EP4728202A1

EP4728202A1 - Bracket device

Info

Publication number: EP4728202A1
Application number: EP24731347.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Benjamin Noble TAZIRI; Bryan DUMLER
Original assignee: Signify Holding BV
Current assignee: Signify Holding BV
Priority date: 2023-06-14
Filing date: 2024-06-06
Publication date: 2026-04-22
Also published as: CN121311690A; WO2024256264A1

Abstract

A bracket device for joining adjacent lighting fixtures is provided. The bracket device includes a pair of arms. The pair of arms are spaced apart from one another. Each of the pair of arms have an aperture for receiving a fastener for coupling each of the pair of arms to respective housings of the adjacent lighting fixtures. The bracket device further includes a base. The base extends from the pair of arms at an angle. The base has a substantially V- shaped aperture located between the pair of arms for receiving protrusions located at respective ends of the housings. Tightening the fasteners applies an upward force on the base to force the protrusions into the V-shaped aperture to pull the respective housings toward one another to join the adjacent lighting fixtures. A system including the bracket device and method for joining adjacent lighting fixtures are also provided.

Description

BRACKET DEVICE

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally directed to a bracket device, and more specifically, to a bracket device for joining adjacent lighting fixtures. The present disclosure also is directed to a system including the bracket device and a method for adjoining adjacent lighting fixtures using the bracket device.

BACKGROUND

To install a continuous run of linear lighting fixtures, the installer must have a way to pull the fixtures tight together to block all light escaping between the adjoining fixtures and provide a seamless aesthetic along the linear fixture. Most manufacturers have various methods for achieving this with various degrees of difficulty for the installer. Some fixtures use clips that must be fastened together while some others require removal of components in the fixture just to access the joining features. Some joining methods used require difficult access to the joining features and very careful assembly.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a system for joining adjacent lighting fixtures that provides for easy installation and creates a seamless aesthetic between the lighting fixtures.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is generally directed to a bracket device for joining adjacent lighting fixtures is provided. The bracket device can be formed from sheet metal. The bracket device includes a pair of arms that are spaced apart from one another. Each of the pair of arms has an aperture defined therein for receiving a fastener for coupling each of the pair of arms to respective housings of the adjacent lighting fixtures. The apertures can be holes or slots configured to receive a screw. The bracket device further includes a base that base extends from the pair of arms at an angle. The angle can be at least 45 degrees. The base has a substantially V-shaped aperture defined therein and located between the pair of arms for receiving protrusions located at respective ends of the housings. The substantially V- shaped aperture has angled sidewalls, extending into the base at an angle between about 75 degrees to about 85 degrees, that are connected by a flat portion in the base configured to receive the protrusions therein when the adjacent lighting fixtures are joined together. Tightening the fasteners applies an upward force on the base to force the protrusions into the V-shaped aperture to pull the respective housings toward one another to join the adjacent lighting fixtures. The base is configured to block light exiting between the adjacent lighting fixtures when the bracket device is installed.

The bracket device can be easily installed between two adjacent lighting fixtures to join the adjacent lighting fixtures to eliminate a gap therebetween. Thus, the bracket device provides for a consistent aesthetic at the transition between the adjacent lighting fixtures that prevents unwanted light from escaping at the junction point. The bracket device can be installed from below the fixtures without removing components therefrom, which provides for ease of installation.

The present disclosure is also generally directed to a system including the bracket device. The bracket device can be provided along with the lighting fixtures as a system for installation of the adjacent lighting fixtures. The present disclosure also provides a method for joining adjacent lighting fixtures using the bracket device.

Generally, in one aspect, a bracket device for joining adjacent lighting fixtures is provided.

The bracket device includes a pair of arms. The pair of arms are spaced apart from one another. Each of the pair of arms have a first aperture defined therein for receiving a fastener for coupling each of the pair of arms to respective housings of the adjacent lighting fixtures.

