GB2427263A

GB2427263A - Modular lamp housing

Info

Publication number: GB2427263A
Application number: GB0611023A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Toks Adeniji; Adrian Wise
Original assignee: ARDENT PRODUCTS Ltd
Current assignee: ARDENT PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority date: 2005-06-03
Filing date: 2006-06-05
Publication date: 2006-12-20
Also published as: GB0611023D0; GB0511331D0

Abstract

A lighting system comprises a back-box 100 and demountable gear-tray 140. The gear-tray includes means for releasably mounting a lamp 150 and associated electronics. The gear-tray has means 145 for releasably mounting it to the back-box. The back-box is mountable on a ceiling, wall, floor or other structure, and further comprises means 165 for attachment of a fascia 160. The back-box may be composed of end portions (300, fig 5) and intermediate modules (400, fig 5). The back-box may be octagonal. The back-box may be opaque or capable of light transmission.

Description

P107994GB spec MY 5-6-06 2427263

LIGHTING SYSTEM

The present invention relates to an improved lighting system. In particular, the invention relates to a modular lighting system having a demountable gear-tray and back-box, allowing a variety of different light sources to be used, and a variety of illumination effects to be achieved.

It is known to provide a lighting system having a chassis which can be mounted on a wall or ceiling, or recessed in a wall or ceiling structure, with a luminaire mounted to the chassis. However, such systems have the disadvantage that they are limited to only one type of luminaire, and one type of lighting effect.

WO 2004/01 6986 further describes a lighting installation comprising a main housing and a lamp housing which is releasably engagable within the main housing by means of a latch mechanism of the "push click fix, push click release" type. A variety of different light bulbs and light transmitting windows can be attached to the lamp holder.

The system suffers the disadvantage that only one type of luminaire is supported, and the dimensions of the light transmitting window are constrained by the dimensions of the housing. Thus, replacement of the entire system would be required if a change in the type of luminaire used is required, or if there is a change in the required lighting conditions. Such a situation may arise due to a change in the purpose for which an illuminated area is used, or due to advances in lighting technology.

According to the present invention there is provided a lighting system comprising a back-box and demountable gear-tray, the demountable geartray having means for releasably mounting a lamp and associated electronics, and means for releasably mounting the gear-tray to the backbox, the back-box being mountable on or in a ceiling, wall, floor or other structure, the back-box further comprising means for attachment of a fascia.

The invention has the advantage that different lamps and fasciae may be used in an installation by replacing or upgrading only modular components of the lighting system, without having to replace the entire lighting system.

P107994GB spec MY 5-6-06 The back-box may further comprise means for attachment of a lens. Alternatively or in addition, the fascia may comprise means for attachment of a lens. This feature has the advantage that the flexibility of the system is further enhanced. Thus, different lenses, for example lenses of different colours, may be substituted in an existing installation without the need to replace the entire lighting system.

Preferably the means for attachment of a lens comprises a quick-release mechanism.

The quick-release mechanism may comprise at least one selected from amongst a latch mechanism, a push-click-fix, push-click-release' mechanism, or any other suitable means. Such mechanisms enable rapid and convenient installation and removal of the gear-tray, which is particularly important where a lighting system is installed in a location that requires ladder access such as a ceiling. A latch mechanism may be formed integrally with the back box and gear tray during fabrication.

Alternatively or in addition, an aperture may be provided in a portion of the back-box to permit a screw or bolt to be used. A screw or bolt may be particularly preferable where a lighting system is installed in a public place, in order to discourage unauthorised tampering with or removal of a lens. Alternatively any other suitable means for attachment may be used that discourages tampering or removal.

Preferably, the back-box comprises a base member and at least one sidewall member.

The lighting system may be of arcuate profile along a length of the system. This feature enhances flexibility of the system in adapting to a variety of installation conditions.

