NL2024250B1 - Lamp trunking system and installation system thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

A lamp trunking system comprising: a plurality of elongate units comprising at least one elongate lamp unit, each of the elongate units comprising an elongate housing and configured for being 5 mechanically and electrically interconnected to one another Via at least one of their respective extremities; a plurality of suspension means, each of the suspension means comprising a support fixation means configured for fixing the suspension means to an external support, a retaining means configured for retaining an elongate unit, a connecting means connecting the support fixation means to the retaining means; Wherein each of the elongate units comprises along the 10 length of its outer surface at least one sliding surface facing substantially downwardly; Wherein the sliding surface is configured for cooperating With at least one supporting sliding element such that the elongate unit temporarily arranged on the supporting sliding element can he slid along its length. 15 Figures 4A-4C

Description

LAMP TRUNKING SYSTEM AND INSTALLATION SYSTEM THEREOF

FIELD OF INVENTION The field of the invention relates to lamp trunking systems. Particular embodiments relate to a lamp trunking system, a method for installing a lamp trunking system, and an elongate unit for use in a lamp trunking system.

BACKGROUND Lamp trunking systems are well known and typically comprise a plurality of elongate units mechanically and electrically interconnected to one another via at least one of their respective extremities. Such lamp trunking systems are often used for industrial lighting of industry halls and other large areas. Typically the elongate units are suspended to a substructure below the roof, e.g. a substructure comprising a plurality of steel girders. Such substructure is typically located at a relatively large height requiring an elevator system to be used for installing the lamp trunking system. Such elevator system needs to be moved around in the hall for arranging a plurality of elongate units. This is a time consuming operation. Also, when machines or other bulky objects are installed in the hall, the space for moving around in the hall is often limited, so that some parts of the roof substructure are difficult to access.

SUMMARY The object of embodiment of the invention is to provide a lamp trunking system and a method for installing a lamp trunking system, allowing for a fast and easy installation of the lamp trunking system.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a lamp trunking system comprising a plurality of elongate units and a plurality of suspension means. The plurality of elongate units comprises at least one elongate lamp unit. Each of the plurality of elongate units comprises an elongate housing and is configured for being mechanically and electrically interconnected to one another via at least one of their respective extremities. A suspension means of the plurality of suspension means comprises a support fixation means configured for fixing the suspension means to an external support, such as a girder, e.g. an 1-shaped beam, of a roof substructure, a retaining means configured for retaining a corresponding elongate unit, and a connecting means connecting the support fixation means to the retaining means. An elongate unit of the plurality of elongate IO units comprises along the length of its outer surface at least one sliding surface facing substantially downwardly. The at least one sliding surface is configured for cooperating with at least one supporting sliding element such that the elongate unit temporarily arranged on the at least one supporting sliding element can be slid along its length.

By providing the elongate unit along the length of its outer surface with at least one sliding surface facing substantially downwardly, the elongate unit can be slid in a longitudinal direction. Indeed, the at least one sliding surface can cooperate with at least one supporting sliding element such that an elongate unit which is temporarily arranged on the at least one supporting sliding element can be slid along its length. In that manner, a user can be located at a fixed position for installing a plurality of elongate units by providing first a suitable sliding structure with supporting sliding elements to the external support, and then sliding the elongate units one after the other into place, wherein an extremity of a subsequent elongate unit is mechanically connected to an extremity of a previous elongate unit, and the mechanically interconnected elongate units are jointly slid to make room for the next elongate unit to be added. This results in a fast and convenient installation of the lamp trunking system.

Additionally, the at least one elongate outward protruding portion may further comprise at least one elongate downward protrusion forming a drop-edge of the at least one sliding surface. The at least one elongate downward protrusion is located along the length of the elongate unit outer surface. In this way, the substantially downwardly-facing sliding surface and the drop-edge may define a recess, thereby securing and stabilizing the cooperation of the at least one supporting sliding element with the at least one sliding surface.

