GB2502066A

GB2502066A - Vertical support for elongate light

Info

Publication number: GB2502066A
Application number: GB1208404.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Renecle
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-05-14
Filing date: 2012-05-14
Publication date: 2013-11-20
Also published as: GB201208404D0

Abstract

An apparatus for supporting an elongate LED light source 10 comprises an elongate housing 24 having a transparent body to receive the elongate LED light source and to provide improved rotational rigidity to the elongate LED light source. A bracket 22 at a first end of the elongate housing 24 suspends the elongate LED light source in a substantially vertical orientation in use.

Description

Improvements In Lighting Apparatus

Field of invention

The invention relates to the use of elongate LED arrays for use in farming, such as in poultry fanning. In particular the invention relates to apparatus to enable suspension of elongate LED light sources, particularly with the aim of orientating the principal direction of light emitted from an elongate LED light source.

Background to the Invention

It is known in the field of poultry fIrming that the intensity of light to which the poultry is exposed has a significant impact on the growth and functioning abilities of the poultry. There arc three principal types of poultry that are farmed, these are known as Breeders', Broilers' and Layers'. Layers are poultry that are kept for the purpose of producing eggs and are often intensively firmed in buildings.

The farming of poultry in buildings allows for the poultry to be efficiently homed in cages, however, a problem associated with such a method of farming is the lack of natural sunlight.

Sunlight is important not only in maintaining the health of the livestock, but also in providing a natural rhythm by which their biological clocks are maintained and hence an efficient source of eggs. Poultry kept in dark conditions will not produce as good a yield of eggs when compared with poultry that is exposed to natural sunlight.

Artificial light is used to simulate natural sunlight and has the effect of improving the health and productivity of poultry in the same way that natural sunlight does. Examples of artificial sources of light are incandescent, fluorescent and light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. It is beneficial if the exposure of poultry to artificial light is not sudden, but rather the intensity of artificial light is increased slowly in the morning and decreased slowly in the evening, in line with natural sunlight, thereby simulating the effects of dawn and dusk. It is important that the artificial light is not suddenly switched on and ofZ and that it is not too intense, since this can have deleterious effects on the well-being, health and productivity of the poultry.

Buildings used for intensively farming poultry can have 10 to 20 aisles that are of the order of lOOm long. Cages of the order of 1.5 mwide by 2 m long bym high can bc placed next to each other along the aisles. A way of lighting such cages is to vertically suspend dimmable fluorescent light tubes down the aisles, between the cages, at a predefined frequency, for example 20 light tubes per aisle. The use of such a configuration of fluorescent tubes has associated problems. When machinery or workers wish to move down the aisles, the fluorescent light tubes must be moved out of the way. The tubes are relatively heavy and fragile. Dimmable fluorescent tubes are also relatively expensive.

Furthcrmorc, it is found that the intcnsity of light from fluorcsccnt light tubes at full brightness is higher than required and therefore the farmers block the light radiating in the direction of the poultry, thereby exposing the poultry solely to the difflse light that originates in the direction parallel to the aisles, which the poultry are unable to see directly. This is an inefficient means of supplying diffuse light An alternative to illuminating the building with fluorescent light tubes is to use low-cost, relatively low-brightness LEDs. Such LEDs are commercially available and are mounted as elongate LED light sources in lengths of LED tubes, LED ropes, LED tapes or LED strings, for example. The use of such elongate LED light sources, for example LED ropes, introduces several problems. One problem is that the individual LEDs act as point light sources, rather than diffuse light sources, which can cause distress to the poultry and in turn affect pmductivit A furthcr problcm is that thc light is cmittcd from cach LED in a principal direction. The light emission in the principal direction from commercially bought LED ropes operating under standard conditions can be too intense for the optimal rearing of Layers, particularly when emanating fivm discrete point sources.

It is desirable to provide a low-cost lighting system which produces dimmable diffuse light Furthermore it is desirable to provide a system of illuminating poultry in a building whereby the sources of light arc easily moved out of the way, where appropriate.