The bracket device further includes a base. The base extends from the pair of arms at an angle. The base has a substantially V-shaped second aperture defined therein and located between the pair of arms for receiving protrusions located at respective ends of the housings. Tightening the fasteners applies an upward force on the base to force the protrusions into the substantially V-shaped second aperture to pull the respective housings toward one another to join the adjacent lighting fixtures.

According to an example, the bracket device of claim 1, wherein the bracket device is formed from sheet metal.

According to an example, the first aperture is a hole or slot configured to receive a screw.

According to an example, the angle is at least 45 degrees. According to an example, the substantially V-shaped second aperture has angled sidewalls extending into the base at an angle between about 75 degrees to about 85 degrees.

According to an example, the angled sidewalls are connected by a flat portion in the base configured to receive the protrusions therein when the adjacent lighting fixtures are joined together.

According to an example, the base is configured to block light exiting between the adjacent lighting fixtures.

Generally, in another aspect, a system is provided. The system includes a first lighting fixture and a second lighting fixture each having a housing. Each housing includes a protrusion located at an end thereof.

The system further includes a bracket device. The bracket device includes a pair of arms spaced apart from one another. Each of the pair of arms has a first aperture defined therein. The bracket device further includes a base extending from the pair of arms at an angle. The base has a substantially V-shaped second aperture defined therein and located between the pair of arms for receiving protrusions located at respective ends of the housings.

The system further includes a pair of fasteners configured to be inserted in the first aperture of the respect pair of arms for coupling each of the pair of arms to the respective housing of the first and second lighting fixtures. Tightening the fasteners applies an upward force on the base to force the protrusions into the substantially V-shaped second aperture to pull the respective housings toward one another to join the first and second lighting fixtures.

According to an example, the first lighting fixture and the second lighting fixture are linear lighting fixtures.

According to an example, the fasteners are a self-cutting screws configured to be inserted into the housings.

According to an example, the pair of fasteners are screws and the housings comprise a screw way for receiving the screws therein.

According to an example, the system further includes an extruded outer enclosure configured to be coupled to the first lighting fixture or the second lighting fixture and configured to provide an outer profile for the first lighting fixture or the second lighting fixture. According to an example, the first lighting fixture or the second lighting fixture has a housing tray configured to hinge with respect to a sidewall of the first lighting fixture or the second lighting fixture to provide access to one or more internal components of the first lighting fixture or the second lighting fixture.

Generally, in another aspect, a method for joining adjacent lighting fixtures is provided. The method includes installing a bracket device by inserting protrusions located at respective ends of housings on the adjacent lighting fixtures into a substantially V-shaped second aperture of the bracket device. The bracket device includes a pair of arms spaced apart from one another. Each of the pair of arms has a first aperture defined therein. The bracket device further includes a base extending from the pair of arms at an angle. The base has the substantially V-shaped second aperture defined therein and located between the pair of arms.

The method further includes coupling each of the pair of arms to the respective housings of the adjacent lighting fixtures using a pair of fasteners inserted into the first aperture of the arms.

The method further includes tightening the fasteners to apply an upward force on the base to force the protrusions into the substantially V-shaped second aperture to pull the respective housings toward one another to join the adjacent lighting fixtures.

According to an example, installing the bracket device is performed without removing any components of the adjacent lighting fixtures.

According to an example, the fasteners are tightened until the respective housings are in contact with one another.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminology explicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistent with the particular concepts disclosed herein.

