurations among the ten shield elements 355. Regardless of the configuration of a particular shield element 355, there are some common features and/or characteristics. For example, each shield element 355 of the shield 350 includes a back wall 357 and a top wall 359.

The back wall 357 of a shield element 355 can extend downward (e.g., at a substantially perpendicular angle (e.g., between 85° and 95°, as in this case), at a nonperpendicular angle) relative to the shield body 351. The back wall 357 can have a front surface that is configured to be directed toward a target volume of space (and also a distal end of the light fixture 320) and a rear surface that is configured to be directed toward an avoided volume of space (and also a proximal end of the light fixture 320). The back wall 357 of a shield element 355 can be substantially planar (as in this case), have a concave shape, and/or have any of a number of other shapes and/or configurations.

In certain example embodiments, the back wall 357 of one or more of the shield elements 355 of a shield 350 can have no slots and/or other types of apertures that traverse the thickness of the back wall 357. For example, in this case, the back walls of shield element 355-2, shield element 355-8, shield element 355-9, and shield element 355-10 are solid, having no slots, apertures, or similar features that traverse therethrough. When the back wall 357 of a shield element 355 has a solid back wall 357, no light emitted by a light source 342 that is located behind (i.e., closer to the main cabinet 391 of the light fixture 320 relative to) the shield element 355 can pass through the back wall 357. Similarly, for the light source 342 located under the top wall 359 that extends from the back wall 357 of the shield element 355, any light emitted by the light source 342 that is directed toward the back wall 357 of the shield element 355 (i.e., toward the main cabinet 391 of the light fixture 320) is redirected away from the main cabinet 391 by the solid back wall 357.

Alternatively, the back wall 357 of one or more of the shield elements 355 of a shield 350 can have one or more slots and/or other types of apertures that traverse the thickness of the back wall 357. For example, in this case, each of the back walls 357 of shield element 355-1, shield element 355-3, shield element 355-4, shield element 355-5, shield element 355-6, and shield element 355-7 has three slots 358 that traverse therethrough. When the back wall 357 of a shield element 355 has one or more slots 358 that traverse therethrough, any light emitted by a light source 342 that is located behind (i.e., closer to the main cabinet 391 of the light fixture 320 relative to) the shield element 355 can pass through the slots 358 in the back wall 357.

Depending on how the slots 358 and/or other apertures in the back wall 357 of a shield element 355 are configured, any light emitted by a light source 342 located under the top wall 359 that extends from the back wall 357 of a shield element 355 that is directed toward the back wall 357 of the shield element 355 (i.e., toward the main cabinet 391 of the light fixture 320) can be redirected away from the main cabinet 391 because none of the light can pass through the slots 358 toward the main cabinet 391 of the light fixture 320.

The three slots 358 in each of the back walls 357 of shield element 355-1, shield element 355-3, shield element 355-4, shield element 355-5, shield element 355-6, and shield element 355-7 in this case are substantially parallel with each other. In alternative embodiments, one or more of the slots 358 in a back wall 357 of a shield element 355 can be antiparallel with each other.

When the back wall 357 of a shield element 355 has multiple slots 358 and/or other apertures that traverse therethrough, the characteristics (e.g., height, width, shape) of one slot 358 and/or aperture can be the same as, or different than, one or more of the corresponding characteristics of one or more of the other slots 358 and/or apertures in the back wall 357. For example, FIG. 5 shows a case where multiple slots 358 in the back wall 357 of a shield element (e.g., shield element 355-5) are configured substantially the same as each other. In this case, the back wall 357 of the shield element shown in FIG. 5 has three slots 358 (also sometimes called slotted apertures herein) that traverse the thickness of the back wall 357. Slot 358-1 is located closest to the shield body 351. Slot 358-3 is positioned furthest away from the shield body 351. Slot 358-2 is positioned substantially equidistantly between slot 358-3 and slot 358-1.

Each slot 358 in the back wall 357 in FIG. 5 has a top surface 367 and a bottom surface 368. Specifically, slot 358-1 has a top surface 367-1 and a bottom surface 368-1, slot 358-2 has a top surface 367-2 and a bottom surface 368-2, and slot 358-3 has a top surface 367-3 and a bottom surface 368-3. In each case, the top surface 367 and the bottom surface 368 of each slot 358 forms an angle 309 with the shield body 351. Specifically, the top surface 367-1 of the slot 358-1, the bottom surface 368-1 of the slot 358- 1, the top surface 367-2 of the slot 358-2, the bottom surface 368-2 of the slot 358-2, the top surface 367-3 of the slot 358-3, and the bottom surface 368-3 of the slot 358-3 each form the angle 309 (also sometimes called a slotted aperture angle 309) with the shield body 351. Since the back wall 357 is substantially perpendicular to the shield body 351, the top surface 367 and the bottom surface 368 of each slot 358 forms an angle with the back wall 357 that is supplementary to the angle 309.

The angle 309 in this case is acute and allows light emitted by a light source 342 located behind the back wall 357 (i.e., toward the main cabinet 391 of the light fixture 320) toward the back wall 357 to pass through the slots 358 instead of being reflected back toward the main cabinet 391 of the light fixture 320 by the back wall 357. The angle 309 can be configured to allow light that passes through the slots 358 to be directed above the sloped top wall 359 (discussed below) of the shield element 355 located in front of (i.e., further away from the main cabinet 391 of the light fixture 320) the back wall 357.

FIG. 6 shows another example of how multiple slots 358 in the back wall 357 of a shield element 355 can be configured. In this case, there are three slots 358 (also sometimes called slotted apertures herein) that traverse the thickness of the back wall 357. Slot 358-1 is located closest to the shield body 351. Slot 358-3 is positioned furthest away from the shield body 351. Slot 358-2 is positioned substantially equidistantly between slot 358-3 and slot 358-1. Each slot 358 in the back wall 357 in FIG. 6 has a top surface 367 and a bottom surface 368. Specifically, slot 358-1 has a top surface 367-1 and a bottom surface 368-1, slot 358-2 has a top surface 367-2 and a bottom surface 368-2, and slot 358-3 has a top surface 367-3 and a bottom surface 368-3.

In each case, the top surface 367 and the bottom surface 368 of each slot 358 forms a different angle 309 (also sometimes called a slotted aperture angle 309) with the shield body 351. Specifically, the top surface 367-1 of the slot 358-1 forms an angle 309-1 (e.g., 20°) with the shield body 351. The bottom surface 368-1 of the slot 358-1 forms an angle 309-2 (e.g., 25°) with the shield body 351. The top surface 367-2 of the slot 358-2 forms an angle 309-3 (e.g., 30°) with the shield body 351. The bottom surface 368-2 of the slot 358-2 forms an angle 309-4 (e.g., 35°) with the shield body 351. The top surface 367-3 of the slot 358-3 forms an angle 309-5 (e.g., 40°) with the shield body 351. The bottom surface 368-3 of the slot 358-3 forms an angle 309-6 (e.g., 45°) with the shield body 351.

While in this example, each of the six angles 309 are different from each other, in alternative embodiments two or more of the angles 309 can be substantially the same and yet differ from at least one of the other angles 309. Since the back wall 357 is substantially perpendicular to the shield body 351, the top surface 367 and the bottom surface 368 of each slot 358 forms an angle with the back wall 357 that is supplementary to the angle 309 formed between that top surface 367 or that bottom surface 367 and the shield body 351.

Each of the various angles 309 in this case is acute and allows light emitted by a light source 342 located behind the back wall 357 (i.e., toward the main cabinet 391 of the light fixture 320) toward the back wall 357 to pass through the slots 358 instead of being reflected back toward the main cabinet 391 of the light fixture 320 by the back wall 357. Each of the angles 309 can be configured to allow light that passes through the slots 358 to be directed above the sloped top wall 359 (discussed below) of the shield element 355 located in front of (i.e., further away from the main cabinet 391 of the light fixture 320) the back wall 357 in a pattern that is more distributed compared to the pattern that the light passing through the slots 358 in the back wall 357 of FIG. 5 is distributed.

The top wall 359 of a shield element 355 can be substantially planar and can extend from the distal end of the back wall 357 to form an angle 366 (in this case, an obtuse angle) relative to the back wall 357 as well as a supplementary angle 365 (in this case, an acute angle) relative to the shield body 351. When the shield 350 has multiple shield elements 355, as in this case, the angle 366 (and so also applicable supplementary angle 365) of one shield element 355 can be the same as, or different than, the angle 366 (and so also applicable supplementary angle 365) of one or more of the other shield elements 355 of the shield 350.

If the top wall 359 has a non-planar shape, then the angle 366 and the angle 365 may not be supplementary. The angle 366 (and so also the supplementary angle 365) of one shield element 355 of the shield 350 can be the same as, or different than, the angle 366 and/or the supplementary angle 365 of one or more of the other shield elements 355. In some cases, the angle 366 of one or more of the shield elements 355 in the last row (i.e., the shield elements 355 located closest to the main cabinet 391 of the light fixture 320) can be perpendicular or acute rather than obtuse. Similarly, the angle 365 of one or more of the shield elements 355 in the last row can be perpendicular or obtuse rather than acute. In certain example embodiments, the top wall 359 is solid, lacking any slots and/or other types of apertures that traverse the thickness of the top wall 359.

In some cases, one or more shield elements 355 of the example shield 350 can include one or more side walls (e.g., a left side wall 363, a right side wall 361). In this example, shield element 355-1 has a right side wall 361 and no left side wall. Shield element 355-2 and shield element 355-9 have no side walls, although shield element 355-9 is wider than shield element 355-2. Shield element 355-3 has a left side wall 363 and no right side wall. Shield element 355-4, shield element 355-5, shield element 355-6, shield element 355- 7, shield element 355-8, and shield element 355-10 each have both a left side wall 363 and a right side wall 361.

