GB2572957A

GB2572957A - Improved downlighter

Info

Publication number: GB2572957A
Application number: GB1806174.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Aten Moss Ronnen
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-04-16
Filing date: 2018-04-16
Publication date: 2019-10-23
Also published as: GB201806174D0

Abstract

A downlighter comprises a housing, support brackets 122, and an actuating mechanism 140 that rotates the support brackets from a retracted to an extended position. The actuating mechanism is non-sprung and is mechanical and may take the form of worm, gear, screw, rack and pinion, hook and ratchet. The apparatus enables the downlighter to be placed in a hole in a ceiling without risk of damaging the edge of the hole as would be the case with the usual spring attachment system.

Description

IMPROVED DOWNLIGHTER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention concerns improvements in and relating to downlighters.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A recessed light or downlighter is a type light fixture or fitting that is installed into a hollow opening in a ceiling. When installed it appears to have light shining from a hole in the ceiling, concentrating the light in a downward direction as a broad floodlight or narrow spotlight.

Typically there are three parts to a recessed light fixture: housing, trim and lamp or bulb. The trim is the visible portion of the light (although versions without trims also exist). The trim is the insert that is seen when looking up into the fixture, and also includes the thin lining around the edge of the light. The housing is the fixture itself that is installed inside the ceiling and contains the lamp holder. There are many different types of lamps or bulbs that can be inserted into recessed lighting fixtures, with the amount of heat generated by the lamp or bulb being a unique consideration.

The housings which are recessed into the ceiling generally fall into two categories.

1. Light fittings for recessing into ceilings with thermal insulating matting covering the light fitting.

2. Light fittings for recessing into ceilings but not suitable for covering with thermal insulating material.

The housings come in various sizes based on the size of the opening where the light fitting is to be installed. The opening may be circular, square or any other shape and as such the housing may be circular, cylindrical, square, rectangular, cubic etc.

The housing can be open or it can be an air tight canister.

A typical prior art downlighter 10 is illustrated in Figure 1. The downlighter in this example has a closed canister housing 12, trim, 14, and bulb or lamp 16 held in place by a bulb or lamp holder (not shown). In order for the downlighter 10 to be retained in position once it has been inserted into a hole in the ceiling spring clips 18 provided. In order to install the downlighter into the ceiling the spring clips 18 are pushed back so that they are generally parallel with the sides of the canister housing 12 and the canister housing 12 and tops 20 of the spring clips 18 inserted into the hole. During this operation it is important for the user to hold both of the spring clips 18 in position, bearing in mind that typically the springs 22 of the spring clips 18 are quite strong and require considerable force to hold them in their loaded positions parallel to the canister housing 12. Once the tops 20 of the spring clips 18 have been inserted into the hole one can then carefully insert the remainder of the canister housing 12 into the hole and once the canister housing 12 has been inserted beyond the springs 22 of the spring clips 18 the spring clips 18 will then release and spring back onto the back of the ceiling to retain the downlighter in position so it doesn’t fall back out of the hole.

However, there are many problems with using spring clips as shown in the typical prior art downlighter illustrated in Figure 1. These problems include that the spring clips have to be held in position in a loaded position as the canister housing is inserted into the hole. If one releases the pressure on the spring clips prematurely they can spring back with a force reminiscent of a mouse trap straight onto the fingers of the installer. As the spring clips are inserted through the typically plaster board ceiling which is soft the spring clips are continuously trying to spring back and can cause damage around the hole as they are inserted. There is no control over the spring back of the spring clips after they have been inserted into the hole in the ceiling which can cause additional damage. In the event of an obstruction in the celling which might be caused by insulation matting or an uneven surface the spring clips may not be both released to the same extent resulting in lopsided fitting protruding from the hole in the ceiling. Then after installation when one wants to remove the fitting there is no way to do this (for a single installer working on their own which is usually the case) apart from pulling down firmly on the trim of the downlighter to force the spring clips back parallel with canister housing so that they will fit back out of the hole. However, this typically results in additional damage around the hole.

EP3062012 attempts to solve some of these problem by providing a downlighter with an automatic trigger spring mechanism. In the downlighter described an automatic trigger spring mechanism is fitted to the housing which retains the spring clips in the position parallel to the canister housing until contact is made between the rear face of the trim and the front face of the ceiling at which point the spring clips are deployed. Whist this solves some of the problems of the typical prior art downlighter many still remain.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a downlighter comprising a housing, a support bracket, and an actuating mechanism;

wherein the support bracket configured to move from a first position to a second position; and wherein the actuating mechanism is configured to actuate the movement of the support bracket.