The back-box may comprise a plurality of modules, the modules having means for interconnection, preferably releasable interconnection. The modules may be generally rectangular or square, in which case the lighting system may include at least one end module having a base member and three sidewall members, and at least one intermediate module having a base member and two sidewall members projecting from opposite or adjacent edges of the base, an edge of the end module not having a side depending therefrom being releasably connectable to an edge of the intermediate module not having a side depending therefrom. Intermediate modules having sidewall members projecting from adjacent edges of the base may serve as corner units, while intermediate modules having sidewall members projecting from opposite edges may serve as extension units. A modular system has the advantage that lighting systems of P107994GB spec MY 5-606 a range of lengths and shapes may be produced from a small number of different components, simplifying substantially the planning of a given site installation.

Preferably, the end back-boxes and the intermediate back-boxes are releasably connectable, for example by a latch mechanism or any other suitable means.

The base member of the back-box may alternatively be of hexagonal, octagonal or other polygonal shape, the back-box having a sidewall member depending from each edge of the base member. This has the advantage that circular fasciae may be accommodated more easily than in the case of a back-box having a square section.

Furthermore, improved illumination results from the use of a box of polygonal section since the shape conforms more closely to that of a circular fascia than does a box of square section. Particularly preferred is a base member of octagonal section.

It will be appreciated that the modular back-boxes as described in connection with the rectangular embodiment may equally be formed with polygonal embodiments other than square, with sidewall members being provided or omitted as appropriate.

The sidewall members of the back-box may subtend a range of internal angles with the base member, preferably an angle of between substantially 100 and 140 . This angle enhances sidewash over a surface to which the back-box may be mounted.

Preferably, the gear tray of the lighting system is spaced apart from the base of the back-box when fitted thereto, thereby to permit mounting of components on a side of the gear tray facing said base.

At least a portion of the back-box may be formed from a material capable of light transmission, for example being translucent or transparent. This has the advantage that, with the back-box mounted to a surface, light may be thrown from the sides of the lighting system to produce an enhanced lighting effect.

In some embodiments, side walls of the back-box may be provided with windows, or with apertures into which light filter elements may be fitted. However, it is currently preferred to form the translucent or transparent parts of the back-box integrally for ease of installation.

P107994GB spec MY 5-6-06 A blanking element capable of being attached to a light transmitting portion of the back- box may also be provided. The blanking element may have at least one light transmitting portion. The blanking element may comprise a plurality of opaque portions interposed between light transmitting portions of the blanking element, for example to give a striped effect. The blanking element may be formed as a sleeve, for example an elastomeric sleeve, adapted to be fitted around the sidewalls of a back-box, the sleeve being appropriately patterned and/or coloured as desired.

Alternatively, the back-box may be formed from an opaque material.

Alternatively, the back-box may include both opaque and translucent/transparent portions.

The back-box and other components are specifically configured so as to be surface- mountable or recessed in a wall, ceiling, floor or other structure, and also to be suspended or formed as a pendant unit. This is in contrast to known lighting systems where different back-boxes and components are required depending on whether a lighting unit is to be surface-mounted, recessed or suspended.

A key feature to this special design of the back-box is the provision of attachment points for the fascia on free edges of the sidewalls of the back-box, since this allows the back- box to be both recessed and surface mounted while still enabling the fascia to be attached thereto.

In particular, a wide variety of different lenses, fascias, gear trays and lamps can all be fitted to a single back-box, thus obviating the need to replace the entire lighting unit when a different lighting effect or design of fascia is desired.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 shows exploded and assembled views of a lighting system of a first embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 2 shows exploded and assembled views of a lighting system of a second embodiment of the invention; P107994GB spec MY 5-6-06 FIGURE 3 shows exploded and assembled views of a lighting system of a third embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 4 shows exploded and assembled views of a lighting system of a fourth embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 5 shows exploded views of a modular back-box system of a fifth embodiment of the invention showing the inner surface of the back-box; FIGURE 6 shows exploded views of a modular back-box system of the firth embodiment of the invention showing the outer surface of the back-box; FIGURE 7 shows a sixth embodiment comprising a pendant lamp arrangement; FIGURE 8 shows how a lighting unit of the present invention may be recess-fitted; FIGURE 9 shows (a) an embodiment of the invention installed in a receiving tray and (b) and exploded view of an embodiment of the invention showing a receiving tray and a receiving tray liner; FIGURE 10 shows a receiving tray according to an embodiment of the invention in (a) exploded and (b) assembled configurations; FIGURE 11 shows a receiving tray installed in a suspended ceiling to replace a ceiling tile; FIGURE 12 shows a receiving tray installed in an aperture cut in a ceiling tile; FIGURE 13 shows an embodiment of the invention having a fascia having a two-lens configuration installed in a recess in a conventional ceiling; FIGURE 14 shows an embodiment of the invention wherein the backbox is mounted in a receiving tray, the receiving tray being mounted on a stand; FIGURE 15 shows an exploded view of the embodiment of FIGURE 13; P107994GB spec MY 5-6-06 FIGURE 16 shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the invention wherein a receiving tray is suspended by a pendant; FIGURE 17 shows an unexploded view of the embodiment of FIGURE 15; FIGURE 18 shows an embodiment of the invention suspended below a suspended ceiling; and FIGURE 19 shows embodiments of the invention wherein a backbox is mounted directly to a wall.