A left side wall 363 of a shield element 355 can extend from a side of the back wall 357 and the top wall 359. The left side wall 363 can form an angle (e.g., 90°, a slightly obtuse angle (as in this case), a slightly acute angle) with the back wall 357. The left side wall 363 can be planar, have a curvature (e.g., slightly concave (as in this case), slightly concave), and/or have some other shape. The transition between the left side wall 363 and the back wall 357 can be a hard comer, a smoothed transition (as shown in FIGS. 4E and 4F), or have some other configuration.

A left side wall 363 can also form an angle (e.g., 90°, a slightly obtuse angle (as shown in FIGS. 4E and 4F), a slightly acute angle) with the top wall 359. The transition between the left side wall 363 and the top wall 359 can be a hard comer, a smoothed transition piece 364 (as in this example), or have some other configuration. A left side wall 363 can be solid throughout. Alternatively, one or more apertures (e.g., slots) can traverse the thickness of part of a left side wall 363. For example, part of a slot 358 in the back wall 357 can extend into part of a left side wall 363.

Similarly, a right side wall 361 of a shield element 355 can extend from a side (opposite from where the left side wall 363 is located) of the back wall 357 and the top wall 359. The right side wall 361 can form an angle (e.g., 90°, a slightly obtuse angle (as in this case), a slightly acute angle) with the back wall 357. The right side wall 361 can be planar, have a curvature (e.g., slightly concave (as in this case), slightly concave), and/or have some other shape. The transition between the right side wall 361 and the back wall 357 can be a hard comer, a smoothed transition (as shown in FIGS. 4E and 4F), or have some other configuration.

A right side wall 361 can also form an angle (e.g., 90°, a slightly obtuse angle (as shown in FIGS. 4E and 4F), a slightly acute angle) with the top wall 359. The transition between the right side wall 361 and the top wall 359 can be a hard corner, a smoothed transition piece 362 (as in this example), or have some other configuration. A right side wall 361 can be solid throughout. Alternatively, one or more apertures (e.g., slots) can traverse the thickness of part of a right side wall 361. For example, part of a slot 358 in the back wall 357 can extend into part of a right side wall 361.

FIGS. 4D through 4F show a detailed example of shield element 355-6 of the shield 350. The shield element 355-6 includes a back wall 357-6 that extends downward from the shield body 351 at a substantially perpendicular angle. The back wall 357-6 has three slots 358-6 (also called slotted apertures) that traverse therethrough. The slot 358-6-1 is closest to the shield body 351, followed by the slot 358-6-2, followed by the slot 358-6-3. The slots 358-6 are parallel to each other and have substantially the same characteristics (e.g., length, width, height, shape, angle 309 between the top surface 367 of the slot 358 and the shield body 351, angle 309 between the bottom surface 368 of the slot 358 and the shield body 351) as each other.

The top wall 359-6 of the shield element 355-6 is substantially planar and extends from the distal end of the back wall 357-6 to form an angle 366 (in this case, an obtuse angle) relative to the back wall 357-6 as well as a supplementary angle 365 (in this case, an acute angle) relative to the shield body 351. The top wall 359-6 is solid, lacking any slots and/or other types of apertures that traverse the thickness of the top wall 359-6. The shield element 355-6 also includes a left side wall 363-6 and a right side wall 361-6. The left side wall 363-6 and the right side wall 361-6 each form substantially the same obtuse angle with the back wall 357-6 at opposite sides of the back wall 357-6. The left side wall 363-6 and the right side wall 361-6 are each solid. A smoothed transition piece 364-6 forms the transition between the right side wall 363-6 and the top wall 359-6, and another smoothed transition piece 362-6 forms the transition between the right side wall 361-6 and the top wall 359-6.

As discussed above, an example shield 350 can have one or more openings 352 that traverse the thickness of the shield body 351. Each opening 352 can be positioned in front of (e.g., away from the main cabinet 391 of the light fixture 320) the back wall 357 of one or more shield elements 355. Because of the orientation of the top wall 359 relative to the back wall 357, an opening 352 can also be positioned underneath the top wall 359 of a shield element 355. Each opening 352 can be configured to receive a lens assembly 375 of an optical device 370 for a light source 342 of the light fixture 320.

In some cases, an opening 352 can be dedicated to a single shield element 355. Alternatively, an opening 352 can be shared by multiple shield elements 355. In this case, there are six openings 352. Opening 352-1 traverses most of the width of the shield body 351 and is shared by shield element 355-1, shield element 355-2, and shield element 355-3. Opening 352-2 is T-shaped, taking up most of the width of the shield body 351 and running lengthwise between and next to shield element 355-4, shield element 355-5, shield element 355-6, and shield element 355-7. Opening 352-2 is shared by shield element 355-8, shield element 355-9, and shield element 355-10. Opening 352-3 is dedicated to shield element 355-4 and is adjacent to opening 352-2 and the back wall 357 of shield element 355-1. Opening 352-4 is dedicated to shield element 355-5 and is adjacent to opening 352-2 and the back wall 357 of shield element 355-3. Opening 352-5 is dedicated to shield element 355-6 and is adjacent to opening 352-2 and the back wall 357 of shield element 355-4. Opening 352-6 is dedicated to shield element 355-7 and is adjacent to opening 352-2 and the back wall 357 of shield element 355-5.

In certain example embodiments, the top and outer surfaces (such as the surfaces shown in FIG. 4C, FIG. 4D, FIG. 4G, and FIG. 4H) of the shield 350 can be of a dark color (e.g., black) that does not reflect light emitted by the light sources 342. In addition, or in the alternative, the bottom and inner surfaces (such as the surfaces shown in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B) of the shield 350 can be of a light color (e.g., white). As an example, the inner surface of the back wall 357 and the inner surface of the top wall 359 of each shield element 355 are of a light color that is reflective, and the outer surface of the back wall 357 and the outer surface of the top wall 359 of each shield element 355 are of a dark color that is non-reflective. This concept can be applied to any shield, whether of a configuration currently known in the art or of the example configurations shown and/or described herein.

FIGS. 7A through 7D show various views of another shield 750 according to certain example embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 7A shows a bottom view of the shield 750. FIG. 7B shows a bottom perspective view of the shield 750. FIG. 7C shows a side view of the shield 750. FIG. 7D shows a detailed bottom perspective view of part of the shield 750. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 7D, the shield 750 of FIGS. 7A through 7D can be substantially the same as the shield 350 described above, except as discussed below.

For example, the shield 750 of FIGS. 7A through 7D includes a shield body 751, four coupling features 753 (also sometimes called light fixture coupling features 753 herein) disposed in the shield body 751, six openings 752 that traverse the shield body 751, and ten shield elements 755 that are disposed in and extend away from the shield body 751. The four coupling features 753 (coupling feature 753-1, coupling feature 753-2, coupling feature 753-3, and coupling feature 753-4) are each in the form of an aperture that traverses the thickness of the shield body 751. Coupling feature 753-1 is located at the front center of the shield body 751, coupling feature 753-2 is located at the center of the left side of the shield body 751, coupling feature 753-3 is located at the rear center of the shield body 751, and coupling feature 753-4 is located at the center of the right side of the shield body 751. Each coupling feature 753 is configured to couple indirectly to at least one other component of the light fixture (e.g., light fixture 320) using an independent coupling feature (e.g., coupling feature 385).

The ten shield elements 755 of the shield 750 are arranged in three rows (from the left side to the right side of the shield body 751) and six columns (from the front to the back of the shield body 751), which is substantially similar to the arrangement of the ten shield elements 355 of the shield 350 discussed above. Specifically, shield element 755-1 is positioned in the first row and the left column. Shield element 755-2 is positioned in the second row and the center column. Shield element 755-3 is positioned in the first row and the right column. Shield element 755-4 is positioned in the third row and the left column. Shield element 755-5 is positioned in the third row and the right column. Shield element 755-6 is positioned in the fourth row and the left column. Shield element 755-7 is positioned in the fourth row and the right column. Shield element 755-8 is positioned in the sixth row and the left column. Shield element 755-9 is positioned in the fifth row and the center column. Shield element 755-10 is positioned in the sixth row and the right column. Each shield element 755 of the shield 750 includes a back wall 757 and a top wall 759. The back wall 757 of each shield element 755 extends downward at a substantially perpendicular angle relative to the shield body 751. Each back wall 757 has a front surface that is configured to be directed toward a target volume of space (and also a distal end of the light fixture) and a rear surface that is configured to be directed toward an avoided volume of space (and also a proximal end of the light fixture). Each back wall 757 of the shield elements 755 are substantially planar.

The back walls 757 of shield element 755-2, shield element 755-8, shield element 755-9, and shield element 755-10 are solid, having no slots, apertures, or similar features that traverse therethrough. Each of the back walls 757 of shield element 755-1, shield element 755-3, shield element 755-4, shield element 755-5, shield element 755-7, and shield element 755-7 has three slots 758 (also sometimes called slotted apertures herein) that traverse therethrough. The three slots 758 in each of the back walls 757 of shield element 755-1, shield element 755-3, shield element 755-4, shield element 755-5, shield element 755- 6, and shield element 755-7 in this case are substantially parallel with each other and extend along the entire width of those back walls 757.