Preferably the support bracket configured to move from a first position to a second position and all positions there between.

Preferably the support bracket configured to move from a first position which is generally parallel to the sides of the housing to a second position which is generally perpendicular to the sides of the housing.

Preferably the support bracket configured to move from a first position which is substantially parallel to the sides of the housing to a second position which is substantially perpendicular to the sides of the housing.

Preferably the support bracket configured to move from a first position which is generally parallel to the sides of the housing to a second position which is generally perpendicular to the sides of the housing and all positions there between.

Preferably the support bracket configured to move from a first position which is substantially parallel to the sides of the housing to a second position which is substantially perpendicular to the sides of the housing and all positions there between.

Preferably the support bracket is also configured to move from the second position which is generally perpendicular to the sides of the housing to the first position which is generally parallel to the sides of the housing.

Preferably the support bracket is also configured to move from the second position which is substantially perpendicular to the sides of the housing to the first position which is substantially parallel to the sides of the housing.

Preferably the support bracket is also configured to move from the second position which is generally perpendicular to the sides of the housing to the first position which is generally parallel to the sides of the housing and all positions there between.

Preferably the support bracket is also configured to move from the second position which is substantially perpendicular to the sides of the housing to the first position which is substantially parallel to the sides of the housing and all positions there between.

Preferably the actuating mechanism is configured to actuate the movement of the support bracket in a controlled manner.

Preferably the actuating mechanism is configured to actuate the movement of the support bracket in a controlled manner such that movement between the first position and the second position can be stopped, held and restarted at the first position, the second position and a number of predetermined positions there between.

Preferably the actuating mechanism is configured to actuate the movement of the support bracket in a controlled manner such that movement between the first position and the second position can be stopped, held and restarted at the first position, the second positon and any and all positions there between.

Preferably the actuating mechanism is configured to actuate the movement of the support bracket in a controlled manner such that movement between the second position and the first position can be stopped, held and restarted at the first position, the second position and a number of predetermined positions there between.

Preferably the actuating mechanism is configured to actuate the movement of the support bracket such that movement between the first position and the second position can be stopped, held and restarted at the first position, the second positon and any and all positions there between.

Preferably the actuating mechanism is configured to actuate the movement of the support bracket in a controlled manner such that movement between the second position and the first position can be stopped, held and restarted at the first position, the second positon and any and all positions there between.

Preferably the actuating mechanism is configured to actuate the movement of the support bracket such that movement between the second position and the first position can be stopped, held and restarted at the first position, the second positon and any and all positions there between.

Preferably the actuating mechanism is non-sprung.

Preferably the actuating mechanism comprises a mechanical mechanism.

Preferably the actuating mechanism comprises a linear actuator.

Preferably the actuating mechanism comprise a mechanical linear actuator.

Preferably the actuating mechanism comprises a gear arrangement, preferably a gear train.

Preferably the actuating mechanism is selected from worm drive, driven screw, screw driven worm drive, rack and pinion, and ratchet.

Preferably the actuating mechanism comprises a hinged mechanism.

Preferably the actuating mechanism comprises pivot mechanism.

Preferably the actuating mechanism comprises a hook mechanism.

Preferably the actuating mechanism comprises a mechanism wherein the support bracket is pivotally connected to the housing, a retaining member is provided within the housing and the support bracket is provided with a member for cooperating with the retaining member to retain the support bracket in a predetermined position.

Preferably a plurality of retaining members are provided such that the support bracket can be retained in a plurality of predetermined positions.

Preferably the retaining member comprises a hook.

Preferably member provided to the support bracket comprises a hook.

Preferably two support brackets, alternatively three or even four support brackets are provided.

Preferably the downlighter further comprises a trim. The trim if provided may be permanently connected and integrally formed with the housing or in the alternative it may be removeably connected and/or interchangeable as is known in the art.