An object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus for supporting elongate LED light sources thereby controlling the principal direction of light emission fix,m the elongate LED light source.

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for supporting an elongate LED light source comprising an elongate housing having an at least partially transparent body adapted to receive the elongate LED light source, thereby to provide improved rotational rigidity to the elongate LED light source; and a first bracket at a first end of the elongate housing thereby to enable the apparatus to suspend the elongate LED light source in a substantially vertical orientation in usc.

Advantageously, the elongate housing provides rotational rigidity and support to the elongate LED light source, thereby providing means to orientate the principal direction of light emission from the LEDs mounted in the elongate LED light source along a desired axis. By orientating the substantially vertically suspended support in a direction such that poultry is not exposed to the principal direction of light emission from the LEDs, the negative effects of doing so are avoided. Furthermore, light passing through the elongate housing that supports the elongate LED light source is reflected, absorbed and scattered, thereby providing a suitably attenuated and difThse source of light that results in an improved way of illuminating poultry cages.

Preferably the elongate housing has a c-shaped cross-section, thereby defining an opening along one of the elongate sides of the elongate housing. Advantageously this allows a circular cross-sectional elongate LED light source, such as LED rope, to be received in the elongate housing. Commercially available LED ropes arc a cost cffectivc way of illuminating poultry housed in buildings.

In another example, the elongate housing has lips which in use grip the elongate LED light source, and preferably the lips are proximal the opening. Advantageously, elongate LED light sources of differing cross-sectional shapes can be received in the elongate housing. For example, square-shaped cross-sectional elongate LED light sources may be supported in the elongate housing, thereby facilitating simple orientation of the principal direction of light emission with respect to the elongate housing.

Preferably the elongate housing extends substantially along the whole length of the elongate LED light source and more preferably the elongate housing is made from an extruded plastics material. Advantageously, if the elongate housing extends substantially along the whole length of the elongate LED lights source, the elongate LED light source is provided with the optimal rotational rigidity and allows for diffusion of the light along the full length of the elongate LED light source. Furthermore, if the elongate housing is constructed from an extruded plastics material, it is relatively lightweight and frirthermore, it is simple and economically efficient to manufacture. Lightweight elongate housings are easier to suspend and easier to move out of the way. This is useful for workers who may need to move the light sources temporarily in ordcr to perform thcir work in the poultrybuilding.

In an example, the elongate housing might be at least partially textured in order to diffuse light. The diffusion of light in the direction of the poultry may be further optimiscd by appropriate texturing of the clongate housing.

Preferably the elongate housing has an opening along one of its elongate sides, the elongate LED light source comprises a plurality of LEDs which are mounted on the same plane, thereby to emit light predominantly in a direction perpendicular to the plane upon which the LEDs are mounted, wherein the plane on which the LEDs are mounted is substantially parallel to the plane formed by the opening in the elongate housing, such that a principal direction of light emission is unobstructed by the elongate housing. Advantageously, the light emission from the LEDs is efficiently used to illuminate the building, without directly shining onto the poultry. Furthermore, this provides a useful light source for the workers to move around the building in.

Preferably the bracket comprises means for orientating the elongate LED light source in use.

Advantageously, this is a cost effective means to simultaneously support the elongate LED light source via the elongate housing and a means by which simple orientation of the plate allows for control of the principal direction of light emission from the elongate LED light source.

Preferably the apparatus comprises a longitudinal axis along which the elongate LED light source is suspended in use and the bracket comprises a first and second fixing which are displaced from one another in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis thereby to enable determination of a principal direction of light emission from the elongate LED light source.

Advantageously this provides improved rotational rigidity which thereby reduces the chance of the principal direction of light omission changing and potentially illuminating the poultry in a fashion that would cause unnecessary stress to the poultry.

Preferably the first or second fixings comprise first and second apertures in the bracket.

Advantageously, this allows for the elongate housing and bracket to be suspended from a ceiling, or similar mounting, by economically viable means, such as rope and such as wire, which are easily moved. Ease of movement provides improved means for the workers in the poultry building to temporarily move the light sources whilst performing their work.