The characteristics (e.g., height, width, shape, the angle (similar to angle 309) between the top surface (similar to the top surface 367 discussed above) of the slot 758 and the shield body 751, the angle (also sometimes called a slotted aperture angle, similar to angle 309) between the bottom surface (similar to the bottom surface 368 discussed above) of the slot 758 and the shield body 751) of all of the slots 758 are substantially the same as each other. For the shield elements 755 having the slots 758, slot 758-1 is located closest to the shield body 751, slot 358-3 is positioned furthest away from the shield body 751, and slot 758-2 is positioned substantially equidistantly between slot 758-3 and slot 758-1.

The top wall 759 of each shield element 755 is substantially planar and extends from the distal end of the back wall 757 to form an angle (similar to the angle 366 discussed above) relative to the back wall 757 as well as a supplementary angle 765 (in this case, an acute angle) relative to the shield body 751. The top wall 759 is solid, lacking any slots and/or other types of apertures that traverse the thickness of the top wall 759. Shield element 755-1 has a right side wall 761 and no left side wall. Shield element 755-2 and shield element 755-9 have no side walls, although shield element 755-9 is wider than shield element 755-2. Shield element 755-3 has a left side wall 763 and no right side wall. Shield element 755-4, shield element 755-5, shield element 755-6, shield element 755-7, shield element 755-8, and shield element 755-10 each have both a left side wall 763 and a right side wall 761.

Each left side wall 763 extends from a side of the back wall 757 and the top wall 759. Each left side wall 763 forms an obtuse angle with the back wall 757. Each left side wall 763 is slightly concave. The transition between each left side wall 763 and the back wall 757 is smoothed. Each left side wall 763 also forms a slightly obtuse angle with the top wall 759. The transition between each left side wall 763 and the top wall 759 includes a smoothed transition piece 764. For each shield element 755 with slots 758 in the back wall 757, the slots extend into and traverse the thickness of part of the left side wall 763.

Similarly, each right side wall 761 of a shield element 755 extends from a side (opposite from where the left side wall 763 is located, if applicable) of the back wall 757 and the top wall 759. Each right side wall 761 forms an obtuse angle with the back wall 757. Each right side wall 761 is slightly concave. The transition between each right side wall 761 and the back wall 757 is smoothed. Each right side wall 761 also forms a slightly obtuse angle with the top wall 759. The transition between each right side wall 761 and the top wall 759 includes a smoothed transition piece 762. For each shield element 755 with slots 758 in the back wall 757, the slots extend into and traverse the thickness of part of the right side wall 761.

The shield 750 of FIGS. 7A through 7D has six openings 752. Opening 752-1 traverses most of the width of the shield body 751 and is shared by shield element 755-1, shield element 755-2, and shield element 755-3. Opening 752-2 is T-shaped, taking up most of the width of the shield body 751 and running lengthwise between and next to shield element 755-4, shield element 755-5, shield element 755-6, and shield element 755-7. Opening 752-2 is shared by shield element 755-8, shield element 755-9, and shield element 755-10. Opening 752-3 is dedicated to shield element 755-4 and is adjacent to opening 752-2 and the back wall 757 of shield element 755-1. Opening 752-4 is dedicated to shield element 755-5 and is adjacent to opening 752-2 and the back wall 757 of shield element 755-3. Opening 752-5 is dedicated to shield element 755-6 and is adjacent to opening 752-2 and the back wall 757 of shield element 755-4. Opening 752-6 is dedicated to shield element 755-7 and is adjacent to opening 752-2 and the back wall 757 of shield element 755-5.

FIG. 7D shows a detailed example of shield element 755-6 of the shield 750. The shield element 755-6 includes a back wall 757-6 that extends downward from the shield body 751 at a substantially perpendicular angle. The back wall 757-6 has three slots 758-6 (also called slotted apertures) that traverse therethrough. The slot 758-6-1 is closest to the shield body 751, followed by the slot 758-6-2, followed by the slot 758-6-3. The slots 758-6 are parallel to each other and have substantially the same characteristics (e.g., length, width, height, shape, angle between the top surface of the slot 758 and the shield body 751, angle between the bottom surface of the slot 758 and the shield body 751) as each other. Each slot 758-6 extends from about halfway along the width of the left side wall 763-6, across the entire back wall 757-6, and to about halfway along the width of the right side wall 761-6.

The top wall 759-6 of the shield element 755-6 is substantially planar and extends from the distal end of the back wall 757-6 to form an obtuse angle (substantially similar to the angle 366 discussed above) relative to the back wall 757-6 as well as a supplementary angle 765 (in this case, an acute angle) relative to the shield body 751. The top wall 759-6 is solid, lacking any slots and/or other types of apertures that traverse the thickness of the top wall 759-6. The shield element 755-6 also includes a left side wall 763-6 and a right side wall 761-6. The left side wall 763-6 and the right side wall 761-6 each form substantially the same obtuse angle with the back wall 757-6 at opposite sides of the back wall 757-6. The left side wall 763-6 and the right side wall 761-6 are each solid, aside from the ends of the slots 758. A smoothed transition piece 764-6 forms the transition between the right side wall 763-6 and the top wall 759-6, and another smoothed transition piece 762-6 forms the transition between the right side wall 761-6 and the top wall 759-6.

FIGS. 8A through 8D show various views of yet another shield 850 according to certain example embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 8A shows a bottom view of the shield

850. FIG. 8B shows a bottom perspective view of the shield 850. FIG. 8C shows a side view of the shield 850. FIG. 8D shows a detailed bottom perspective view of part of the shield

850. FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of part of a shield element 855 of the shield 850 of FIGS. 8 A through 8F according to certain example embodiments. FIG. 10 shows a sectional view of part of an alternative shield element 855 of the shield 850 of FIGS. 8A through 8F according to certain example embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 10, the shield 850 of FIGS. 8A through 8D can be substantially the same as the shields (e.g., shield 350) described above, except as discussed below.

For example, the shield 850 of FIGS. 8A through 8D includes a shield body

851, four coupling features 853 (also sometimes called light fixture coupling features 853 herein) disposed in the shield body 851, six openings 852 that traverse the shield body 851, and ten shield elements 855 that are disposed in and extend away from the shield body 851. The four coupling features 853 (coupling feature 853-1, coupling feature 853-2, coupling feature 853-3, and coupling feature 853-4) are each in the form of an aperture that traverses the thickness of the shield body 851. Coupling feature 853-1 is located at the front center of the shield body 851, coupling feature 853-2 is located at the center of the left side of the shield body 851, coupling feature 853-3 is located at the rear center of the shield body 851, and coupling feature 853-4 is located at the center of the right side of the shield body 851. Each coupling feature 853 is configured to couple indirectly to at least one other component of the light fixture (e.g., light fixture 320) using an independent coupling feature (e.g., coupling feature 385).

The ten shield elements 855 of the shield 850 are arranged in three rows (from the left side to the right side of the shield body 851) and six columns (from the front to the back of the shield body 851), which is substantially similar to the arrangement of the ten shield elements 355 of the shield 350 discussed above. Specifically, shield element 855-1 is positioned in the first row and the left column. Shield element 855-2 is positioned in the second row and the center column. Shield element 855-3 is positioned in the first row and the right column. Shield element 855-4 is positioned in the third row and the left column. Shield element 855-5 is positioned in the third row and the right column. Shield element 855-6 is positioned in the fourth row and the left column. Shield element 855-7 is positioned in the fourth row and the right column. Shield element 855-8 is positioned in the sixth row and the left column. Shield element 855-9 is positioned in the fifth row and the center column. Shield element 855-10 is positioned in the sixth row and the right column.

Each shield element 855 of the shield 850 includes a back wall 857 and a top wall 859. The back wall 857 of each shield element 855 extends downward at a substantially perpendicular angle relative to the shield body 851. Each back wall 857 has a front surface that is configured to be directed toward a target volume of space (and also a distal end of the light fixture) and a rear surface that is configured to be directed toward an avoided volume of space (and also a proximal end of the light fixture). Each back wall 857 of the shield elements 855 are substantially planar.

The back walls 857 of shield element 855-2, shield element 855-8, shield element 855-9, and shield element 855-10 are solid, having no slots, apertures, or similar features that traverse therethrough. Each of the back walls 857 of shield element 855-1, shield element 855-3, shield element 855-4, shield element 855-5, shield element 855-7, and shield element 855-7 has a single slot 858 (also sometimes called a slotted aperture herein) that traverses therethrough. The slot 858 in each of the back walls 857 of shield element 855- 1, shield element 855-3, shield element 855-4, shield element 855-5, shield element 855-6, and shield element 855-7 in this case are substantially parallel with the bottom surface of the shield body 851.

When the back wall 857 of a shield element 855 has a slot 858 and/or other apertures that traverse therethrough, the characteristics (e.g., height, width, shape, angle 909) of a slot 858 and/or aperture in one back wall 857 can be the same as, or different than, one or more of the corresponding characteristics of one or more of the other slots 858 and/or apertures in another back wall 857. FIG. 9 shows a case where the slot 858 in a back wall 857 of a shield element 855 has a top surface 867 and a bottom surface 868. The top surface 867 and the bottom surface 868 of the slot 858 forms an angle 909 (also sometimes called a slotted aperture angle) with the shield body 851.

Since the back wall 857 is substantially perpendicular to the shield body 851, the top surface 867 and the bottom surface 868 of the slot 858 each forms an angle with the back wall 857 that is supplementary to the angle 909. The angle 909 in this case is acute and allows light emitted by a light source (e.g., light source 342) located behind the back wall

857 toward the back wall 857 to pass through the slot 858 instead of being reflected back toward the main cabinet of the light fixture by the back wall 857.