These and other aspects of the various embodiments will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment s) described hereinafter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the various embodiments.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a system including a bracket device for joining adjacent lighting fixtures, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a isometric view of the adjacent lighting fixtures shown in FIG. 1 with the bracket device removed, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an end view of one of the adjacent lighting fixtures shown in FIG. 1, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 4A-4C are an isometric view, a side view, and a front view of the bracket device shown in FIG. 1, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method of joining adjacent lighting fixtures using a bracket device, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an end view of the lighting fixture shown in FIG. 3 with an example of an extruded skin located thereon, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is an end view of the lighting fixture shown in FIG. 3 with another example of an extruded skin located thereon, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is an end view of the lighting fixture shown in FIG. 3 with another example of an extruded skin located thereon, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is an end view of a lighting fixture having a hinged housing tray, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure is generally directed to a bracket device for joining adjacent lighting fixtures is provided. The bracket device can be formed from sheet metal. The bracket device includes a pair of arms that are spaced apart from one another. Each of the pair of arms has an aperture for receiving a fastener for coupling each of the pair of arms to respective housings of the adjacent lighting fixtures. The apertures can be holes or slots configured to receive a screw. The bracket device further includes a base that base extends from the pair of arms at an angle. The angle can be at least 45 degrees. The base has a substantially V-shaped aperture located between the pair of arms for receiving protrusions located at respective ends of the housings. The substantially V-shaped aperture has angled sidewalls, extending into the base at an angle between about 75 degrees to about 85 degrees, that are connected by a flat portion in the base configured to receive the protrusions therein when the adjacent lighting fixtures are joined together. Tightening the fasteners applies an upward force on the base to force the protrusions into the V-shaped aperture to pull the respective housings toward one another to join the adjacent lighting fixtures. The base is configured to block light exiting between the adjacent lighting fixtures when the bracket device is installed.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a system 10 including a first lighting fixture 12, a second lighting fixture 14, a bracket device 16, and a pair of fasteners 18 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14 are illustrated with their lenses removed to clearly illustrate the bracket device 16 when installed between the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14. The bracket device 16 pulls the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14 toward one another to join the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14 to provide a consistent aesthetic appearance at the junction between the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14 and to block light from escaping in unwanted areas between the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14. The bracket device 16 can be installed from below the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14 when they are installed to provide easy installation.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14 with the bracket device 16 removed. Once again, the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14 are shown with their lenses removed for illustration purposes. As shown in FIG. 2, there is a gap (G) between the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14. The gap (G) allows light to escape in unwanted directions between the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14. The gap (G) further provides an inconsistent aesthetic appearance between the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14 and also provides a view of the internal components of the first lighting fixture 12 and second lighting fixture 14, which detracts from the overall aesthetic appearance of the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14. As described in further detail below, and shown in FIG. 1, the bracket device 16 pulls the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14 toward one another to remove the gap (G) therebetween (as shown in FIG. 2).

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, in this example, the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14 are linear lighting fixtures such as installed in a continuous run of linear lighting fixtures, although the system 10 may be used to join other types of fixtures together. FIGS. 1 and 2 each show the end portions of the first lighting fixture 12 and second lighting fixture 14 to illustrate the operation of the bracket device 16. The first lighting fixture 12 has a first housing 20 and the second lighting fixture 14 has a second housing 22. The first housing 20 and the second housing 22 are configured to surround the active components of the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14, respectively, such as a light source mounted to a circuit board (not shown), by way of example. In one example, the first housing 20 and the second housing 22 are formed of sheet metal. In another example, the first housing 20 and the second housing 22 are formed of an extruded material, such as a plastic material, although the first housing 20 and the second housing 22 may be formed of other types of materials.