Preferably the bracket comprises a T-shaped plate and wherein the first aperture is disposed in a first arm and the second aperture is disposed in a second arm of the T-shaped plate.

Advantageously, thc T-shapcd brackct defines two axcs which arc uscd cfficicntly to orientate the elongate housing and consequently the principal direction of light emission from the elongate LED light source.

Preferably a suspending cable is attached to the first and second fixings. Advantageously this improves the rotational rigidity of the bracket and elongate housing.

Preferably a second bracket is fixed to a second end of the elongate housing. Advantageously this provides increased weight, which in turn helps to reduce rotational rigidity of the elongate LED light source.

Preferably the second bracket has at least one aperture through which a cable is received.

Advantageously, this provides a means by which the elongate LED light source and its housing are moved. The cable is pulled and hence the elongate LED light source is moved.

Furthermore, in other examples the cable is tethered, thereby improving the rotational rigidity of the elongate LED light source.

Preferably the second bracket has a rounded bottom. Advantageously this allows for the elongate LED light source to be positioned closer to the ground whilst also allowing for it to be pulled out of the way in a fashion that is not possible when using, for example, square bottomed brackets. This shape does not have sharp corners.

In an example an end case for the elongate LED light source is attached.

Preferably the bracket is removably attachable to the housing and preferably at least one fixing clamps the elongate housing to the bracket. Advantageously the bracket can be attached to commercially available elongate LED light sources and can be replaced when necessary.

In another example the elongate housing is fixedly attached to the bracket such as by welding or bonding.

In another example the elongate housing and bracket are formed from a single seamless piece of materiaL In another example a terminal block, adapted to receive the electrical connections fium the elongate LED light source, is affixed to the bracket.

In another embodiment, a kit of parts for providing apparatus which in use improves the rotational rigidity of an elongate LED light source and allows for the substantially vertically orientated suspension of the elongate LED light source, comprising an elongate housing, a bracket and fixings suitable for attaching the elongate housing to the bracket, is provided.

In another embodiment, a system of providing distributed light illumination in a building, which system comprises two or more elongate LED light sources which elongate LED light sources are suspended substantially vertically and arc supported in clongate housings thercby providing improved rotational rigidity and thereby defining a principal direction of light emission along a desired axis, is disclosed.

Other aspects and features of the claims will become apparent in the following description and claims.

Brief description of the figures

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a diagram of an elongate LED light source; Figure 2 shows a schematic of an elongate LED light source encased in an elongate housing, the housing attached to two brackets; Figure 3a shows a diagram of how an elongate LED light source with a square cross-section is received into an elongate housing; Figure 3b shows a diagram of how an elongate LED light source with a circular cross-section is received into an elongate housing; Figure 4a shows a three-dimensional expanded projection of a bracket and u-bracket fixings; Figure 4b shows a front elevation of an end of an elongate housing attached to a bracket; Figure 4e shows a side elevation of an end an elongate housing attached to a bracket; Figure 5 shows a diagram of an array of elongate LED light sources supported in elongate housings and suspended next to a series of cages.

Detailed description of an embodiment

Figure 1 is an elongate LED light source 10. Such elongate LED light sources 10 are used in conjunction with the apparatus 20 described in an embodiment of the invention. The elongate LED light source 10 comprises a section 16 at a first end of the elongate LED light source 10 and a section 17 at a second end of the elongate LED light source 10. The two sections 16, 17, are connected by an elongate body 14. The elongate body has three elongate body sides 13 and a fourth elongate body base 15. The elongate body sides 13 and elongate body base 15 form a square cross-section 16, 17. A number of LEDs 12 are mounted on the elongate body base 15 of the elongate LED light source 10.

The elongate LED light source 10 can be defined in terms of a Cartesian co-ordinate system.