FIG. 10 shows another example of how a slot 858 in the back wall 857 of a shield element 855 can be configured. In this case, there is one slot 858 (also sometimes called a slotted aperture herein) that traverses the thickness of the back wall 857. The slot

858 in FIG. 10 has a top surface 867 and a bottom surface 868. The top surface 867-1 of the slot 858 forms an angle 1009-1 (e.g., 20°) with the shield body 851, and the bottom surface 868-1 of the slot 858 forms another angle 1009-2 (e.g., 45°) with the shield body 851. Since the back wall 857 is substantially perpendicular to the shield body 851, the top surface 867 and the bottom surface 868 of the slot 858 each forms an angle with the back wall 857 that is supplementary to the angle 1009 (also sometimes called a slotted aperture angle) formed between the top surface 867 or the bottom surface 867 and the shield body 851.

Each of the various angles 1009 in this case is acute and allows light emitted by a light source located behind the back wall 857 toward the back wall 857 to pass through the slot 858 instead of being reflected back toward the main cabinet of the light fixture by the back wall 857. Each of the angles 1009 can be configured to allow light that passes through the slot 858 to be directed above the sloped top wall 859 (discussed below) of the shield element 855 located in front of the back wall 857 in a pattern that is more distributed compared to the pattern that the light passing through the slot 858 in the back wall 857 of FIG. 9 is distributed. The characteristics (e.g., height, width, shape, the angles 1009) of one slot 858 can be the same as, or different than, the corresponding characteristics of another slot 858.

The top wall 859 of each shield element 855 (except for shield element 855- 8, shield element 855-9, and shield element 855-10) is substantially planar and extends from the distal end of the back wall 857 to form an obtuse angle (similar to the angle 366 discussed above) relative to the back wall 857 as well as a supplementary angle 865 (in this case, an acute angle) relative to the shield body 851. The bottom surface of the distal end of these top walls 859 is tapered to be substantially parallel to the shield body 851. With respect to shield element 855-8, shield element 855-9, and shield element 855-10, which form the rear row of the shield 850 and have no light sources located behind them, the top wall 859 extends substantially perpendicular from the bottom end of the back wall 857. This configuration is used in all shield elements of shields currently used in the art.

The top wall 859 is solid, lacking any slots and/or other types of apertures that traverse the thickness of the top wall 859. Shield element 855-1 has a right side wall 861 and no left side wall. Shield element 855-2 and shield element 855-9 have no side walls, although shield element 855-9 is wider than shield element 855-2. Shield element 855-3 has a left side wall 863 and no right side wall. Shield element 855-4, shield element 855-5, shield element 855-6, shield element 855-7, shield element 855-8, and shield element 855-10 each have both a left side wall 863 and a right side wall 861.

Each left side wall 863 extends from a side of the back wall 857 and the top wall 859. Each left side wall 863 forms an obtuse angle with the back wall 857. Each left side wall 863 is slightly concave. The transition between each left side wall 863 and the back wall 857 is smoothed. Each left side wall 863 also forms a slightly obtuse angle with the top wall 859. The transition between each left side wall 863 and the top wall 859 includes a smoothed transition piece 864. For each shield element 855 with slots 858 in the back wall 857, the slots extend into and traverse the thickness of part of the left side wall 863.

Similarly, each right side wall 861 of a shield element 855 extends from a side (opposite from where the left side wall 863 is located, if applicable) of the back wall 857 and the top wall 859. Each right side wall 861 forms an obtuse angle with the back wall 857. Each right side wall 861 is slightly concave. The transition between each right side wall 861 and the back wall 857 is smoothed. Each right side wall 861 also forms a slightly obtuse angle with the top wall 859. The transition between each right side wall 861 and the top wall 859 includes a smoothed transition piece 862. For each shield element 855 with slots 858 in the back wall 857, the slots extend into and traverse the thickness of part of the right side wall 861.

As discussed above, the shield 850 of FIGS. 8A through 8D has six openings 852. Opening 852-1 traverses most of the width of the shield body 851 and is shared by shield element 855-1, shield element 855-2, and shield element 855-3. Opening 852-2 is T- shaped, taking up most of the width of the shield body 851 and running lengthwise between and next to shield element 855-4, shield element 855-5, shield element 855-6, and shield element 855-7. Opening 852-2 is shared by shield element 855-8, shield element 855-9, and shield element 855-10. Opening 852-3 is dedicated to shield element 855-4 and is adjacent to opening 852-2 and the back wall 857 of shield element 855-1. Opening 852-4 is dedicated to shield element 855-5 and is adjacent to opening 852-2 and the back wall 857 of shield element 855-3. Opening 852-5 is dedicated to shield element 855-6 and is adjacent to opening 852-2 and the back wall 857 of shield element 855-4. Opening 852-6 is dedicated to shield element 855-7 and is adjacent to opening 852-2 and the back wall 857 of shield element 855-5. The openings 852 in this case are wider than the corresponding openings 752 of the shield 750 of FIGS. 7 A through 7D.

FIG. 8D shows a detailed example of shield element 855-6 of the shield 850. The shield element 855-6 includes a back wall 857-6 that extends downward from the shield body 851 at a substantially perpendicular angle. The back wall 857-6 has one slot 858-6 (also called slotted apertures) that traverse therethrough. The slot 858-6 extends across most, but not all, of the width of the back wall 857-6. The top wall 859-6 of the shield element 855-6 is substantially planar (except for the tapered bottom surface toward its distal end) and extends from the distal end of the back wall 857-6 to form an obtuse angle (substantially similar to the angle 366 discussed above) relative to the back wall 857-6 as well as a supplementary angle 865 (in this case, an acute angle) relative to the shield body 851. The top wall 859-6 is solid, lacking any slots and/or other types of apertures that traverse the thickness of the top wall 859-6.

The shield element 855-6 also includes a left side wall 863-6 and a right side wall 861-6. The left side wall 863-6 and the right side wall 861-6 each form substantially the same obtuse angle with the back wall 857-6 at opposite sides of the back wall 857-6. The left side wall 863-6 and the right side wall 861-6 are each solid, aside from the ends of the slots 858. A smoothed transition piece 864-6 forms the transition between the right side wall 863- 6 and the top wall 859-6, and another smoothed transition piece 862-6 forms the transition between the right side wall 861-6 and the top wall 859-6. FIGS. 11 A through 1 ID show various views of still another shield 1150 according to certain example embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 11 A shows a bottom view of the shield 1150. FIG. 1 IB shows a bottom perspective view of the shield 1150. FIG. 11C shows a side view of the shield 1150. FIG. 1 ID shows a detailed bottom perspective view of part of the shield 1150. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 1 ID, the shield 1150 of FIGS. 11 A through 1 ID can be substantially the same as the shields (e.g., shield 350) described above, except as discussed below.

For example, the shield 1150 of FIGS. 11 A through 1 ID includes a shield body 1151, four coupling features 1153 (also sometimes called light fixture coupling features 1153 herein) disposed in the shield body 1151, six openings 1152 that traverse the shield body 1151, and ten shield elements 1155 that are disposed in and extend away from the shield body 1151. The four coupling features 1153 (coupling feature 1153-1, coupling feature 1153-2, coupling feature 1153-3, and coupling feature 1153-4) are each in the form of an aperture that traverses the thickness of the shield body 1151. Coupling feature 1153-1 is located at the front center of the shield body 1151, coupling feature 1153-2 is located at the center of the left side of the shield body 1151, coupling feature 1153-3 is located at the rear center of the shield body 1151, and coupling feature 1153-4 is located at the center of the right side of the shield body 1151. Each coupling feature 1153 is configured to couple indirectly to at least one other component of the light fixture (e.g., light fixture 320) using an independent coupling feature (e.g., coupling feature 385).

The ten shield elements 1155 of the shield 1150 are arranged in three rows (from the left side to the right side of the shield body 1151) and six columns (from the front to the back of the shield body 1151), which is substantially similar to the arrangement of the ten shield elements 355 of the shield 350 discussed above. Specifically, shield element 1155- 1 is positioned in the first row and the left column. Shield element 1155-2 is positioned in the second row and the center column. Shield element 1155-3 is positioned in the first row and the right column. Shield element 1155-4 is positioned in the third row and the left column. Shield element 1155-5 is positioned in the third row and the right column. Shield element 1155-6 is positioned in the fourth row and the left column. Shield element 1155-7 is positioned in the fourth row and the right column. Shield element 1155-8 is positioned in the sixth row and the left column. Shield element 1155-9 is positioned in the fifth row and the center column. Shield element 1155-10 is positioned in the sixth row and the right column.

Each shield element 1155 of the shield 1150 includes a back wall 1157 and a top wall 1159. The back wall 1157 of each shield element 1155 extends downward at a substantially perpendicular angle relative to the shield body 1151. Each back wall 1157 has a front surface that is configured to be directed toward a target volume of space (and also a distal end of the light fixture) and a rear surface that is configured to be directed toward an avoided volume of space (and also a proximal end of the light fixture). Each back wall 1157 of the shield elements 1155 are substantially planar.

The back walls 1157 of shield element 1155-2, shield element 1155-8, shield element 1155-9, and shield element 1155-10 are solid, having no slots, apertures, or similar features that traverse therethrough. Each of the back walls 1157 of shield element 1155-1, shield element 1155-3, shield element 1155-4, shield element 1155-5, shield element 1155-7, and shield element 1155-7 has a single slot 1158 (also sometimes called a slotted aperture herein) that traverses therethrough. The slot 1158 in each of the back walls 1157 of shield ement 1155-1, shield element 1155-3, shield element 1155-4, shield element 1155-5, shield element 1155-6, and shield element 1155-7 in this case are substantially parallel with the bottom surface of the shield body 1151.