Typically, the elongate units are lamp units. However, also other functionalities may be provided in an elongate unit, such as a sensor, a battery, etc. Also some units may be dummy units not containing any functionality and only serving to interconnect mechanically and electrically the adjacent elongate units. For example, the elongate unit may comprise communication circuitry, and/or memory. In addition or alternatively, the elongate unit may comprise at least one sensor, wherein preferably the at least one sensor comprises any one or more of the following sensors: a light sensor, an image sensor such as a camera, an audio sensor, an air quality sensor, a motion sensor, an environmental sensor sensing, e.g. temperature, visibility, vibration, humidity, an electromagnetic sensor such as an IR sensor or an RF sensor, a thermal sensor, a dust sensor, a photosensitive sensor, a wind sensor, a smoke sensor, a radar or lidar sensor, an accelerometer, an astronomical clock, etc. The elongate anit may also comprise an emergency sign, a loudspeaker, a panic button, a screen, a charging device, base station circuitry, WiFi circuitry, GPS receiving means, and the like.

According to an exemplary embodiment, an elongate unit comprises along the length of its outer surface at least a pair of sliding surfaces located each on opposite sides of the elongate housing. The pair of sliding surfaces faces substantially downwardly and is configured for cooperating with at least a pair of supporting sliding elements such that the elongate unit temporarily arranged on the pair of supporting sliding elements can be slid along its length. By providing a pair of sliding surface on opposite sides of the elongate housing, the elongate unit can be better supported in a balanced manner during the sliding.

Preferably, the elongate housing is provided with at least one elongate outward protruding portion forming the at least one sliding surface, e.g. an outward protruding portion arranged in an upper half of the elongate housing. In that manner the housing of the elongate unit can remain largely unchanged compared to existing trunking systems, and the at least one sliding surface can be added in a simple manner.

Preferably, the elongate housing comprises an upper housing part and a lower housing part, and the upper housing part comprises a pair of elongate outward protruding portions forming the pair of sliding surfaces. More preferably, the upper housing part has a top part with an inverted V-shape, arc-shape, or U-shape, said top part facing the plurality of suspension means when suspended to the external support. In that manner, the amount of dirt which accumulates on the top surface of the elongate unit can be reduced, as well as promote the evacuation of water. Additionally, the top part shape can be designed with a pair of elongate downward protrusions along its length configured to form a pair of drop-edges adjacent to the pair of sliding surfaces. The pair of drop-edges may further prevent accumulation of dirt or water and create a safe dripping point for falling water droplets. Preferably, the upper housing part is mountable, e.g. snap-fitted, on the lower housing part. In that manner, existing elongate units may be provided in a fast manner with an upper housing part, and existing elongate units can be easily “converted” into elongate units according to embodiments of the invention. Optionally. the upper housing part may be fixed to the top of the lower housing part using bolts or screws in order to further secure the upper housing part to the lower housing part and to insure their accurate alignments.

In an exemplary embodiment, the apper housing part delimits a separate compartment distinct from acompartment delimited by the lower housing part. In that way, the upper housing part can have double utility as a compartment for additional functional units or as a passage to run additional cables, e.g. network cables. Additionally, such compartment may be used for improving the heat dissipation of the electricity-consuming units within the lower housing part.

According to a preferred embodiment, the retaining means is further configured for cooperating with the at least one sliding surface. In that manner, the at least one sliding surface can have double utility as a sliding surface and a retaining surface. For example, the at least one sliding surface may comprise an elongate downward protrusion to improve the cooperation of the at least supporting sliding element with the at least one sliding surface; the elongate downward protrusion, or drop- edge, may as well improve the safety of the retaining means since the elongate downward protrusion will add some gripping feature.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of elongate units is configured for being mechanically and electrically interconnected to one another via at least one of their respective extremities in a tool-less manner. In this way, the installation of the lamp trunking system is faster and more user-friendly. Additionally, the plurality of elongate units may further be configured to being disconnected from each other via at least one of their respective extremities in a tool-less manner, thereby improving maintenance when changing an elongate unit.

According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting means is flexible, and preferably comprises a chain or cable. In that manner, the suspension means can be made lighter and easier to fix to the corresponding elongate unit. A flexible connecting means may also allow its length to be more 5 easily adjusted to better fit the lamp trunking system environment. According to an exemplary embodiment, the retaining means is a removable retaining clamp. In this way, the retaining means may be fixed more quickly while still allowing for easy maintenance and adjustment.