The bracket device 16 (FIG. 1) joins the end 24 of the first housing 20 and the end 26 of the second housing 22 together as described in further detail below. The ends 24, 26 of the first housing 20 and the second housing 22, in this example, each include a protrusion 28 configured to interact with the bracket device 16 as described in further detail below. FIG. 3 is an end view of the end 24 of the first housing 20 of the first lighting fixture 12, which includes the protrusion 28. Although the protrusion 28 of the first housing 20 is illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the protrusion 28 located on the second housing 22 is the same in structure and operation. Also, the opposing ends of the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14, which are not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, can include protrusions to join adjacent lighting fixtures located at those ends using the bracket device 16. As shown in FIG. 3, the protrusions 28 include an arm portion 29 and a slot 30 located between the arm portion 29 and a side of the first housing 20. The slot 30 is configured to receive a portion of the bracket device 16 as described in further detail below, although the protrusions 28 may have other configurations designed to interact with the bracket device 16.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first housing 20 and the second housing 22 also each include an attachment mechanism 32 for receiving one of the fasteners 18 to couple the bracket device 16 to the first housing 20 and the second housing 22, as shown in FIG. 1. In one example, the attachment mechanisms 32 can be a screw way configured to receive the fasteners 18, such as screws, therein. The screw way provides an aperture or slot for receiving the fasteners 18 therein. For example, a screw way can be employed for each of the attachment mechanisms 32 when the first housing 20 and the second housing 22 are formed of a material such a sheet metal. In another example, when the first housing 20 and the second housing 22 are formed of an extruded material, such as a plastic, the attachment mechanisms 32 can be a portion of the extruded material into which the fasteners 18, such as self-cutting screws, can be directly inserted into to secure the bracket device 16 to the first housing 20 and the second housing 22.

The system 10 further includes the bracket device 16 for joining the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14 as shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 4A-4C provide isometric, side, and front views, respectively, of the bracket device 16 according to aspects of the present disclosure. In this example, the bracket device 16 includes a pair of arms 34 and a base 36. As shown in FIG. 4B, the base 36 extends from the pair of arms 34 at an angle (0). In one example, the angle (9) is at least 45 degrees. In one example, the bracket device 16 is formed of sheet metal, although other materials may be employed for the bracket device 16.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4C, the pair of arms 34 are spaced apart from one another by a gap 37 therebetween. Each of the pair of arms 34 has an aperture 38 defined therein for receiving a respective one of the fasteners 18 for coupling the arms 34 to the first housing 20 and the second housing 22. The apertures 38 can be holes or slots located with the arms 34. For example, slots may be employed for the apertures 38 to provide a tolerance for aligning the bracket device 16 to the attachment mechanisms 32 (shown for example in FIG. 2) of the first housing 20 and the second housing 22. The apertures 38 are configured to receive the fasteners 18, such as a screw, therein.

Referring now more specifically to FIG. 4 A, the base 36 includes a substantially V-shaped aperture 40 defined therein and located in alignment with the gap 37 between the pair of arms 34. The substantially V-shaped aperture 40 is configured to receive the arm portions 29 (FIG. 3) of the protrusions 28 located at the respective ends 24, 26 of the first housing 20 and the second housing 22, as shown in FIG. 1. The substantially V-shaped aperture 40 has angled sidewalls 42 extending into the base 36 at an angle (X) between about 75 degrees to about 85 degrees. The angled sidewalls 42 are connected by a flat portion 44 in the base configured 36 to receive the arm portions 29 (FIG. 3) of the protrusions 28 therein when the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14 are joined together, as shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, when the bracket device 16 is installed between the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14, the base 36 is positioned to block light exiting between the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the system 10 further includes the pair of fasteners 18. The fasteners 18 are configured to be inserted in the apertures 38 of the respective pair of arms 34 (as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4C) for coupling each of the pair of arms 34 to the first housing 20 and the second housing 22, respectively, as shown in FIG. 1. The fasteners 18 can be screws, such as self-cutting screws, although other types/and or numbers of fasteners can be employed to secure the bracket device 16 to the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14. Tightening the fasteners 18 applies an upward force on the base 36 of the bracket device 16 based on the angle (0) between the pair of arms 34 and the base 36 (as shown in FIG. 4B). The upward force on the base 36 forces the protrusions 28 into the V- shaped aperture 40 to pull the ends 24, 26 of the first housing 20 and the second housing 22, respectively, toward one another to join the first lighting fixture 12 and second lighting fixture 14.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method 500 for joining adjacent lighting fixtures, such as the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14 shown in FIG. 1, using a bracket device, such as the bracket device 16 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A-4C. Referring to FIGS. 1-4C, the method 500 includes, in step 510, installing the bracket device 16 (as shown in FIGS. 4A-4C) into the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14 by inserting the protrusions 28 located at respective ends 24, 26 of first housing 20 and the second housing 22 into the substantially V-shaped aperture 40 of the bracket device 16. The installation of the bracket device 16 can advantageously be performed from below the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14 and without removing any of the components of either fixture, which increases the efficiency of the installation. This method of using the bracket device 16, which can be installed from the bottom of the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14 allows the installer to join the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14 and pull them together tightly without removing any components. The bracket device 16 also provides a blocker to block any light leak between the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14 when installed (as shown in FIG. 1).