The elongate body 14 extends parallel to the z-axis. The axis perpendicular to the elongate body base 15 is the y-axis. This is also the axis parallel to the principal direction of light emission from the LEDs 12 mounted in elongate LED light source 10. The axis perpendicular to the y-axis and z-axis is the x-axis, which is parallel to the plane upon which thc LEDs 12 arc mountcd and that is also dcfincd as thc clongatc body basc 15.

Figure 2 shows an elongate LED light source 10 supported by the apparatus 20 according to an embodiment of the invention.

The apparatus 20 comprises an elongate housing 24, a first bracket 22 and a second bracket 26. An elongate LED light source 10 is partially housed within the elongate housing 24.

Figurcs 3a shows how an clongatc LED light sourcc 10 is rcccivcd into an clongatc housing 24. The elongate housing 24 comprises a sidewall 30 that is connected to a sidewall 32 by a back of housing 28, arranged such that in use the two sidewalls 30, 32 and base of housing 28 form a u-shaped cross-section that encases three sides of the section 16 at one end the clongatc LED light sourcc 10 and that cncascs thc cquivalcnt three sides of the section 17 at the second end of the elongate LED light source 10. Sidewalls 30, 32 extend parallel to the y and z-axes defined for the elongate LED light source 10. The back of housing 28 extends parallel to the x and z axes. The housing 24 extends substantially along the whole length of the elongate LED light source 10, parallel to the z-axis.

The housing 24 has two housing lips 34, 36. A housing lip 34 is formed at one end of housing sidc 30, distal to back of housing 28. The housing lip 34 extends into the housing 24, parallel to thc x-axis of thc elongate LED light sourcc 10. The housing lip 34 also extends substantially along the length of the housing 24, parallel to the z-axis. A housing lip 36 is formed at one end of housing side 32, distal to back of housing 28. The housing lip 36 extends into the housing 24, parallel to the x-axis of the elongate LED light source 10. The housing lip 36 also cxtcnds substantially along thc length of thc housing 24, parallel to thc z-axis. The housing lips 34 and 36 extend toward each other to form a partially completed fourth side of a square cross-sectioned housing 24. The housing 24 has a c-shaped cross section which thereby defines an opening 35 along the length of the elongate body 14. The housing lips 34, 36 are proximal the opening 35.

In use, the elongate LED light source 10 is gripped inside the housing 24, which encases at least partially all sidcs of thc elongate LED light sourcc 10 that arc parallel to thc z-axis.

A further example of an elongate LED light source 10' with a different form being received in an elongate housing 24' is shown in figure 3b.

Referring back to figure 2, it is shown that the housing 24 is connected to the first bracket 22 and the second bracket 26. This is done using two connecting arrangements 66 and 66'. The first bracket 22 is shown in more detail in figure 4a.

Figure 4a shows a first bracket 22. The first bracket 22 is T-shaped. It comprises a bracket body 38 and bracket arms 40, 42. A fixing aperture 44 is disposed in bracket arm 40. A fixing aperture 46 is disposed in bracket arm 42. In the bracket body 38 there arc two pairs of fixing apertures 48. In use, a first u-bracket 50 with two threaded bolt legs 52 is fitted into two of the fixing apertures 48, one on each side of the bracket body 38, such that the two fixing apertures 48 used to receive a first u-bracket 50 form an axis parallel to the bracket arms 40, 42. A nut 54 is threaded and appropriately tightened on to each of the threaded bolt legs 52, thereby securing the u-bracket 50 in place. A second u-bracket 51 with two threaded bolt legs 53 is fitted into two of the fixing apertures 48, one on each side of the bracket body 38, such that the two fixing apertures 48 used to receive a first u-bracket 51 form an axis parallel to the bracket arms 40, 42. A nut 55 is threaded and appropriately tightened on to each of the threaded bolt legs 53, thereby securing the u-bracket 51 in place.

Referring again back to figure 2, connecting arrangement 66 comprises the first bracket 22 and two u-brackets 50, 51. A first end of housing 23 is placed against the first bracket 22.