According to a preferred embodiment, the retaining means has a pair of clamp arms configured to cooperate with the pair of sliding surfaces. In this manner, the retaining means may be clamped on two points and provide a more secure fixation to the elongate unit. In one embodiment, the pair of sliding surfaces is located symmetrically on opposite sides of the elongate unit; the elongate unit may be clamped by the pair of clamp arms in a more stable manner. Additionally, the pair of clamp arms may have different lengths and induce a desired angle to the elongate unit they hold. In another embodiment, the upper housing part has a top part with an inverted V-shape, arc-shape, or U-shape, said top part facing the plurality of suspension means when suspended to the external support; the pair of clamp arms may be assembled by force more easily to the upper housing part since the top part shape will naturally force the pair of clamp arms in an open state. According to an exemplary embodiment, the support fixation means is a clamp configured for being fixed to an I-shaped beam. This can allow for a simple fixation of the support fixation means. The clamp may be a C-clamp configured to be clamped to the side of a horizontal portion ofthe I-shaped beam. In another embodiment, the clamp may be configured to be clamped over the width of the I-shaped beam section. Optionally, the clamp may comprise a spur to prevent easy removal of the clamp from the l-shaped beam. According to a preferred embodiment, a first elongate unit of the plurality of elongate units comprises an interconnecting part extending outwardly from an extremity of the elongate housing of the first elongate unit, and a second elongate unit comprises another interconnecting part extending inwardly from an extremity of the elongate housing of the second elongate unit. The interconnecting part and the another interconnecting part are configured for mechanically and electrically interconnecting the first elongate unit to the second elongate unit, said interconnecting part of the first elongate unit being located within the elongate housing of the second elongate unit when the first and second elongate units are assembled. In this manner, interconnected elongate units may have a continuous profile with essentially seamless junctions. Also, the interconnections are protected from the environment by being located within the elongate housing. Optionally, the interconnecting part and the another interconnecting part are complementary.

The skilled person will understand that the hereinabove described technical considerations and advantages for lamp trunking system embodiments also apply to the below described corresponding installation system embodiments, mutatis mutandis.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided an installation system for installing alamp trunking system comprising a plurality of elongate units. The plurality of elongate units comprises at least one elongate lamp unit. The installation system comprises a pole, and a plurality of temporary suspension means. Each of the plurality of temporary suspension means is being detachably mountable to the pole. Each of the plurality of temporary suspension means comprises a temporary support fixation means and a temporary retaining means. The temporary support fixation means is configured for fixing the temporary suspension means to an external support. The temporary support fixation means is further configured for being activated to grip the external support. The temporary retaining means is connected to the temporary support fixation means and comprises at least one supporting sliding element configured for cooperating with at least one sliding surface of an elongate unit of the plurality of elongate units. The at least one sliding surface is facing substantially downwardly, and is located along the length of an outer surface of the elongate unit, such that the elongate unit temporarily arranged on the at least one supporting sliding elements can be slid along its length. The temporary retaining means is configured for being remotely activated to release the elongate unit.

By providing the elongate unit along the length of its outer surface with at least one sliding surface facing substantially downwardly, the elongate unit can be slid in a longitudinal direction. Indeed, the at least one sliding surface can cooperate with at least one supporting sliding element such that an elongate unit which is temporarily arranged on the at least one supporting sliding element can be slid along its length. By providing the at least one supporting sliding element to the pole- mounted temporary suspension means, the user may easily reach the external support from the ground without the use of an elevator, using the length of the pole. The activation of the temporary support fixation means may be automatically triggered when the proximity of the external support is detected. Alternatively, the activation may be remotely triggered by the user. The release of the elongate unit by the temporary retaining means at the end of the installation can also be remotely activated, removing the need of being in direct proximity with the elongate unit for its installation. This results in a fast and convenient installation of the temporary structures for installing the lamp trunking system.

In an exemplary embodiment, the temporary retaining means comprise at least a pair of complementary sliding elements configured for cooperating with at least a pair of sliding surfaces of an elongate unit of the plurality of elongate units. The pair of sliding surfaces are facing substantially downwardly, and are located each on opposite sides along the length of an outer surface of the elongate unit, such that the elongate unit temporarily arranged on the complementary pair of supporting sliding elements can be slid along its length.

In a preferred embodiment, the temporary suspension means comprises a pole mount configured for mounting detachably the temporary suspension means to the pole such that the temporary suspension means can reach the external support. In that manner, the temporary suspension means {5 may be more securely mounted to the pole mount, thereby allowing an easier manipulation of the pole mounted temporary suspension means. Additionally, the pole mount may provide a passage for additional functionalities, such as plugs for a remote activation system of the temporary suspension means.