Figure 1 show a lighting system comprising a back-box 100 formed by injection- moulding from a plastics material (ABS) in the shape of a box having a base 103 and four walls 110 depending from four edges of the square base. The waIls 110 of the back-box subtend an internal angle of approximately 1100 with the base 103 of the back-box 100.

The back-box 100 further comprises four moulded latches 145 in the base of the back- box 100 that snap into apertures 147 formed in the gear tray 140. The gear tray 140 comprises a base 142 to which a lamp 150 and any hardware 155 associated with the lamp 150 may be mounted.

A fascia 160 is provided together with a fascia lens 170. The lens 170 is either clipped to the back-box 100 or attached thereto by way of screw holes 190 and screws (not shown). The fascia 160 attaches to the back-box 100 by means of latches 165 provided at the free edges of the sidewalls 110 of the back-box 100. This configuration allows the back-box to be either recess-mounted or surface-mounted (or even suspended) while still allowing the fascia 160 to be snap fitted thereto. The base 103 of the back-box 100 has a plurality of holes 182 to facilitate mounting of the back-box 100 to a surface (if used for surface mounting). A hole 180 is provided for entry of electric wiring into the back-box.

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment, similar to the embodiment of Figure 1, but having a differently-shaped fascia 160 and three demountable gear trays 140. This P107994GB spec MY 5-6-06 illustrates how the same basic design of back-box 100 can accommodate different fascias 160, thus providing improved flexibility with a limited number of components.

Figure 3 shows a third embodiment, with similar parts being labelled as for Figures 1 and 2. The embodiment of Figure 3 has an octagonal back-box 100 with eight sidewalls 110. The gear tray 140 is also octagonal, and is provided with three circular lamps 150. The gear tray 140 clips to the back-box 100 by way of latches 145. A lens and clip-on circular fascia 160 are provided, the fascia 160 being adapted to clip onto the projections 165. If required, the lens 170 may be secured to the back-box 100 by way of screw holes 190 and screws (not shown).

Figure 4 shows a fourth embodiment, similar to the embodiment of Figure 3, but having a square lens 170 and square fascia 160. It can be seen how the same back-box 100 can be used for differently-shaped lenses 170 and fascias 160.

The back-box 100 may be fabricated from a light transmitting ABS plastics material, to provide an enhanced lighting effect including side-wash. In alternate embodiments the back-box 100 may be fabricated from an opaque material such as a plastics material or metal.

Figures 5 and 6 show how a back-box can be built from a plurality of modules. A module may be an end module 300 or a middle module 400, the modules being capable of interlocking by means of a latch mechanism to form a modular back-box of the required dimensions. Each module 300, 400 has a latch 310 along a connecting edge that may be inserted into a corresponding guide aperture of the edge of an adjacent module, the latch 310 engaging a recess of the adjacent module to form a releasable connection between the modules.

By connecting two end modules 300 together, a module having a square base may be formed. The modules have latch mechanisms for connecting a gear tray 140 and fascia that are fully compatible with the gear trays, lenses and fasciae of the first two embodiments of the invention.

In addition to the middle modules 400, there may be provided corner modules (not shown) with adjacent sidewalls, thus allowing L'-shaped and other non- straight back- boxes to be constructed.