The u-brackets 50, 51 are secured to the first bracket 22 by the means described previously in reference to figure 4a, such that the first end of housing 23 is clamped between the u-brackets 50, 51 and the first bracket 22, securing the first end of housing23 to the first bracket 22.

Similarly, there is a second connecting arrangement 66' at a second end of housing 25. At the second end of housing 25 there is a second bracket 26. The second end of housing is attached to the second bracket 26 by clamping the second end of housing 25 between the second bracket 26 and two u-brackets 50, 51. The u-brackets 50, 51 are secured to the second bracket 26 using the same method as described in figure 4a, relating to the first bracket 22.

That is to say, the threaded bolt legs 52 of the first and second u-brackets 50, 51 are fitted through fixing apertures in the second bracket 26 and nuts 54 arc threaded on to each of the threaded bolt legs 52 and tightened as necessary to securely attach the second end of housing to the second bracket 26.

Figure 2 shows the first bracket 22 has two fixing apertures 44, 46, disposed in the bracket arms 40, 42, as described in more detail with reference to figure 4a. Suspending wires 56 are introduced through each of the two fixing apertures 44, 46 so that in use the first bracket 22 is suspended from an appropriate ceiling mount 74.

There is also an aperture 62 in the second bracket 26. The aperture 62 is be used to thread through a wire 63 for the purpose of pulling or dragging the second bracket 26. The consequence of this is that the elongate housing 24 is pulled out of the way by a user when working in the vicinity of the apparatus 20.

Figure 2 also shows that at the first end of housing 23 there is a terminal block 58 next to the first bracket 22. This terminal block 58 is electrically connected to the elongate LED light source 10 and a power supply cable 84 is electrically connected to the terminal block 58 such that a power supply 86 is used remotely to power the elongate LED light source 10. An end block 60 is shown at the second end of housing 25, next to the second bracket 26.

In use, an elongate LED light source 10 is at least partially encased and gripped by the elongate housing 24. The elongate housing 24 is clamped using u-brackets 50, 51 to the first and second brackets 22, 26. The first bracket 22 is suspended from a ceiling mount 74.

Furthermore, in use, the elongate LED light source 10 comprises a plurality of LEDs which are mounted on the same plane, defined as parallel to the x and z axes, thereby emitting light predominantly in a direction perpendicular to this plane, which is parallel to the y-axis. The opening 35 defined by the c-shaped cross section of the elongate housing 24 is also substantially parallel to the x and z axes and consequently light emitted in the principal direction is largely unobstructed by the elongate housing 24.

The apparatus 20 comprises a longitudinal axis, in this case the z axis, along which the elongate LED light source 10 is suspended in use and the first bracket 22 comprises a first and second fixing aperture 44, 46 which arc displaced from one another in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis (along the x axis) thereby to enable determination of a principal direction of light emission from the elongate LED light source (along they axis).

Figures 4b and 4c show front and side elevations respectively of the first bracket 22 when attached to the first end of housing 23, using u-brackets 50, 51 and nuts 54. By attaching the first end of housing 23 to the first bracket 22, improved structural strength is provided to the elongate LED light source 10 that is held in the housing 24. Beneficially, elongate housing 24 provides structural rigidity at points of weakness, for example region A, when repeated flexing at this point may otherwise cause damage to the elongate LED light source 10.

Preferably the elongate housing 24 has a c-shaped cross-section, thereby defining an opening along one of the elongate sidewalls 30, 32 of the elongate housing 24.

Advantageously this allows a circular cross-sectional elongate LED light source 10, such as LED rope, to be received in the elongate housing 24. Commercially available LED ropes are a cost effective way of illuminating poultry housed in buildings.

In example, the elongate housing 24 has housing lips 34, 36 which in use grip the elongate LED light source 10, and preferably the housing lips 34, 36 are proximal the opening 35.

Preferably the housing lips 34, 36 extend substantially along the whole length of the elongate LED light source 10. In further examples the housing lips 34, 36 are not continuous along the length of the elongate housing 24. In a further example, the elongate housing 24 grips the elongate LED light source 10 without the use of housing lips 34, 36 and relics on frictional forces to hold the elongate LED light source 10 in place.