When the back wall 1157 of a shield element 1155 has a slot 1158 and/or other apertures that traverse therethrough, the characteristics (e.g., height, width, shape, angle (e.g., angle 909, angle 1009) formed between the top surface (similar to the top surface 867) and the shield body 1151, angle formed between the bottom surface (similar to the bottom surface 868) and the shield body 1151) of the slot 1158 and/or aperture in one back wall 1157 can be the same as, or different than, one or more of the corresponding characteristics of one or more of the other slots 1158 and/or apertures in another back wall 1157.

The top wall 1159 of each shield element 1155 is substantially planar and extends from the distal end of the back wall 1157 to form an obtuse angle (similar to the angle 366 discussed above) relative to the back wall 1157 as well as a supplementary angle 1165 (in this case, an acute angle) relative to the shield body 1151. The top wall 1159 is solid, lacking any slots and/or other types of apertures that traverse the thickness of the top wall 1159. Shield element 1155-1 has a right side wall 1161 and no left side wall. Shield element 1155-2 and shield element 1155-9 have no side walls, although shield element 1155- 9 is wider than shield element 1155-2. Shield element 1155-3 has a left side wall 1163 and no right side wall. Shield element 1155-4, shield element 1155-5, shield element 1155-6, shield element 1155-7, shield element 1155-11, and shield element 1155-10 each have both a left side wall 1163 and a right side wall 1161.

Each left side wall 1163 extends from a side of the back wall 1157 and the top wall 1159. Each left side wall 1163 forms an obtuse angle with the back wall 1157. Each left side wall 1163 is slightly concave. The transition between each left side wall 1163 and the back wall 1157 is smoothed. Each left side wall 1163 also forms a slightly obtuse angle with the top wall 1159. The transition between each left side wall 1163 and the top wall 1159 includes a smoothed transition piece 1164. There is no shield element 1155 in which a slot 1158 in the back wall 1157 extends into the left side wall 1163.

Similarly, each right side wall 1161 of a shield element 1155 extends from a side (opposite from where the left side wall 1163 is located, if applicable) of the back wall 1157 and the top wall 1159. Each right side wall 1161 forms an obtuse angle with the back wall 1157. Each right side wall 1161 is slightly concave. The transition between each right side wall 1161 and the back wall 1157 is smoothed. Each right side wall 1161 also forms a slightly obtuse angle with the top wall 1159. The transition between each right side wall 1161 and the top wall 1159 includes a smoothed transition piece 1162. There is no shield element 1155 in which a slot 1158 in the back wall 1157 extends into the right side wall 1161.

As discussed above, the shield 1150 of FIGS. 11 A through 1 ID has six openings 1152. Opening 1152-1 traverses most of the width of the shield body 1151 and is shared by shield element 1155-1, shield element 1155-2, and shield element 1155-3. Opening 1152-2 is T-shaped, taking up most of the width of the shield body 1151 and running lengthwise between and next to shield element 1155-4, shield element 1155-5, shield element 1155-6, and shield element 1155-7. Opening 1152-2 is shared by shield element 1155-8, shield element 1155-9, and shield element 1155-10. Opening 1152-3 is dedicated to shield element 1155-4 and is adjacent to opening 1152-2 and the back wall 1157 of shield element 1155-1. Opening 1152-4 is dedicated to shield element 1155-5 and is adjacent to opening 1152-2 and the back wall 1157 of shield element 1155-3. Opening 1152-5 is dedicated to shield element 1155-6 and is adjacent to opening 1152-2 and the back wall 1157 of shield element 1155-4. Opening 1152-6 is dedicated to shield element 1155-7 and is adjacent to opening 1152-2 and the back wall 1157 of shield element 1155-5. The openings 1152 in this case are approximately as wide as the corresponding openings 752 of the shield 750 of FIGS. 7A through 7D.

FIG. 1 ID shows a detailed example of shield element 1155-6 of the shield 1150. The shield element 1155-6 includes a back wall 1157-6 that extends downward from the shield body 1151 at a substantially perpendicular angle. The back wall 1157-6 has one slot 1158-6 (also called a slotted aperture) that traverses therethrough. The slot 1158-6 extends along most, but not all, of the width of the back wall 1157-6. The top wall 1159-6 of the shield element 1155-6 is substantially planar and extends from the distal end of the back wall 1157-6 to form an obtuse angle (substantially similar to the angle 366 discussed above) relative to the back wall 1157-6 as well as a supplementary angle 1165 (in this case, an acute angle) relative to the shield body 1151. The top wall 1159-6 is solid, lacking any slots and/or other types of apertures that traverse the thickness of the top wall 1159-6.

The shield element 1155-6 also includes a left side wall 1163-6 and a right side wall 1161-6. The left side wall 1163-6 and the right side wall 1161-6 each form substantially the same obtuse angle with the back wall 1157-6 at opposite sides of the back wall 1157-6. The left side wall 1163-6 and the right side wall 1161-6 are each solid, aside from the ends of the slots 1158. A smoothed transition piece 1164-6 forms the transition between the right side wall 1163-6 and the top wall 1159-6, and another smoothed transition piece 1162-6 forms the transition between the right side wall 1161-6 and the top wall 1159-6.

FIGS. 12A through 12D show various views of yet another shield 1250 according to certain example embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 12A shows a bottom view of the shield 1250. FIG. 12B shows a bottom perspective view of the shield 1250. FIG. 12C shows a side view of the shield 1250. FIG. 12D shows a detailed bottom perspective view of part of the shield 1250. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 12D, the shield 1250 of FIGS. 12A through 12D can be substantially the same as the shields (e.g., shield 350) described above, except as discussed below.

For example, the shield 1250 of FIGS. 12A through 12D includes a shield body 1251, four coupling features 1253 (also sometimes called light fixture coupling features 1253 herein) disposed in the shield body 1251, six openings 1252 that traverse the shield body 1251, and ten shield elements 1255 that are disposed in and extend away from the shield body 1251. The four coupling features 1253 (coupling feature 1253-1, coupling feature 1253-2, coupling feature 1253-3, and coupling feature 1253-4) are each in the form of an aperture that traverses the thickness of the shield body 1251. Coupling feature 1253-1 is located at the front center of the shield body 1251, coupling feature 1253-2 is located at the center of the left side of the shield body 1251, coupling feature 1253-3 is located at the rear center of the shield body 1251, and coupling feature 1253-4 is located at the center of the right side of the shield body 1251. Each coupling feature 1253 is configured to couple indirectly to at least one other component of the light fixture (e.g., light fixture 320) using an independent coupling feature (e.g., coupling feature 385).

The ten shield elements 1255 of the shield 1250 are arranged in three rows (from the left side to the right side of the shield body 1251) and six columns (from the front to the back of the shield body 1251), which is substantially similar to the arrangement of the ten shield elements 355 of the shield 350 discussed above. Specifically, shield element 1255- 1 is positioned in the first row and the left column. Shield element 1255-2 is positioned in the second row and the center column. Shield element 1255-3 is positioned in the first row and the right column. Shield element 1255-4 is positioned in the third row and the left column. Shield element 1255-5 is positioned in the third row and the right column. Shield element 1255-6 is positioned in the fourth row and the left column. Shield element 1255-7 is positioned in the fourth row and the right column. Shield element 1255-8 is positioned in the sixth row and the left column. Shield element 1255-9 is positioned in the fifth row and the center column. Shield element 1255-10 is positioned in the sixth row and the right column.

Each shield element 1255 of the shield 1250 includes a back wall 1257 and a top wall 1259. The back wall 1257 of each shield element 1255 extends downward at a substantially perpendicular angle relative to the shield body 1251. Each back wall 1257 has a front surface that is configured to be directed toward a target volume of space (and also a distal end of the light fixture) and a rear surface that is configured to be directed toward an avoided volume of space (and also a proximal end of the light fixture). Each back wall 1257 of the shield elements 1255 are substantially planar. In this case, the back wall 1257 of all ten shield elements 1255 is solid, having no slots, apertures, or similar features that traverse therethrough.

The top wall 1259 of each shield element 1255 is substantially planar and extends from the distal end of the back wall 1257 to form an obtuse angle (similar to the angle 366 discussed above) relative to the back wall 1257 as well as a supplementary angle 1265 (in this case, an acute angle) relative to the shield body 1251. The top wall 1259 is solid, lacking any slots and/or other types of apertures that traverse the thickness of the top wall 1259. Shield element 1255-1 has a right side wall 1261 and no left side wall. Shield element 1255-2 and shield element 1255-9 have no side walls, although shield element 1255- 9 is wider than shield element 1255-2. Shield element 1255-3 has a left side wall 1263 and no right side wall. Shield element 1255-4, shield element 1255-5, shield element 1255-6, shield element 1255-7, shield element 1255-12, and shield element 1255-10 each have both a left side wall 1263 and a right side wall 1261.

Each left side wall 1263 extends from a side of the back wall 1257 and the top wall 1259. Each left side wall 1263 forms an obtuse angle with the back wall 1257. Each left side wall 1263 is slightly concave. The transition between each left side wall 1263 and the back wall 1257 is smoothed. Each left side wall 1263 also forms a slightly obtuse angle with the top wall 1259. The transition between each left side wall 1263 and the top wall 1259 includes a smoothed transition piece 1264.

Similarly, each right side wall 1261 of a shield element 1255 extends from a side (opposite from where the left side wall 1263 is located, if applicable) of the back wall 1257 and the top wall 1259. Each right side wall 1261 forms an obtuse angle with the back wall 1257. Each right side wall 1261 is slightly concave. The transition between each right side wall 1261 and the back wall 1257 is smoothed. Each right side wall 1261 also forms a slightly obtuse angle with the top wall 1259. The transition between each right side wall 1261 and the top wall 1259 includes a smoothed transition piece 1262.