Next, in step 520, each of the pair or arms 34 of the bracket device 16 are coupled to the attachment mechanisms 32 of the first housing 20 and the second housing 22, respectively, using the fasteners 18. The fasteners 18 are inserted into the apertures 38 in the arms 34 and then inserted into the attachment mechanisms.

In step 520, the fasteners 18 are tightened, to apply an upward force on the base to force the protrusions into the V-shaped aperture to pull the respective housings toward one another to join the adjacent lighting fixtures.

Tightening the fasteners 18 applies an upward force on the base 36 of the bracket device 16 based on the angle (9) between the pair of arms 34 and the base 36 (as shown in FIG. 4B). The upward force on the base 36 forces the protrusions 28 into the V- shaped aperture 40 to pull the ends 24, 26 of the first housing 20 and the second housing 22, respectively, toward one another to join the first lighting fixture 12 and second lighting fixture 14. In one example, the fasteners 18 are tightened until the respective ends 24, 26 of the first housing 20 and the second housing 22 are in contact with one another.

Referring again to FIG. 3, the end 24 of the first lighting fixture 12 is illustrated. In certain instances, it may be desirable to change the appearance of the outer surface of a lighting fixture, such as the first lighting fixture 12. The reasons for these changes can include a customer ordering the wrong fixture, changes in the fixture layout (changing between recessed to suspended, for example), or construction changes that might change the ceiling type where a recessed fixture is being installed. In some situations, the change may be desired after the fixture has been installed. This not only can cause delays in construction schedules, but also add significant cost when making the changes to meet the requirements.

FIGS. 6-8 show exemplary outer enclosures 600, 700, 800, or skins that can be applied to a base lighting fixture, such as the first lighting fixture 12 shown in FIG. 3 to change the aesthetic appearance of the base lighting fixture. For example, the base lighting fixture could be changed between a recessed and suspended mount or change a recessed fixture to be mounted within a different ceiling type.

Referring more specifically to FIGS. 6-8, the outer enclosures 600, 700, 800 are coupled to the first lighting fixture 12, by way of example only, using screws 50, although other methods of attachment may be employed. Although two screws 50 are illustrated at the top corners of the first lighting fixture 12 are illustrated, it is to be understood that other numbers of attachment devices can be used in other locations to secure the outer enclosures 600, 700, 800 to the first lighting fixture 12.

In one example, the first lighting fixture 12 is formed of a material such as a sheet metal and can include apertures to receive the screws 50 therein. In another example, the first lighting fixture 12 is formed from an extruded material, such that the screws 50, such as self-cutting screws can be inserted directly through the first lighting fixture 12 into the outer enclosure 600, 700, 800.