In an exemplary embodiment, the installation system further comprises a remote fixing means. The remote fixing means comprises a remote fixing head, and a pole mount. The remote fixing head is configured for fixing a support fixation means of a suspension means to the external support. The pole mount is configured for mounting, optionally detachably, the remote fixing head to the pole such that the remote fixing head can reach the external support. The remote fixing head is further configured for being remotely activated to fix the support fixation means. In this way, the installation system provides also a way for the user for fixing from the ground the permanent suspension means. This results in a fast and convenient installation of the permanent structures for installing the lamp trunking system.

Additionally, the installation system may comprise a pole-mounted guiding support means configured for guiding the elongate unit during the sliding when provided to the temporary suspension means. Indeed, when installing a plurality of elongate units interconnected to each other, the user may have to push an increasing number of elongate units. Above a certain number, to ease the sliding of the plurality of elongate units at the opposite end from the user, another user may use the pole-mounted guiding means to support that end from the ground while it is slid.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the temporary support fixation means is further configured for being remotely activated to release the external support. In this manner, the temporary support fixation means may be retrieved for further use during installation of another plurality of elongate units.

The skilled person will anderstand that the hereinabove described technical considerations and advantages for lamp trunking system and installation system embodiments also apply to the below described corresponding method for installing a lamp trunking system embodiments, mutatis mutandis.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for installing a lamp trunking system. The lamp trunking system comprises a plurality of elongate units comprising at least one elongate lamp unit. The method comprises the steps of: - fixing a plurality of suspension means to the external support; - fixing a plurality of temporary suspension means to the external support; - wherein the fixing of the corresponding plurality of temporary suspension means comprises, for each of the corresponding plurality of temporary suspension means: - detachably mounting the temporary suspension means to a pole; - rising a temporary support fixation means of the temporary suspension means at the level of the external support using the pole; - activating the temporary support fixation means to grip the external support; - for each elongate unit of the plurality of elongate units: - sliding the elongate unit along its length via at least one sliding element of the temporary suspensions means such that the elongate unit is suspended to the external support; - wherein the at least one sliding element cooperates with at least one sliding surface facing substantially downwardly and located along the length of an outer surface of the elongate unit; - if there is another elongate unit, interconnecting the another elongate unit to the suspended elongate unit; - mounting the plurality of suspension means to the plurality of elongate units; - for each of the temporary suspensions means, remotely activating the temporary suspension means to release the corresponding elongate unit, such that the plurality of elongate units is suspended to the external support by the plurality of suspension means. According to a preferred embodiment, the method comprises, for each elongate unit of the plurality of elongate units: - sliding the elongate unit along its length via at least a complementary pair of sliding elements of the temporary suspensions means such that the elongate unit is suspended to the external support - wherein the complementary pair of sliding elements cooperates with at least a pair of sliding surfaces, said pair of sliding surfaces facing substantially downwardly and located each on opposite sides along the length of an outer surface of the elongate unit; - if there is the another elongate unit, interconnecting the another elongate unit to the suspended elongate unit.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the method further comprises: - for each of the corresponding plurality of temporary suspension means, remotely activating the temporary suspension means to release the external support.

Itis to be noted that, after the installation of a row of mechanically and electrically interconnected elongate units, the user may connect the last elongate unit of the row to the mains, for example by one of its extremities.

The skilled person will understand that the hereinabove described technical considerations and advantages for lamp trunking system, installation system, and method for installing a lamp trunking system embodiments also apply to the below described corresponding elongate unit of a lamp trunking system embodiments, mutatis mutandis.