As discussed above, the shield 1250 of FIGS. 12A through 12D has six openings 1252. Opening 1252-1 traverses most of the width of the shield body 1251 and is shared by shield element 1255-1, shield element 1255-2, and shield element 1255-3. Opening 1252-2 is T-shaped, taking up most of the width of the shield body 1251 and running lengthwise between and next to shield element 1255-4, shield element 1255-5, shield element 1255-6, and shield element 1255-7. Opening 1252-2 is shared by shield element 1255-8, shield element 1255-9, and shield element 1255-10. Opening 1252-3 is dedicated to shield element 1255-4 and is adjacent to opening 1252-2 and the back wall 1257 of shield element 1255-1. Opening 1252-4 is dedicated to shield element 1255-5 and is adjacent to opening 1252-2 and the back wall 1257 of shield element 1255-3. Opening 1252-5 is dedicated to shield element 1255-6 and is adjacent to opening 1252-2 and the back wall 1257 of shield element 1255-4. Opening 1252-6 is dedicated to shield element 1255-7 and is adjacent to opening 1252-2 and the back wall 1257 of shield element 1255-5. The openings 1252 in this case are approximately as wide as the corresponding openings 752 of the shield 750 of FIGS. 7A through 7D.

FIG. 12D shows a detailed example of shield element 1255-6 of the shield 1250. The shield element 1255-6 includes a back wall 1257-6 that extends downward from the shield body 1251 at a substantially perpendicular angle. The back wall 1257-6 is solid, without any slots and/or other apertures. The top wall 1259-6 of the shield element 1255-6 is substantially planar and extends from the distal end of the back wall 1257-6 to form an obtuse angle (substantially similar to the angle 366 discussed above) relative to the back wall 1257-6 as well as a supplementary angle 1265 (in this case, an acute angle) relative to the shield body 1251. The top wall 1259-6 is solid, lacking any slots and/or other types of apertures that traverse the thickness of the top wall 1259-6. The shield element 1255-6 also includes a left side wall 1263-6 and a right side wall 1261-6. The left side wall 1263-6 and the right side wall 1261-6 each form substantially the same obtuse angle with the back wall 1257-6 at opposite sides of the back wall 1257-6. The left side wall 1263-6 and the right side wall 1261-6 are each solid. A smoothed transition piece 1264-6 forms the transition between the right side wall 1263-6 and the top wall 1259-6, and another smoothed transition piece 1262-6 forms the transition between the right side wall 1261-6 and the top wall 1259-6.

FIGS. 13A through 13D show various views of still another shield 1350 according to certain example embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 13 A shows a bottom view of the shield 1350. FIG. 13B shows a bottom perspective view of the shield 1350. FIG. 13C shows a side view of the shield 1350. FIG. 13D shows a detailed bottom perspective view of part of the shield 1350. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 13D, the shield 1350 of FIGS. 13A through 13D can be substantially the same as the shields (e.g., shield 350) described above, except as discussed below.

For example, the shield 1350 of FIGS. 13A through 13D includes a shield body 1351, four coupling features 1353 (also sometimes called light fixture coupling features 1353 herein) disposed in the shield body 1351, six openings 1352 that traverse the shield body 1351, and ten shield elements 1355 that are disposed in and extend away from the shield body 1351. The four coupling features 1353 (coupling feature 1353-1, coupling feature 1353-2, coupling feature 1353-3, and coupling feature 1353-4) are each in the form of an aperture that traverses the thickness of the shield body 1351. Coupling feature 1353-1 is located at the front center of the shield body 1351, coupling feature 1353-2 is located at the center of the left side of the shield body 1351, coupling feature 1353-3 is located at the rear center of the shield body 1351, and coupling feature 1353-4 is located at the center of the right side of the shield body 1351. Each coupling feature 1353 is configured to couple indirectly to at least one other component of the light fixture (e.g., light fixture 320) using an independent coupling feature (e.g., coupling feature 385).

The ten shield elements 1355 of the shield 1350 are arranged in three rows (from the left side to the right side of the shield body 1351) and six columns (from the front to the back of the shield body 1351), which is substantially similar to the arrangement of the ten shield elements 355 of the shield 350 discussed above. Specifically, shield element 1355- 1 is positioned in the first row and the left column. Shield element 1355-2 is positioned in the second row and the center column. Shield element 1355-3 is positioned in the first row and the right column. Shield element 1355-4 is positioned in the third row and the left column. Shield element 1355-5 is positioned in the third row and the right column. Shield element 1355-6 is positioned in the fourth row and the left column. Shield element 1355-7 is positioned in the fourth row and the right column. Shield element 1355-8 is positioned in the sixth row and the left column. Shield element 1355-9 is positioned in the fifth row and the center column. Shield element 1355-10 is positioned in the sixth row and the right column.

Each shield element 1355 of the shield 1350 includes a back wall 1357 and a top wall 1359. The back wall 1357 of each shield element 1355 extends downward at a substantially perpendicular angle relative to the shield body 1351. Each back wall 1357 has a front surface that is configured to be directed toward a target volume of space (and also a distal end of the light fixture) and a rear surface that is configured to be directed toward an avoided volume of space (and also a proximal end of the light fixture). Each back wall 1357 of the shield elements 1355 are substantially planar. In this case, the back wall 1357 of all ten shield elements 1355 is solid, having no slots, apertures, or similar features that traverse therethrough.

The top wall 1359 of each shield element 1355 (except for shield element 1355-8, shield element 1355-9, and shield element 1355-10) is substantially planar and extends from the distal end of the back wall 1357 to form an obtuse angle (similar to the angle 366 discussed above) relative to the back wall 1357 as well as a supplementary angle 1365 (in this case, an acute angle) relative to the shield body 1351. The bottom surface of the distal end of these top walls 1359 is tapered to be substantially parallel to the shield body 1351. With respect to shield element 1355-8, shield element 1355-9, and shield element 1355-10, which form the rear row of the shield 1350 and have no light sources located behind them, the top wall 1359 extends substantially perpendicular from the bottom end of the back wall 1357. This configuration is used in all shield elements of shields currently used in the art.

The top wall 1359 is solid, lacking any slots and/or other types of apertures that traverse the thickness of the top wall 1359. Shield element 1355-1 has a right side wall 1361 and no left side wall. Shield element 1355-2 and shield element 1355-9 have no side walls, although shield element 1355-9 is wider than shield element 1355-2. Shield element 1355-3 has a left side wall 1363 and no right side wall. Shield element 1355-4, shield element 1355-5, shield element 1355-6, shield element 1355-7, shield element 1355-13, and shield element 1355-10 each have both a left side wall 1363 and a right side wall 1361.

Each left side wall 1363 extends from a side of the back wall 1357 and the top wall 1359. Each left side wall 1363 forms an obtuse angle with the back wall 1357. Each left side wall 1363 is slightly concave. The transition between each left side wall 1363 and the back wall 1357 is smoothed. Each left side wall 1363 also forms a slightly obtuse angle with the top wall 1359. The transition between each left side wall 1363 and the top wall 1359 includes a smoothed transition piece 1364.

Similarly, each right side wall 1361 of a shield element 1355 extends from a side (opposite from where the left side wall 1363 is located, if applicable) of the back wall 1357 and the top wall 1359. Each right side wall 1361 forms an obtuse angle with the back wall 1357. Each right side wall 1361 is slightly concave. The transition between each right side wall 1361 and the back wall 1357 is smoothed. Each right side wall 1361 also forms a slightly obtuse angle with the top wall 1359. The transition between each right side wall 1361 and the top wall 1359 includes a smoothed transition piece 1362.

As discussed above, the shield 1350 of FIGS. 13A through 13D has six openings 1352. Opening 1352-1 traverses most of the width of the shield body 1351 and is shared by shield element 1355-1, shield element 1355-2, and shield element 1355-3. Opening 1352-2 is T-shaped, taking up most of the width of the shield body 1351 and running lengthwise between and next to shield element 1355-4, shield element 1355-5, shield element 1355-6, and shield element 1355-7. Opening 1352-2 is shared by shield element 1355-8, shield element 1355-9, and shield element 1355-10. Opening 1352-3 is dedicated to shield element 1355-4 and is adjacent to opening 1352-2 and the back wall 1357 of shield element 1355-1. Opening 1352-4 is dedicated to shield element 1355-5 and is adjacent to opening 1352-2 and the back wall 1357 of shield element 1355-3. Opening 1352-5 is dedicated to shield element 1355-6 and is adjacent to opening 1352-2 and the back wall 1357 of shield element 1355-4. Opening 1352-6 is dedicated to shield element 1355-7 and is adjacent to opening 1352-2 and the back wall 1357 of shield element 1355-5. The openings 1352 in this case are approximately as wide as the corresponding openings 752 of the shield 750 of FIGS. 7A through 7D.

FIG. 13D shows a detailed example of shield element 1355-6 of the shield 1350. The shield element 1355-6 includes a back wall 1357-6 that extends downward from the shield body 1351 at a substantially perpendicular angle. The back wall 1357-6 is solid, without any slots and/or other apertures. The top wall 1359-6 of the shield element 1355-6 is substantially planar (except for the tapered bottom surface toward its distal end) and extends from the distal end of the back wall 1357-6 to form an obtuse angle (substantially similar to the angle 366 discussed above) relative to the back wall 1357-6 as well as a supplementary angle 1365 (in this case, an acute angle) relative to the shield body 1351. The top wall 1359- 6 is solid, lacking any slots and/or other types of apertures that traverse the thickness of the top wall 1359-6.