P107994GB spec MY 5-6-06 It will be appreciated that this modular backbox concept may be applied equally to the octagonal back-boxes of Figures 3 and 4, and to any other shape back-boxes, thus allowing a wide range of lighting units to be constructed from a relatively small number of parts.

Optionally, apertures 330 may be provided in a wall of the back-box to allow light transmission. Lenses or blanking elements may be fitted to the back-box to cover the apertures 330.

Figure 7 shows how a back-box 100 with a lens 170 and fascia 160 can be fitted with a pendant pole 200 by way of a pendant base 210 with a threaded aperture 220 and screw holes 230 for attaching the pendant base 210 to the back-box 100.

Figure 8 shows how a back-box 100 with a lens 170 and fascia 160 can be recess-fitted into a ceiling tile 500 by way of a first bracket 510 adapted to clip onto edge rails 501 of the ceiling tile 500, and a second bracket 520 adapted to be received by the first bracket 510. The first bracket 510 has a central re-entrant section 511 with prongs 512 on inner side parts thereof. The prongs 512 are adapted to engage teeth 521 formed in rails 522 of the second bracket 520, which is adapted to be fitted onto the back-box 100, for example by way of screws. The teeth 521 are shaped (e.g. barbed) so as to allow the back-box 100 to be pushed upwards into the recess with ease, the teeth engaging the prongs 512, but to prevent the back-box 100 from moving downwards, thus securing the lighting unit in place with minimum effort.

In an alternative embodiment, a receiving tray 600 is provided to which the backbox 100 may be mounted (Figure 9), for example by way of screws. In embodiments of the invention the receiving tray is formed from a powder coated metallic material such as steel. A liner 610 may be provided for the receiving tray 600. The backbox 100 may be mounted to the receiving tray 600 with the liner 610 disposed therebetween. The liner serves to shield the receiving tray 600 from view. This is because the receiving tray 600 may be provided with tabs 650 that may be bent outwardly when the tray is received in a suspended ceiling structure or in an aperture formed in a ceiling tile in a suspended ceiling structure. In the case of an oversized' receiving tray 600 such as that shown in Figure 9(a), the tabs 650 would be visible. In the case of a non-oversized P107994GB spec MV 5-6-06 receiving tray 600 such as that shown in Figure 10(a), Figure 10(b), the tabs are not visible when the receiving tray 600 is installed in a ceiling.

As shown in Figure 11, the receiving tray 600 may be formed of a size corresponding to a size of a ceiling tile of a suspended ceiling, to replace a ceiling tile. Alternatively the receiving tray 600 may be formed to mount within an aperture cut in a ceiling tile (Figure 12). In a further alternative, the receiving tray 600 may be mounted in a recess in a non-suspended ceiling (Figure 13), or a recess in a wall.

The backbox 100 may be formed from a light transmitting material, such as a translucent material. The light transmitting material may be coloured, thereby to provide different visual effects.

For example, if the backbox 100 is formed from a coloured, translucent material, and the lens is formed from a translucent white material, the coloured backbox allows a coloured sidewash to be provided, whilst white light is shone through the lens, for example to a corridor of a building. In the situation where a receiving tray 600 is provided, the sidewash may illuminate inner walls of the receiving tray. In the situation where the backbox 100 is mounted directly to a wall of a ceiling, sidewash over the wall or ceiling may be thereby provided.

Clearly, where coloured lighting is desirable, according to embodiments of the invention it is not necessary to provide separate coloured lamps, or separate coloured lenses in order to obtain a multi-coloured effect. Rather, both white lighting and coloured lighting effects may be obtained from a single white light source. In embodiments of the invention a coloured lens and/or a coloured backbox 100 may be employed.

In embodiments of the invention a backbox is mounted to a stand, the stand being mountable on a surface such as a floor or a table. In embodiments of the invention the backbox 100 is mounted in a receiving tray 710, the receiving tray 710 being mounted to a stand 700. A fascia 720 is attached to a front portion of the backbox 100 and may be of a shape corresponding to that of the receiving tray 710 (Figure 14, Figure 15). A gap may be provided between the fascia 720 and the receiving tray 710, to allow light to pass between the components. This feature enhances the illumination effect, allowing (in the case of a coloured backbox) coloured light to pass between the fascia and the receiving tray.