Preferably the housing is a closed can style housing, however, in the alternative the housing may be a fully fire rated housing, or an open housing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

Figure 1 illustrates a typical prior art downlighter;

Figure 2 illustrates a front bottom perspective view of a downlighter according to the present invention in an extended position;

Figure 3 illustrates a front view of a downlighter according to the present invention in an extended position;

Figure 4 illustrates a bottom view of a downlighter according to the present invention in an extended position;

Figure 5 illustrates a side view of a downlighter according to the present invention in an extended position;

Figure 6 illustrates a front bottom perspective view of a downlighter according to the present invention in a non-extended position;

Figure 7 illustrates a front view of a downlighter according to the present invention in a non-extended position;

Figure 8 illustrates a front view of the internal components of a downlighter according to the present invention in an extended position with the housing depicted in dotted lines;

Figure 9a illustrates a worm drive actuating mechanism in an extended position;

Figure 9b illustrates a worm drive actuating mechanism in a non-extended position;

Figure 10a illustrates a driven screw actuating mechanism in an extended position;

Figure 10b illustrates a driven screw actuating mechanism in a non-extended position;

Figure 11a illustrates a rack and pinion actuating mechanism in an extended position;

Figure 11b illustrates a rack and pinion actuating mechanism in a non-extended position; Figure 12a illustrates a ratchet actuating mechanism in an extended position;

Figure 12b illustrates a ratchet actuating mechanism in a non-extended position;

Figure 13 illustrates a front bottom perspective view of a downlighter according to the present invention in a non-extended position with an open housing; Figure 14 illustrates a front bottom perspective view of a downlighter according to the present invention in a non-extended position with an open housing;

Figure 15 illustrates a side view hook and pivot actuating mechanism in an extended position;

Figure 16 illustrates a side view hook pivot actuating mechanism in a non-extended position;

Figure 17 illustrates a front view hook and pivot actuating mechanism in an extended position; and

Figure 18 illustrates a perspective view of a hook and pivot actuating mechanism in an extended position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the Figures the downlighter 110 generally comprises a housing 112, a trim 114 and a lamp 116.

The lamp 116 is removeably connected to a connector 120 within the downlighter 110 which would typically be a GU10 fitting, however equally could be a bayonet cap, Edison screw, MR16 or any other suitable connector desired for lamp 116.

The connector 120 is then connected to an electrical cable 117 which may optionally be provided with a transformer for connection with an electrical supply. The connector 120 may be statically provided within housing 112 such that the position of the lamp is fixed or in the alternative it may be pivotally provided within housing 112 such that the position of the lamp can be adjusted as is known in the art. The connector 120 may be magnetic to hold lamp 116 in position or the lamp 116 may be retained in positon using a clip (not shown).

The trim 114 may be permanently connected and integrally formed with the housing 112 or in the alternative it may be removeably connected and/or interchangeable as is known in the art. In a further alternative the downlighter 110 may be trim-less. In the embodiment illustrated the downlighter 110 is provided with an outer trim 114a which is designed to cover over any small defects around the edge of the hole that the downlighter is to be installed within, and in inner trim 114b which is designed to cover the gap between the lamp 116 and the edge of the housing 112 or outer trim 114a. The inner 114b and outer trims 114a may be formed integrally or may formed separately. The inner trim 114b may be configured to retain the lamp 116 in position in the connector 120, may be used to cover any clip used to retain the lamp 116 in position, may be purely cosmetic or may improve light reflectivity/refractivity for example from the lamp 116.

The housing 112 illustrated is a closed can style housing, however, in the alternative the housing may be a fully fire rated housing, or an open housing. An example of an open housing is illustrated in Figures 13 and 14.

The housing 112 is provided with support brackets 122. In the embodiment illustrated two support brackets 122 are provided however, depending on the size and weight of the downlighter it would be possible to include three or even four support brackets 122 if required. The support brackets 122 should be placed equidistantly around the housing 112. The support brackets 122 are configured to move from a first position which is substantially parallel to the sides 124 of the housing 112 and a second position which is substantially perpendicular to the sides 124 of the housing 112 and all positions there between. Figures 2 to 5 illustrate the support brackets 122 being in the second position which is substantially perpendicular to the sides 124 of the housing 112 and Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the support brackets 122 being in the first positon which is substantially parallel to the sides 124 of the housing 112. The support brackets 122 are configured such that their movement between the first positon and the second position and back again is controlled and the support brackets 122 can be held or retained at any desired position there between.

Actuating mechanisms 140 are provided to actuate the movement of each of the support brackets 122. In the embodiment illustrated and shown more detail in Figures 8, 9a and 9b, each of the actuating mechanisms 140 is a worm drive including a worm screw 150 and a worm wheel 126, the worm screw 150 being connected to a worm shaft 142. Worm screw 150 is provided with one or more spirals 130. Worm wheel 126 is provided with a plurality of teeth 128. The teeth 128 of worm wheel 126 being configured to interconnect or mesh with the one or more spirals 130 of worm screw 150.