The shield element 1355-6 also includes a left side wall 1363-6 and a right side wall 1361-6. The left side wall 1363-6 and the right side wall 1361-6 each form substantially the same obtuse angle with the back wall 1357-6 at opposite sides of the back wall 1357-6. The left side wall 1363-6 and the right side wall 1361-6 are each solid. A smoothed transition piece 1364-6 forms the transition between the right side wall 1363-6 and the top wall 1359-6, and another smoothed transition piece 1362-6 forms the transition between the right side wall 1361-6 and the top wall 1359-6.

FIGS. 14A through 14D show various views of still another shield according to certain example embodiments. Specifically, FIG. 14A shows a bottom view of the shield 1450. FIG. 14B shows a bottom perspective view of the shield 1450. FIG. 14C shows a side view of the shield 1450. FIG. 14D shows a detailed bottom perspective view of part of the shield 1450. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 14D, the shield 1450 of FIGS. 14A through 14D can be substantially the same as the shields (e.g., shield 350) described above, except as discussed below.

For example, the shield 1450 of FIGS. 14A through 14D includes a shield body 1451, four coupling features 1453 (also sometimes called light fixture coupling features 1453 herein) disposed in the shield body 1451, ten openings 1452 that traverse the shield body 1451, and 26 shield elements 1455 that are disposed in and extend away from the shield body 1451. The four coupling features 1453 (coupling feature 1453-1, coupling feature 1453-2, coupling feature 1453-3, and coupling feature 1453-4) are each in the form of an aperture that traverses the thickness of the shield body 1451. Coupling feature 1453-1 is located at the left front corner of the shield body 1451, coupling feature 1453-2 is located at the right front comer of the shield body 1451, coupling feature 1453-3 is located at the right rear corner of the shield body 1451, and coupling feature 1453-4 is located at the left rear corner of the shield body 1451. Each coupling feature 1453 is configured to couple indirectly to at least one other component of the light fixture (e.g., light fixture 320) using an independent coupling feature (e.g., coupling feature 385).

The 26 shield elements 1455 of the shield 1450 are arranged in six rows (from the left side to the right side of the shield body 1451) and nine columns (from the front to the back of the shield body 1451), which is substantially similar to the arrangement of the ten shield elements 355 of the shield 350 discussed above. Specifically, shield element 1455-1 is positioned in the first (front) row and the second column. Shield element 1455-2 is positioned in the first row and the second column. Shield element 1455-3 is positioned in the first row and the fifth (middle) column. Shield element 1455-4 is positioned in the first row and the sixth column. Shield element 1455-5 is positioned in the first row and the eighth column. Shield element 1455-6 is positioned in the second row and the first (left-most) column. Shield element 1455-7 is positioned in the second row and the third column. Shield element 1455-8 is positioned in the second row and the seventh column. Shield element 1455-9 is positioned in the second row and the ninth (right-most) column.

Shield element 1455-10 is positioned in the third row and the first column. Shield element 1455-11 is positioned in the third row and the third column. Shield element 1455-12 is positioned in the third row and the seventh column. Shield element 1455-13 is positioned in the third row and the ninth column. Shield element 1455-14 is positioned in the fourth row and the first column. Shield element 1455-15 is positioned in the fourth row and the third column. Shield element 1455-16 is positioned in the fourth row and the seventh column. Shield element 1455-17 is positioned in the fourth row and the ninth column.

Shield element 1455-18 is positioned in the fifth row and the first column. Shield element 1455-19 is positioned in the fifth row and the third column. Shield element 1455-20 is positioned in the fifth row and the seventh column. Shield element 1455-21 is positioned in the fifth row and the ninth column. Shield element 1455-22 is positioned in the sixth (last) row and the second column. Shield element 1455-23 is positioned in the sixth row and the second column. Shield element 1455-24 is positioned in the sixth row and the fifth (middle) column. Shield element 1455-25 is positioned in the sixth row and the sixth column. Shield element 1455-26 is positioned in the sixth row and the eighth column.

Each shield element 1455 of the shield 1450 includes a back wall 1457 and a top wall 1459. The back wall 1457 of each shield element 1455 extends downward at a substantially perpendicular angle relative to the shield body 1451. Each back wall 1457 has a front surface that is configured to be directed toward a target volume of space (and also a distal end of the light fixture) and a rear surface that is configured to be directed toward an avoided volume of space (and also a proximal end of the light fixture). Each back wall 1457 of the shield elements 1455 are substantially planar. In this case, the back wall 1457 of all 26 shield elements 1455 is solid, having no slots, apertures, or similar features that traverse therethrough.

The top wall 1459 of each shield element 1455 of the shield 1450 is substantially planar and extends from the distal end of the back wall 1457 to form an obtuse angle (similar to the angle 366 discussed above) relative to the back wall 1457 as well as a supplementary angle 1465 (in this case, an acute angle) relative to the shield body 1451. The top wall 1459 of each shield element 1455 is solid, lacking any slots and/or other types of apertures that traverse the thickness of the top wall 1459. The top wall 1459 and the back wall 1457 of shield element 1455-1 through shield element 1455-5 are less wide than the top wall 1459 and the back wall 1457 of shield element 1455-6 through shield element 1455-21, which are less wide than the top wall 1459 and the back wall 1457 of shield element 1455-6 through shield element 1455-26.

Shield element 1455-1 through shield element 1455-26, making up the first row through the fifth row, have a right side wall 1461 and a left side wall 1463 that only extends slightly (approximately 14 the true vertical height of the shield element 1455) above the shield body 1451. Shield element 1455-22 through shield element 1455-26, making up the last row, have a left side wall 1463 and a right side wall 1461 that extend to the top of the top wall 1459, fully enclosing both sides of the shield element 1455.

Each left side wall 1463 and each right side wall 1461 of shield element 1455- 22 through shield element 1455-26 forms an obtuse angle with the back wall 1457, the top wall 1459, and the shield body 1451. The transition between each left side wall 1463 and the back wall 1457 of shield element 1455-22 through shield element 1455-26 can include smoothed transition pieces, similar to the smoothed transition piece 1364 and the smoothed transition piece 1362 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 13A through 13D.

As discussed above, the shield 1450 of FIGS. 14A through 14D has ten openings 1452. Opening 1452-1 traverses most of the width of the shield body 1451 (approaching coupling feature 1453-1 and coupling feature 1453-2) and is shared by shield element 1455-1 through shield element 1455-5. Opening 1452-2 is positioned directly behind the back walls 1457 of shield element 1455-1 and shield element 1455-2 and is shared by shield element 1455-6 and shield element 1455-7. Opening 1452-3 is positioned directly behind the back walls 1457 of shield element 1455-4 and shield element 1455-5 and is shared by shield element 1455-8 and shield element 1455-9. Opening 1452-4 is positioned directly behind the back walls 1457 of shield element 1455-6 and shield element 1455-7 and is shared by shield element 1455-10 and shield element 1455-11.

Opening 1452-5 is positioned directly behind the back walls 1457 of shield element 1455-8 and shield element 1455-9 and is shared by shield element 1455-12 and shield element 1455-13. Opening 1452-6 is positioned directly behind the back walls 1457 of shield element 1455-10 and shield element 1455-11 and is shared by shield element 1455- 14 and shield element 1455-15. Opening 1452-7 is positioned directly behind the back walls 1457 of shield element 1455-12 and shield element 1455-13 and is shared by shield element 1455-16 and shield element 1455-17.

Opening 1452-8 is positioned directly behind the back walls 1457 of shield element 1455-14 and shield element 1455-15 and is shared by shield element 1455-18 and shield element 1455-19. Opening 1452-9 is positioned directly behind the back walls 1457 of shield element 1455-16 and shield element 1455-17 and is shared by shield element 1455- 20 and shield element 1455-21. Opening 1452-10 is positioned directly behind the back walls 1457 of shield element 1455-18 through shield element 1455-21 and is shared by shield element 1455-22 through shield element 1455-26.

FIG. 14D shows a detailed example of shield element 1455-15 of the shield

1450. The shield element 1455-15 includes a back wall 1457-15 that extends downward from the shield body 1451 at a substantially perpendicular angle. The back wall 1457-15 is solid, without any slots and/or other apertures. The top wall 1459-15of the shield element 1455-15 is substantially planar (except for the tapered bottom surface toward its distal end) and extends from the distal end of the back wall 1457-15 to form an obtuse angle (substantially similar to the angle 366 discussed above) relative to the back wall 1457-15 as well as a supplementary angle 1465 (in this case, an acute angle) relative to the shield body

1451.

The top wall 1459-15 is solid, lacking any slots and/or other types of apertures that traverse the thickness of the top wall 1459-15. The shield element 1455-15 also includes a left side wall 1463-15 and a right side wall 1461-15. The left side wall 1463-15 and the right side wall 1461-15 each form substantially the same obtuse angle with the shield body 1451 and with the back wall 1457-15 at opposite sides of the back wall 1457-15. The left side wall 1463-15 and the right side wall 1461-15 are each solid.

FIG. 15 shows light distribution using a sectional view of the lighting extension 325 of the light fixture 320 of FIG. 3C according to certain example embodiments. Referring to FIGS. 1 through 15, the lighting extension 325 includes four of the ten light sources 342 (light source 342-3, light source 342-5, light source 342-7, and light source 342- 10) mounted on the circuit board 341 of the light source assembly 340. Each of the light sources 342 is set within a recess of a lens assembly 375 of the optical device 370. Specifically, light source 342-3 is set within a recess of lens assembly 375-3, light source 342-5 is set within a recess of lens assembly 375-5, light source 342-7 is set within a recess of lens assembly 375-7, and light source 342-10 is set within a recess of lens assembly 375- 10. Similarly, each lens assembly 375 of the optical device 370 is set within an opening (e.g., opening 352) in the shield 350 and is positioned in front of a shield element 355. For example, shown in FIG. 15, lens assembly 375-3 is positioned in front of shield element 355-3, lens assembly 375-5 is positioned in front of shield element 355-5, lens assembly 375-7 is positioned in front of shield element 355-7, and lens assembly 375-10 is positioned in front of shield element 355-10.