Advantageously, elongate LED light sources 10 of differing cross-sectional shapes can be received in the elongate housing 24. For example, square-shaped cross-sectional elongate LED light sources 10 may be supported in the elongate housing, thereby facilitating simple orientation of the principal direction of light emission with respect to the elongate housing 24.

Preferably the elongate housing 24 extends substantially along the whole length of the elongate LED light source 10 and more preferably the elongate housing 24 is made from an extruded plastics material. Advantageously, if the elongate housing 24 extends substantially along the whole length of the elongate LED lights source 10, the elongate LED light source is provided with the optimal rotational rigidity and allows for diffusion of the light along thc fill length of thc clongatc LED light sourcc 10. Furthcrmorc, if thc clongatc housing 24 is constructed from an extruded plastics material, it is relatively lightweight and furthermore, it is simple and economically efficient to manufacture. Lightweight elongate housings 24 are easier to suspend and easier to move out of the way. Beneficially, the elongate housing 24 provides structural rigidity at potential points of weakness that might otherwise cause damage to the elongate LED light source 10 due to repeated flexing at a point, for example region A. This is useful for workers who may need to move the elongate LED light sources 10 temporarily in order to perform their work in the poultry building.

In another example the elongate housing 24 does not extend along the whole length of the elongate LED light source 10 whilst still providing beneficially advantageous rigidity with reduced economic cost.

In a further example, the elongate housing 24 is at least partially textured in order to diffuse light. The diffusion of light in the direction of the poultry may be optimised by appropriate texturing of the elongate housing 24.

Preferably the elongate housing 24 has an opening 35 along one of its elongate sides and the elongate LED light source 10 comprises a plurality of LEDs 12 which are mounted on a parallel plane, thereby to emit light predominantly in a direction perpendicular to the plane upon which the LEDs 12 are mountcd, wherein the plane on which the LEDs 12 arc mounted is substantially parallel to the plane formed by the opening 35 in the elongate housing 24, such that a principal direction of light emission is unobstructed by the elongate housing 24.

Advantagcously, thc light cmission from thc LEDs 12 is efflcicntly uscd to illuminate thc building, without directly shining onto the poultry. Furthermore, this provides a useful light source for the workers to move around the building.

Preferably the first bracket 12 comprises means for orientating the elongate LED light 10 source in use. Advantageously, this is a cost effective means to simultaneously support the elongate LED light source 10 via the elongate housing 24 and a means by which simple orientation of the plate allows for control of the principal direction of light emission from the clongatc LED light source 10.

Preferably the apparatus 20 comprises a longitudinal axis along which the elongate LED light source 10 is suspended in use and the fir st bracket 22 comprises a first and second fixing aperture 44, 46 which are displaced from one another in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis thereby to enable determination of a principal direction of light emission from the elongate LED light source 10. Advantageously this provides improved rotational rigidity which thereby reduces the chance of the principal direction of light emission changing and potentially illuminating the poultry in a fashion that would cause unnecessary stress to the poultry.

Preferably the first or second fixings apertures 44, 46 comprise first and second apertures in the bracket 22. In further examples the first or second fixings 44, 46 comprise hooks from which the first bracket 22 is suspended. Advantageously, this allows for the elongate housing 24 and first bracket 22 to be suspended from a ceiling, or similar mounting, by economically viable means, such as rope and such as wire, which are easily moved. Ease of movement provides improved means for the workers in the poultry building to temporarily move the light sources whilst performing their work.

Preferably the first bracket 22 comprises a T-shaped plate and wherein the first fixing aperture 44 is disposed in a first bracket arm 40 and the second fixing aperture 46 is disposed in a second bracket arm 42 of the T-shapcd plate. Advantageously, the T-shapcd first bracket 22 dcfincs two axes which are used efficiently to orientate the elongate housing 24 and consequently the principal direction of light emission from the elongate LED light source 10.