The worm shaft 142 is provided with encasement 144, the encasement 144 being connected to the housing 112 by means of a bracket 146 or other connector. Worm wheel 126 is connected to housing 112 by means of a bracket (not illustrated) which extends in part through the centre of the worm wheel, around which worm wheel 126 is able to rotate. Housing 112 is provided with a cut out section which houses worm wheel 126 and within which worm wheel 126 is able to rotate within. As well as being connected to housing 112, worm wheel 126 is connected to support bracket 122. In the embodiment illustrated a slot is provided in worm wheel 126 is provided into which support bracket 122 is located. Alternatively the support bracket 122 is provided with a slot into which worm wheel 126 is located. Ideally worm wheel 126 is permanently connected to support bracket 122 and may be welded, glued, integrally formed or otherwise permanently secured. The encasement 144 in the embodiment illustrated is elongate, however, it may in the alternative resemble a nut from a nut and bolt assembly and only encase a small amount of the worm shaft 142.

Worm shaft 142 is free to rotate within encasement 144. Worm shaft 142 is provided with a means for enabling the user to rotate the worm shaft 142 within encasement 144. In one alternative corresponding male and female threads are provided on the external surface of worm shaft 142 and the internal surface of encasement 144. In the embodiment illustrated the means is a screw head 148 into which a correspondingly shaped screwdriver, L-key or bit can be inserted. In the embodiment illustrated the screw head 148 comprises a Philips screw head, however, in the alternative it may be slotted, Pozidriv, Torx (RTM), Torx Plus (RTM), triangle-recess, square recess, hex interior, hex exterior, Multi tooth, Torq-Set (RTM), Tri-Wing (RTM), Spanner or any other type of screw head. Further in the alternative the means may be a thumb screw which may be rotated without the need for any tool. The screw head 148 or other means is accessed through the trim 144 if provided through aperture 152. In the embodiment illustrated the screw head 148 is recessed within aperture 152, however, in the alternative the screw head 148 or other means may protrude and extend there through.

When screw head 148 (or other means) is turned, this results in worm shaft 142 rotating within encasement 144. This in turn results in rotation of worm 150, which in turn rotates worm wheel 126, which in turn actuates support bracket 122 causing it to raise or lower depending on the direction of rotation. Figure 9a illustrates support bracket 122 in a raised position (non-extended) whereas Figure 9b illustrates support bracket 122 in a lowered position (extended).

Preferably the actuating mechanism is provided with a means to retain the configuration of the actuated support bracket 122 such that actuation of the support bracket 122 only takes place whilst the screw head 148 (or other means) is being turned.

In an alternative embodiment illustrated in Figures 10a and 10b each of the actuating mechanisms 240 comprises a driven screw including a rod 232 having a helical thread 234 and a cog wheel 226 having a plurality of teeth 228. The teeth 228 of cog wheel 226 being configured to interconnect or mesh with the helical thread 234 of rod 232.

Rod 234 is provided with encasement 244, the encasement 244 being connected to the housing 212 by means of a bracket 246 or other connector. Cog wheel 226 is connected to housing 212 by means of a bracket (not illustrated) which extends in part through the centre of the cog wheel, around which cog wheel 226 is able to rotate. Housing 212 is provided with a cut out section which houses cog wheel 226 and within which cog wheel 126 is able to rotate within. As well as being connected to housing 212, cog wheel 226 is connected to support bracket 222. In the embodiment illustrated a slot is provided in cog wheel 226 is provided into which support bracket 222 is located. Alternatively the support bracket 222 is provided with a slot into which cog wheel 226 is located. Ideally cog wheel 226 is permanently connected to support bracket 222 and may be welded, glued, integrally formed or otherwise permanently secured. The encasement 244 in the embodiment illustrated is elongate, however, it may in the alternative resemble a nut from a nut and bolt assembly and only encase a small amount of rod 234.

Rod 234 is free to rotate within encasement 244. Rod 234 is provided with a means for enabling the user to rotate the rod 234 within encasement 244. In one alternative corresponding male and female threads are provided on the external surface of rod 234 and the internal surface of encasement 244. In the embodiment illustrated the means is a screw head 248 into which a correspondingly shaped screwdriver, L-key or bit can be inserted. In the embodiment illustrated the screw head 248 comprises a Philips screw head, however, in the alternative it may be slotted, Pozidriv, Torx (RTM), Torx Plus (RTM), triangle-recess, square recess, hex interior, hex exterior, Multi tooth, Torq-Set (RTM), Tri-Wing (RTM), Spanner or any other type of screw head. Further in the alternative the means may be a thumb screw which may be rotated without the need for any tool. The screw head 248 or other means is accessed through the trim if provided through an aperture (not shown).