This example focuses on the light 1588 output by the light source 342-7, but the light output by any of the other light sources 342 of the light source assembly 340 can behave and be manipulated similarly. Specifically, one portion of the light 1588-1 output by the light source 342-7 is directed through the primary lens portion 376-7 toward the back of the back wall (i.e., back wall 357-5) of the shield element 355-5. At least some of the light 1588-1 passes through the slots (i.e., slots 358-5) that traverse the thickness of the back wall and continue into the target volume of space (e.g., target volume of space 118).

Another portion of the light 1588-2 emitted by the light source 342-7 is directed through the primary lens portion 376-7 toward an area below the top wall of the shield element 355-5. Because the top wall (i.e., top wall 359-5) of the shield element 355-5 forms an obtuse angle (e.g., angle 366) with the back wall, and because the top wall is shorter relative to the length of a back wall of a shield element of a shield currently used in the art. The light 1588-2 is able to pass into the target volume of space rather than be reflected back toward the avoided volume of space (e.g., avoided volume of space 119).

Yet another portion of the light 1588-3 emitted by the light source 342-7 is directed through the primary lens portion 376-7 toward the top surface of the top wall of the shield element 355-7. This portion of the light 1588-3 can be reflected back to the primary lens portion 376-7, and from there is reflected into the target volume of space. Still another portion of the light 1588-4 emitted by the light source 342-7 is directed through the secondary lens portion 377-7 toward the target volume of space. Yet another portion of the light 1588-5 emitted by the light source 342-7 is directed through the primary lens portion 376-7 toward the distal end of the top wall of the shield element 355-7, passing into the target volume of space.

Example embodiments can be used to eliminate or significantly reduce backlighting for certain types of light fixtures. Example embodiments can be utilized when the light fixture is installed with respect to a structure (e.g., a pole, a building wall). Example embodiments can be used with light fixtures having any of a number of sizes and/or features. Example embodiments can be used in new installations of light fixtures as well as retrofitting existing light fixtures. Example embodiments also provide a number of other benefits. Such other benefits can include, but are not limited to, increased ease of maintenance, greater ease of use, catering to user preferences, modularity, ease of installation, and compliance with industry standards that apply to certain light fixtures with which example embodiments can be used.

Although embodiments described herein are made with reference to example embodiments, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications are well within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the example embodiments described herein are not limited to any specifically discussed application and that the embodiments described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.

From the description of the example embodiments, equivalents of the elements shown therein will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and ways of constructing other embodiments using the present disclosure will suggest themselves to practitioners of the art. Therefore, the scope of the example embodiments is not limited herein.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A shield (350, 750, 850, 1150, 1250, 1350) for a light fixture (220, 320), the shield comprising: a shield body (351, 751, 851, 1151, 1251, 1351, 1451); a shield element (355, 755, 855, 1155, 1255, 1355, 1455) disposed in the shield body, wherein the shield element comprises: a back wall (357, 757, 857, 1157, 1257, 1357, 1457) that extends downward at a substantially perpendicular angle relative to the shield body, wherein the back wall has a front surface that is configured to be directed toward a target volume of space

(118) and a rear surface that is configured to be directed toward an avoided volume of space

(119), wherein the back wall of the shield element comprises a slot (358) that traverses the back wall, and wherein the slot is defined by a top surface (367) and a bottom surface (368); and a top wall (359, 759, 859, 1159, 1259, 1359, 1459) that extends from a distal end of the back wall and forms an acute angle (365, 765, 865, 1165, 1265, 1365) relative to the shield body; an opening (352, 752, 852, 1152, 1252, 1352, 1452) that traverses the shield body and is positioned in front of the back wall of the shield element and underneath the top wall of the shield element, wherein the opening is configured to receive a lens assembly of an optical device for a light source of the light fixture; and a light fixture coupling feature (353, 753, 853, 1153, 1253, 1353, 1453) disposed in the shield body and configured to couple to another component of the light fixture.

2. The shield of Claim 1, wherein the bottom surface of the slot in the back wall forms a slot angle (309) relative to the shield body.

3. The shield of Claim 2, wherein the top surface of the slot in the back wall forms a second slot angle (309-1) relative to the shield body.

4. The shield of Claim 2, wherein the top surface of the slot in the back wall forms the slot angle relative to the shield body.

5. The shield of Claim 1, wherein the back wall of the shield element further comprises an additional slot (358-2) that traverses the back wall and that is positioned parallel to the slot, and wherein the additional slot is defined by a second top surface (367-2) and a second bottom surface (368-2) in the back wall.

6. The shield of Claim 5, wherein the bottom surface of the slot in the back wall forms a slot angle (309) relative to the shield body, and wherein the second bottom surface of the additional slot in the back wall forms the slot angle relative to the shield body.

7. The shield of Claim 5, wherein the bottom surface of the slot in the back wall forms a first slot angle (309-2) relative to the shield body, and wherein the second bottom surface of the additional slot in the back wall forms a second slot angle (309-4) relative to the shield body.

8. The shield of Claim 1, wherein the shield element further comprises a side wall (361, 761, 861, 1161, 1261, 1361) that extends from a side of the back wall and the top wall.

9. The shield of Claim 8, wherein the shield element further comprises an additional side wall (363, 763, 863, 1163, 1263, 1363) that extends from an opposite side of the back wall and the top wall.

10. The shield of Claim 8, wherein theslot traverses the back wall and a portion of the side wall adjacent to the back wall.

11. The shield of Claim 1, further comprising: a second shield element (355, 755, 855, 1155, 1255, 1355, 1455) disposed in the shield body, wherein the second shield element comprises: a second back wall (357, 757, 857, 1157, 1257, 1357, 1457) that extends downward at a substantially perpendicular angle relative to the shield body; and a second top wall (359, 759, 859, 1159, 1259, 1359, 1459) that extends from a distal end of the second back wall and forms the acute angle (365, 765, 865, 1165, 1265, 1365, 1465) relative to the shield body, wherein the second back wall is positioned behind a second aperture in the shield body, wherein the top wall of the second shield element is positioned above the second aperture in the shield body, and wherein the second opening is configured to receive a second optical device for a second light source of the light fixture.

12. The shield of Claim 1, wherein the back wall and the top wall of the shield element each have an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surfaces of the back wall and the top wall comprise a light color that is reflective, and wherein the outer surfaces of the back wall and the top wall comprise a dark color.

13. A light fixture (220, 320) comprising: a light source assembly (340) comprising a circuit board (341) and a light source (342); an optical device (370) disposed adjacent to the light source of the light source assembly, wherein the optical device comprises a lens assembly (375); and a shield (350, 750, 850, 1150, 1250, 1350, 1450) disposed adjacent to the optical device, wherein the shield comprises: a shield body (351, 751, 851, 1151, 1251, 1351, 1451); a shield element (355, 755, 855, 1155, 1255, 1355, 1455) disposed in the shield body, wherein the shield element comprises: a back wall (357, 757, 857, 1157, 1257, 1357, 1457) that extends downward at a substantially perpendicular angle relative to the shield body, wherein the back wall has a front surface directed toward a target volume of space (118) and a rear surface directed toward an avoided volume of space (119), wherein the back wall of the shield element comprises a slot (358) that traverses the back wall, and wherein the slot is defined by a top surface (367) and a bottom surface (368); and a top wall (359, 759, 859, 1159, 1259, 1359, 1459) that extends from a distal end of the back wall and forms an acute angle (365, 765, 865, 1165, 1265, 1365, 1465) relative to the shield body; an opening (352, 752, 852, 1152, 1252, 1352, 1452) that traverses the shield body and is positioned in front of the front surface of the back wall of the shield element and underneath the top wall of the shield element, wherein the opening is configured to receive the lens assembly of the optical device for the light source of the light source assembly; and a light fixture coupling feature (353, 753, 853, 1153, 1253, 1353, 1453) disposed in the shield body and coupled to a housing (324) of the light fixture, wherein light emitted by the light source passes through the optical device and through the opening in the shield body, and wherein the shield element redirects light (1588) received from the light source toward the target volume of space and away from the avoided volume of space.

14. The light fixture of Claim 13, wherein the shield further comprises: a second shield element (355, 755, 855, 1155, 1255, 1355, 1455) disposed in the shield body, wherein the second shield element comprises: a second back wall (357, 757, 857, 1157, 1257, 1357, 1457) that extends downward at a substantially perpendicular angle relative to the shield body, wherein the second back wall has a second front surface directed toward the target volume of space and the rear surface directed toward an avoided volume of space; and a second top wall (359, 759, 859, 1159, 1259, 1359, 1459) that extends from a distal end of the second back wall, wherein the shield body further comprises a second opening (352, 752, 852, 1152, 1252, 1352, 1452) that traverses the shield body and is positioned in front of the second front surface of the second back wall of the second shield element and underneath the second top wall of the second shield element, wherein the opening is configured to receive a second lens assembly (375) of the optical device for a second light source (342) of a second light source assembly (340), wherein the second opening is further positioned behind the rear surface of the back wall of the shield element, wherein a portion of a second light (1588) emitted by the second light source is directed downward past the top wall of the shield element.