In further examples the first bracket 22 is rectangular in shape. However, the first bracket 22 may take any shape that allows it to perform the beneficial advantages described herein.

Preferably a suspending wire 56 is attached to the first and second fixings apertures 44, 46.

Advantageously this improves the rotational rigidity of the first bracket 22 and elongate housing 24. In further examples, the suspending wire 56 is a suspending rope. In further examples the suspending wire 56 is a rigid material.

Preferably a second bracket 26 is fixed to a second end 25 of the elongate housing 24.

Advantageously this provides increased weight, which in turn hclps to improve thc alignment and directionality of the elongate LED light source 10 through inertia and or fixing.

Preferably the second bracket 26 is fixed to a second end 25 of the elongate housing 24 using at least one u-brackct 50. In further exampics othcr means of securing thc sccond brackct 26 to the second end 25 of the elongate housing 24 are used, for example at least one clip is used. In further examples irregular shaped brackets are used. In further examples the second bracket 26 is fixedly attached to the second bracket 26 such as by welding or bonding. In further examples the second end of housing 25 and second bracket 26 are formed from a single piece of material.

Preferably the second bracket 26 has at least one aperture 62 through which a cable is received. Advantageously, this provides a means by which the elongate LED light source 10 and its elongate housing 24 are moved. The cable is pulled and hence the elongate LED light source 10 is moved. In a frirther example, the cable is tethered, thereby improving the rotational rigidity of the elongate LED light source 10. In other examples the second bracket 26 has more than one aperture 62 that allows for more than one cable to be attached to the apparatus 20 and thus allows for a user to choose and pull the apparatus 20 in more than one selected direction.

Preferably the second bracket 26 has a rounded bottom. Advantageously this allows for the elongate LED light source 10 to be positioned closer to the ground whilst also allowing for it to be pulled out of the way in a fashion that is not possible when using, for example, square bottomed brackets. In further examples the shape of the second bracket 26 is chosen for convenience of manufacture and fitting In an example an end block 60 for the elongate LED light source 10 is attached either to the end of the elongate LED light source 10 or the second bracket 26 for receiving the elongate LED light source 10.

In one embodiment the first bracket 22 is removably attachable to the elongate housing 24 and preferably at least one u-bracket 50 clamps the elongate housing 24 to the first bracket 22. Advantageously the bracket is attached to commercially available elongate LED light sources 10 and is replaced when necessary. In further examples clips are used to clamp the elongate housing 24 to the first bracket 22. In further examples brackets with different shaped cross-sections are used to clamp the elongate housing 24 to the first bracket 22.

In another example, the elongate housing 24 is fixedly attached to the first bracket 22 such as by welding or bonding. In a further, example the elongate housing 24 and first bracket 22 are formed from a single seamless piece of material.

In another example a terminal block 58, adapted to receive the electrical connections from the elongate LED light source 10, is affixed to the first bracket 22. In flirthcr examples, the terminal block 58 is remotely placed from the apparatus 20.

In another embodiment, a kit of parts for providing apparatus 20 which in use improves the rotational rigidity of an elongate LED light source 10 and allows for the substantially vertically orientated suspension of the elongate LED light source 10, comprising an elongate housing 24, a first bracket 22 and u-brackets 50, 51 suitable for attaching the elongate housing 24 to the first bracket 22, is provided.

In further examples only one u-bracket 50 is provided in the kit of parts. In further examples different means of fixing or clamping the first bracket 22 to the first end of elongate housing 23 is provided.

In another embodiment, a system of providing distributed light illumination in a building, which system comprises two or more elongate LED light sources 10 which elongate LED light sources 10 are suspended substantially vertically and are supported in elongate housings 24 thereby providing improved rotational rigidity and thereby defining a principa' direction of light emission along a desired axis, is disclosed.