The outer enclosures 600, 700, 800 are formed from an extruded material suitable for use in lighting applications, such as a plastic. The outer enclosures 600, 700, 800 in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 6-8 include attachment areas 52 that are configured to receive the screws 50, such as self-cutting screws, therein to secure the outer enclosures 600, 700, 800 to the first lighting fixture 12. Thus, the outer enclosures 600, 700, 800 can be applied and removed simply using the screws 50, or other attachment mechanism to change the profile of the lighting fixture, such as the lighting fixture 12. Thus, the outer enclosures 600, 700, 800 can be changed on-site by the installer, eliminating the need to order a new lighting fixture and wait for production timelines. Further, the outer enclosures 600, 700, 800 can be used with a base lighting fixture, such as the first lighting fixture 12, that has gone through component design and testing, electrical tables, compliance testing including UL and FCC, and also optical testing.

Accordingly, the outer enclosures 600, 700, 800 can be applied to a UL approved fixture with optical offerings to provide a new aesthetic can be achieved. A new shape can be added to give the look of an entirely new fixture just by swapping the outer enclosure 600, 700, 800. For example, FIG. 6 shows the outer enclosure 600 that provides a flanged enclosure, FIG. 7 shows the outer enclosure 700 that provides a flat appearance, and FIG. 8 shows the outer enclosure 800 that provides a rounded enclosure with a curved outer surface. Although the outer enclosures 600, 700, and 800 are illustrated and described, it is to be understood that enclosures could be formed with different configurations using different extrusions to meet various lighting configurations.

Referring now to FIG. 9, a lighting fixture 120 having a hinged housing tray 900 is shown. In one example, the lighting fixture 120 is a linear lighting fixture. The hinged housing tray 900 may also serve as a reflector. The hinged housing tray 900 in this example is configured to swing down from the lighting fixture 900 in a hinged fashion, while remaining attached on one side of the lighting fixture 120. Thus, the entire housing tray does not have to be removed in order to access internal components 910 of the lighting fixture 120, such as the internal driver and wiring. Instead, the hinged housing tray 900 can swing out of the lighting fixture 120 by loosening screw 920 on one side of the hinged housing tray 900, although the hinged housing tray 900 can be connected to the lighting fixture 120 on one side in other manners. This limits the total number of screws that need to be removed to access the internal components 910, as well as eliminates the repetitive ladder climbing and risk of mixing similar trays when re-assembling into the lighting fixture 120. The risk of wire pinching is also greatly reduced as it is simpler to re-attach the hinged housing tray 900 on just one side of the lighting fixture 120. Further, in some examples, this avoids having to disconnect the LED board wiring from the driver so the tray is not hanging on the wires, risking the wires coming out of the LED board connectors or the driver ports. All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and/or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

The phrase “and/or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and/or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements can optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and/or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and/or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and/or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of’ or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.”

As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements can optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’ shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

The above-described examples of the described subject matter can be implemented in any of numerous ways. For example, some aspects can be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. When any aspect is implemented at least in part in software, the software code can be executed on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided in a single device or computer or distributed among multiple devices/computers.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various examples of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams can represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks can occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession can, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks can sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims and other claims to which the applicant can be entitled.

While various examples have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or structures for performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the examples described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific examples described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing examples are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, examples can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Examples of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A bracket device (16) for joining adjacent lighting fixtures (12, 14), the bracket device (16) comprising: a pair of arms (34) spaced apart from one another, each of the pair of arms (34) having a first aperture (38) defined therein for receiving a fastener (18) for coupling each of the pair of arms (34) to respective housings (20, 22) of the adjacent lighting fixtures (12, 14); and a base (36) extending from the pair of arms (34) at an angle (9), the base (36) having a substantially V-shaped second aperture (40) defined therein located between the pair of arms (34) for receiving protrusions (28) located at respective ends (24, 26) of the housings (20, 22), wherein tightening the fasteners (18) applies an upward force on the base (36) to force the protrusions (28) into the substantially V-shaped second aperture (40) to pull the respective housings (20, 22) toward one another to join the adjacent lighting fixtures (12, 14).