When screw head 248 (or other means) is turned, this results in rod 232 rotating within encasement 244. This in turn results in rotation of the helical thread 234, which in turn rotates cog wheel 226, which in turn actuates support bracket 222 causing it to raise or lower depending on the direction of rotation. Figure 10a illustrates support bracket 222 in a raised position (non-extended) whereas Figure 10b illustrates support bracket 222 in a lowered position (extended).

Preferably the actuating mechanism is provided with a means to retain the configuration of the actuated support bracket 222 such that actuation of the support bracket 222 only takes place whilst the screw head 248 (or other means) is being turned.

In an alternative embodiment illustrated in Figures 11a and 11b each of the actuating mechanisms 340 comprises a rack and pinion type arrangement including a rack 336 having a plurality of teeth 338 and a pinion wheel 326 having a plurality of teeth 328. The teeth 328 of pinion wheel 326 being configured to interconnect or mesh with the teeth 338 of rack 336.

Rack 336 is provided with encasement 344, the encasement 344 being connected to the housing 312 by means of a bracket 346 or other connector. Pinion wheel 326 is connected to housing 312 by means of a bracket (not illustrated) which extends in part through the centre of the pinion wheel, around which pinion wheel 326 is able to rotate. Housing 312 is provided with a cut out section which houses pinion wheel 326 and within which pinion wheel 326 is able to rotate within. As well as being connected to housing 312, pinion wheel 326 is connected to support bracket 322. In the embodiment illustrated a slot is provided in pinion wheel 326 is provided into which support bracket 322 is located. Alternatively the support bracket 322 is provided with a slot into which pinion wheel 326 is located. Ideally pinion wheel 326 is permanently connected to support bracket 322 and may be welded, glued, integrally formed or otherwise permanently secured. The encasement 344 in the embodiment illustrated is elongate, however, it may in the alternative resemble a nut from a nut and bolt assembly and only encase a small amount of rack 336.

Rack 336 is free to move up and down within encasement 344. Rack 336 is provided with a means for enabling the user to move the rack 336 up and down within encasement 344. In one alternative corresponding teeth are provided on rack 336 and an internal surface of encasement 344.

When rack 336 is moved up or down it in turn rotates pinion wheel 326, which in turn actuates support bracket 322 causing it to raise or lower depending on the direction of rotation. Figure 11a illustrates support bracket 322 in a raised position (non-extended) whereas Figure 11b illustrates support bracket 322 in a lowered position (extended).

Preferably the actuating mechanism is provided with a means to retain the configuration of the actuated support bracket 322 such that actuation of the support bracket 322 only takes place whilst the rack 336 is moved up or down.

In a further alternative (not illustrated) the teeth of rack 336 may be angled such as is found on a cable tie or the like and be provided with a ratchet, such that movement of the rack 336 may only occur in one direction under normal operation unless the ratchet is release or reversed.

In yet a further alternative illustrated in Figures 12a and 12b each of the actuating mechanisms 440 comprises a ratchet type arrangement including a ratchet hook 454 and a cog wheel 426 having a plurality of teeth 428. The teeth 428 of cog wheel 426 being configured to interconnect or mesh with the ratchet hook 454. This additional ratchet type arrangement may additionally be used in conjunction with the other actuating mechanisms discussed above. Where this ratchet type arrangement is used on its own the user simply rotates the cog wheel 426 manually and the ratchet holds the cog wheel 426 in position once the user has stopped rotating the cog wheel 426. The ratchet hook 452 can simply be released to release the cog wheel 426 for the user to turn the cog wheel in the opposite direction.

Cog wheel 426 is connected to housing 412 by means of a bracket (not illustrated) which extends in part through the centre of the cog wheel, around which cog wheel 426 is able to rotate. Housing 412 is provided with a cut out section which houses cog wheel 326 and within which cog wheel 426 is able to rotate within. As well as being connected to housing 412, cog wheel 426 is connected to support bracket 422. In the embodiment illustrated a slot is provided in cog wheel 426 is provided into which support bracket 422 is located. Alternatively the support bracket 422 is provided with a slot into which cog wheel 426 is located. Ideally cog wheel 426 is permanently connected to support bracket 422 and may be welded, glued, integrally formed or otherwise permanently secured.