Figure 5 shows a system of illuminating a building in accordance with another aspect of the invention. A series of apparatuses 20 are suspended with suspending wire 56 from a ceiling mount 74. The apparatuses 20 are substantially suspended along an axis, for example parallel to the y-axis, as previously defined. Also parallel to the y axis are a series of cages 72 that form an array of cages 76. Each of the elongate LED light sources 10 that arc supported by an apparatus 20 are clectrically connected to a suitable DC power supply 86 using power cables 84. The power supply 86 is controlled using a control unit 88. This enables the light intensity from the elongate LED light sources 10 to be controllably varied.

Advantageously, the elongate housing 24 provides rotational rigidity and support to the elongate LED light source 10, thereby providing means to orientate the principal direction of light emission from the LEDs 12 mounted in the elongate LED light source 10 along a desired axis. By orientating the substantially vertically suspended support in a direction such that poulfry is not exposed to the principal direction of light emission from the LEDs 21, the negative effects of doing so are avoided. Furthermore, light passing through the elongate housing 24 that supports the elongate LED light source 10 is rcflcctcd, absorbed and scattered, thereby providing a suitably attenuated and diffuse source of light that results in an improved way of illuminating poultry cages 76.

Claims

Claims 1. An apparatus for supporting an elongate LED light source comprising: an elongate housing having an at least partially transparent body adapted to receive the elongate LED light source, thereby to provide improved rotational rigidity to the elongate LED light source; and a bracket at a first end of the elongate housing thereby to enable the apparatus to suspend the elongate LED light source in a substantially vertical orientation in use.
2. The apparatus of claim!, whcrcin thc clongatc housing has a c-shaped cross-section, thereby defining an opening along one of the elongate sides of the elongate housing.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the elongate housing has lips which in use grip the elongate LED light source, and preferably wherein the lips are proximal the opening.
4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the elongate housing extends substantially along the whole length of the elongate LED light source.
5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the elongate housing is made ftt,m an extruded plastics material.
6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the elongate housing is at least partially textured in order to diffuse light.
7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein when the elongate housing has an opening along one of its elongate sides, the elongate LED light source comprises a plurality of LEDs which are mounted on the same plane, thereby to emit light predominantly in a direction perpendicular to the plane upon which the LEDs are mounted, wherein the plane on which the LEDs are mounted is substantially parallel to the plane lbrmed by the opening in the elongate housing, such that a principal direction of light emission is unobstructed by the elongate housing.
8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the bracket comprises means lbr orientating the elongate LED light source in use.
9. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a longitudinal axis along which the elongate LED light source is suspended in use and the bracket comprises a first and second fixing which are displaced from one another in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis thereby to enable determination of a principal direction of light emission from the elongate LED light source.
10. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the first or second fixings comprises first and second apertures in the bracket
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the bracket comprises a T-shaped plate and wherein the first aperture is disposed in a first arm and the second aperture is disposed in a second arm of the T-shaped plate.
12. The apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising a suspending cable attached to the first and second fixings.
13. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein a second bracket is fixed to a second end of the elongate housing.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the second bracket has at least one aperture through which a cable is received.
15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the second bracket has a rounded bottom.
16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein an end case for the elongate LED light source is attached.
17. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the bracket is removably attachable to the housing and preferably wherein at least one fixing clamps the elongate housing to the bracket.
18. The apparatus of any of claims I to x, wherein the elongate housing is fixedly attached to the bracket such as by welding or bonding.
19. The apparatus of any of claims ito x, wherein the elongate housing and bracket are tbrmed froma single seamless piece of material.
20. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein a terminal block, adapted to receive the electrical connections from the elongate LED light source, is affixed to the bracket.
21. A kit of parts fix providing apparatus which in use improves the rotational rigidity of an elongate LED light source and allows lix the substantially vertically orientated suspension of thc elongate LED light source, comprising: an elongate housing; a bracket; and fixings suitable for attaching the elongate housing to the bracket.
22. A system of providing distributed light illumination in a building, which system comprises two or more elongate LED light sources which elongate LED light sources are suspended substantially vertically and are supported in elongate housings thereby providing improved rotational rigidity and thereby defining a principal direction of light emission along adesiredaxis.