2. The bracket device (16) of claim 1, wherein the bracket device (16) is formed from sheet metal.

3. The bracket device (16) of claim 1, wherein the first aperture (38) is a hole or slot configured to receive a screw.

4. The bracket device (16) of claim 1, wherein the angle (9) is at least 45 degrees.

5. The bracket device (16) of claim 1, wherein the substantially V-shaped second aperture (40) has angled sidewalls (42) extending into the base (36) at an angle (X) between about 75 degrees to about 85 degrees.

6. The bracket device (16) of claim 5, wherein the angled sidewalls (42) are connected by a flat portion (44) in the base (36) configured to receive the protrusions (28) therein when the adjacent lighting fixtures (12, 14) are joined together.

7. The bracket device (16) of claim 1, wherein the base (36) is configured to block light exiting between the adjacent lighting fixtures (12, 14).

8. A system (10) comprising: a first lighting fixture (12) and a second lighting fixture (14) each having a housing (20, 22), wherein each housing (20, 22) comprises a protrusion (28) located at an end (24, 26) thereof; a bracket device (16) comprising: a pair of arms (34) spaced apart from one another, each of the pair of arms (34) having a first aperture (38) defined therein; and a base (36) extending from the pair of arms (34) at an angle (0), the base (36) having a substantially V-shaped second aperture (40) defined therein and located between the pair of arms (34) for receiving protrusions (28) located at respective ends (24, 26) of the housings (20, 22); and a pair of fasteners (18) configured to be inserted in the first aperture (38) of the respective pair of arms (34) for coupling each of the pair of arms (34) to the respective housing (20, 22) of the first and second lighting fixtures (12, 14), wherein tightening the fasteners (18) applies an upward force on the base (36) to force the protrusions (28) into the substantially V-shaped second aperture (40) to pull the respective housings (20, 22) toward one another to join the first and second lighting fixtures (12, 14).

9. The system (10) of claim 8, wherein the base (36) is configured to block light exiting between the adjacent lighting fixtures (12, 14).

10. The system (10) of claim 8, wherein the fasteners (18) are a self-cutting screws configured to be inserted into the housings (20, 22).

11. The system (10) of claim 8 further comprising: an extruded outer enclosure (600, 700, 800) configured to be coupled to the first lighting fixture (12) or the second lighting fixture (14) and configured to provide an outer profile for the first lighting fixture (12) or the second lighting fixture (14).

12. The system (10) of claim 8, wherein the first lighting fixture (12) or the second lighting fixture (14) comprises a housing tray (900) configured to hinge with respect to a sidewall of the first lighting fixture (12) or the second lighting fixture (14) to provide access to one or more internal components (910) of the first lighting fixture (12) or the second lighting fixture (14).

13. A method (500) for joining adjacent lighting fixtures (12, 14), the method comprising: installing (510) a bracket device (16) by inserting protrusions (28) located at respective ends (24, 26) of housings (20, 22) on the adjacent lighting fixtures (12, 14) into a substantially V-shaped second aperture (40) of the bracket device (16), the bracket device (16) comprising: a pair of arms (34) spaced apart from one another, each of the pair of arms (34) having a first aperture (38) defined therein; and a base (36) extending from the pair of arms (34) at an angle (0), the base (36) having the substantially V-shaped second aperture (40) defined therein and located between the pair of arms (34); coupling (520) each of the pair of arms (34) to the respective housings (20, 22) of the adjacent lighting fixtures (12, 14) using a pair of fasteners (18) inserted into the first aperture (38) of the arms (34); and tightening (530) the fasteners (18) to apply an upward force on the base (36) to force the protrusions (28) into the substantially V-shaped second aperture (40) to pull the respective housings (20, 22) toward one another to join the adjacent lighting fixtures (12, 14).

14. The method (500) of claim 13, wherein the installing the bracket device (16) is performed without removing any components of the adjacent lighting fixtures (12, 14).

15. The method (500) of claim 13 further comprising: tightening (530) the fasteners (18) until the respective housings (20, 22) are in contact with one another.