When cog wheel 426 is rotated, it in turn actuates support bracket 422 causing it to raise or lower depending on the direction of rotation. Figure 12a illustrates support bracket 422 in a raised position (non-extended) whereas Figure 12b illustrates support bracket 422 in a lowered position (extended).

In yet a further alternative illustrated in Figures 15 to 18 each of the actuating mechanisms 540 comprises a hook and pivot arrangement including a plurality of retaining members such as hooks 560 connected to housing 512 and a member in the form of a t-shaped bar 562 pivotally connected 564 to support bracket 522. The support bracket 522 being pivotally connected 566 to housing 512. In use to install a downlighter incorporating this mechanism the support brackets 522 are pivoted into the raised (unextended positon), the housing is then inserted through the hole in the ceiling and then the support bracket 522 falls back into its natural un-raised (extended positon), wherein the member in the form of a t-shaped bar 562 is hooked over a pair of hooks 560 to retain the support bracket 522 in its un-raised (extended positon). In use to un-install a downlighter incorporating this mechanism the t-shaped bar 562 is un-hooked from a pair of hooks 560 at which point the support bracket 522 is free to pivot unto the raised (unextended positon) as it is removed from the hole in the ceiling.

Claims

1. A downlighter comprising a housing, a support bracket, and an actuating mechanism;

2. A downlighter as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the support bracket configured to move from a first position to a second position and all positions there between.

3. A downlighter as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the support bracket configured to move from a first position which is generally parallel to the sides of the housing to a second position which is generally perpendicular to the sides of the housing.

4. A downlighter as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the support bracket configured to move from a first position which is substantially parallel to the sides of the housing to a second position which is substantially perpendicular to the sides of the housing.

5. A downlighter as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein the support bracket configured to move from a second position which is generally parallel to the sides of the housing to a first position which is generally perpendicular to the sides of the housing.

6. A downlighter as claimed in Claim 1, Claim 2 or Claim 4 wherein the support bracket configured to move from a second position which is substantially parallel to the sides of the housing to a first position which is substantially perpendicular to the sides of the housing.

7. A downhghter as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the actuating mechanism is configured to actuate the movement of the support bracket in a controlled manner.

8. A downlighter as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the actuating mechanism is configured to actuate the movement of the support bracket such that movement between the first position and the second position can be stopped, held and restarted at the first position, the second position and a number of predetermined positions there between.

9. A downlighter as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the actuating mechanism is configured to actuate the movement of the support bracket in a controlled manner such that movement between the first position and the second position can be stopped, held and restarted at the first position, the second positon and any and all positions there between.

10. A downlighter as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the actuating mechanism is configured to actuate the movement of the support bracket such that movement between the second position and the first position can be stopped, held and restarted at the first position, the second position and a number of predetermined positions there between.

11. A downlighter as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the actuating mechanism is configured to actuate the movement of the support bracket such that movement between the second position and the first position can be stopped, held and restarted at the first position, the second positon and any and all positions there between.

12. A downlighter as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the mechanism is non-sprung. actuating

13. A downlighter as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the mechanism comprises a mechanical mechanism. actuating

14. A downlighter as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the actuating mechanism comprises a linear actuator.

15. A downlighter as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the actuating mechanism comprise a mechanical linear actuator.

16. A downlighter as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the actuating mechanism comprises a gear arrangement, preferably a gear train.

17. A downlighter as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the actuating mechanism is selected from worm drive, driven screw, screw driven worm drive, rack and pinion, and ratchet.

18. A downlighter as claimed in any mechanism comprises a hinged mechanism.

19. A downlighter as claimed in any mechanism comprises pivot mechanism.

20. A downlighter as claimed in any mechanism comprises a hook mechanism.

preceding claim wherein the actuating preceding claim wherein the actuating preceding claim wherein the actuating

21. A downlighter as claimed in any of claims 18 to 20 wherein the actuating mechanism comprises a mechanism wherein the support bracket is pivotally connected to the housing, a retaining member is provided within the housing and the support bracket is provided with a member for cooperating with the retaining member to retain the support bracket in a predetermined position.

22. A downlighter as claimed in Claim 21 wherein a plurality of retaining members are provided such that the support bracket can be retained in a plurality of predetermined positions.

23. A downlighter as claimed in Claim 21 or Claim 22 wherein the retaining member comprises a hook.

24. A downlighter as claimed in any of claims 21 to 23 wherein the member provided to the support bracket comprises a hook.