P107994GB spec MY 5-6-06 In embodiments of the invention, the receiving tray 800 is provided with pendant anchor points to which pendants may be attached. The receiving tray may be shaped to deflect light in a particular direction, such as vertically downwards (Figure 16, Figure 17).

Embodiments allow lighting systems of a range of forms and characters to be provided, since the fascia portion may be formed in a variety of shapes, as shown for example in Figure 18 and Figure 19.

In embodiments of the invention the receiving tray is covered in a flexible material. In embodiments of the invention the receiving tray is covered in a fabrics material. In embodiments of the invention the receiving tray is formed from a wood-containing material such as natural wood, or a man-made material comprising a wooden material.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of the words, for example "comprising" and "comprises", means "including but not limited to", and is not intended to (and does not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith.

Claims

P107994GB spec MY 5-6-06 CLAIMS

1. A lighting system comprising a back-box and demountable gear-tray, the demountable gear-tray having means for releasably mounting a lamp and associated electronics, and means for releasably mounting the gear-tray to the back-box, the back-box being mountable on or in a ceiling, wall, floor or other structure, the back-box further comprising means for attachment of a fascia.

2. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein the back-box further comprises means for attachment of a lens.

3. The lighting system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the fascia comprises means for attachment of a lens.

4. The lighting system of claim 2 or 3, wherein the means for attachment of a lens is at least one selected from amongst a latch mechanism, a push-click-fix, push-click- release' mechanism, a screw and a bolt.

5. The lighting system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the back box comprises a base member and at least one sidewall member.

6. The lighting system of any preceding claim, wherein the gear-tray is attached to the back-box by means of a latch mechanism.

7. The lighting system of claim 6, wherein the latch mechanism comprises a resilient tongue of the base, and an aperture of the gear-tray.

8. The lighting system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lighting system is of arcuate profile along a length of the system.

9. The lighting system of any one of claims I to 8, wherein the back-box comprises a plurality of modules, the modules having means for interconnection.

10. The lighting system of claim 9, wherein there is provided an end module having a base member and three sidewall members, and a middle module having a base P107994GB spec MY 5-6-06 member and two sidewall members projecting from opposite edges of the base, an edge of the end module not having a side depending therefrom being releasably connectable to an edge of the middle module not having a side depending therefrom.

11. The lighting system of claim 10, wherein the end back-box and the middle back- box are releasably connectable by a latch mechanism.

12. The lighting system of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the gear tray is spaced apart from the base of the back-box, thereby to permit mounting of components on a side of the gear tray facing said base.

13. The lighting system of any one of claims Ito 12, wherein the back-box is formed from an opaque material.

14. The lighting system of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least a portion of the back-box is formed from a material capable of light transmission.

15. The lighting system of claim 14, wherein there is further provided a blanking element capable of being attached to a light transmitting portion of the back-box.

16. The lighting system of claim 15, wherein the blanking element has at least one light transmitting portion.

17. The lighting system of claim 16, wherein the blanking element comprises a plurality of opaque portions interposed between light transmitting portions of the blanking element.

18. The lighting system of any one of claims 15 to 17 wherein the blanking element comprises a sleeve.

19. The lighting system of any one of claims 14 to 18 wherein at least a portion of the backbox is formed from a coloured material capable of light transmission.

20. The lighting system of any preceding claim in combination with a receiving tray, the receiving tray being configured to connect to the backbox, the receiving tray being further adapted to connect to a supporting member.

P107994GB spec MY 5-6-06

21. The lighting system of claim 20 wherein the supporting member comprises at least one selected from amongst a suspended ceiling structure, a suspended ceiling tile, a pendant, a floor-mounted support, a portion of a wall, a portion of a ceiling, or any other suitable supporting member.

22. The lighting system of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the base member is of an octagonal shape, the back-box having a sidewall member depending from each of eight edges of the octagonal base member.

23. A lighting system substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.