In a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided an elongate unit for use in a lamp trunking system. The elongate unit comprises an elongate housing. The elongate housing comprises an upper housing part and a lower housing part. The upper housing part comprises at least one elongate outward protruding portion forming at least one sliding surface facing substantially downwardly. The lower housing part comprises electrical wirings running along its length. In this way, the elongate unit can insure electrical connection continuity when used in the lamp trunking system. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical wirings comprises a plurality of wirings configured for the power supply, and another plurality of wirings configured for carrying signals such as control signals and or data signals. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one elongate outward protruding portion may further comprise at least one elongate downward protrusion forming a drop-edge of the at least one sliding surface. The at least one elongate downward protrusion is located along the length of the elongate unit outer surface. In this way. the substantially downwardly-facing sliding surface and the drop- edge may define a recess, thereby securing and stabilizing the cooperation of the at least one supporting sliding element with the at least one sliding surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, the upper housing part comprises a pair of elongate outward protruding portions located each on opposite sides of the elongate housing, said pair of elongate outward protruding portions forming a pair of sliding surfaces. In one embodiment, the pair of elongate outward protruding portions comprises a pair of elongate downward protrusions forming a pair of drop-edges of the pair of sliding surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, the elongate unit further comprises a light source provided to the lower housing part. Typically, the elongate units for use in the lamp trunking system are lamp units. However, also other functionalities may be provided in the elongate unit, such as a sensor, a battery, etc. Also some units may be dummy units not containing any functionality and only serving to interconnect mechanically and electrically the adjacent elongate units. For example, the clongate unit may comprise communication circuitry, and/or memory. In addition or alternatively, the elongate unit may comprise at least one sensor, wherein preferably the at least one sensor comprises any one or more of the following sensors: a light sensor, an image sensor such as a camera, an audio sensor, an air quality sensor, a motion sensor, an environmental sensor sensing, e.g. temperature, visibility, vibration, humidity, an electromagnetic sensor such as an IR sensor or an RF sensor, a thermal sensor, a dust sensor, a photosensitive sensor, a wind sensor, a smoke sensor, a radar or lidar sensor, an accelerometer, an astronomical clock, etc. The elongate unit may also comprise an emergency sign, a loudspeaker, a panic button, a screen, a charging device, base station circuitry, WiFi circuitry, GPS receiving means, and the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper housing part has a top part with an inverted V-shape, arc- shape, or U-shape, said top part facing the plurality of suspension means when suspended to the external support.

In a preferred embodiment, the width of the at least one sliding surface, as measured across its cross-section, is higher than 0,5cm, preferably higher than lem. In this manner, the risk of the elongate unit slipping [rom the at least one supporting sliding element is minimized and the sliding of the elongate unit along its length is smoother. In one embodiment, the at least one sliding surface comprises along its length the at least one elongate downward protrusion forming the drop- edge, thereby allowing the at least one supporting sliding element to be better guided along the at least one sliding surface and further minimizing the risk of the elongate unit slipping from the at least one supporting sliding element.

IO In an exemplary embodiment, the width of the upper housing part at the level of the at least one sliding surface is greater than the maximal width of the lower housing part. This allows for the at least one supporting sliding element to reach the at least one sliding surface more easily. Additionally, it renders the release of the elongate housing by the temporary retaining means more practical on a mechanical viewpoint.

In a preferred embodiment, the upper housing part is mountable on the lower housing part. In that manner, one can easily modify a lamp unit for a lamp trunking system such that it is also suited for the installation system and the method of the present invention.

In an exemplary embodiment, the upper housing part delimits a separate compartment distinct from a compartment delimited by the lower housing part.

In a preferred embodiment, the elongate unit further comprises a joining unit located essentially within the lower housing part. The lower housing part comprises an upper portion with the plurality of electrical wirings running along its length, and a lower portion comprising a functional unit. The joining unit is configured for mechanically joining the upper portion to the lower portion and for electrically connecting the functional unit to the plurality of electrical wirings of the upper portion. This results in a convenient assembly of the lower housing part. The functional unit may comprise communication circuitry, and/or memory. In addition or alternatively, the functional unit may comprise at least one sensor, wherein preferably the at least one sensor comprises any one or more of the following sensors: a light sensor, an image sensor such as a camera, an audio sensor, an air quality sensor, a motion sensor, an environmental sensor sensing, e.g. temperature, visibility, vibration, humidity, an electromagnetic sensor such as an IR sensor or an RF sensor, a thermal sensor, a dust sensor, a photosensitive sensor, a wind sensor, a smoke sensor, a radar or lidar sensor, an accelerometer, an astronomical clock, etc. The functional unit may also comprise a loudspeaker, a panic button, a screen, a charging device, base station circuitry, WiFi circuitry, GPS receiving means, and the like.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES This and other aspects of the present invention will now be described in more detail, with reference to the appended drawings showing a currently preferred embodiment. Like numbers refer to like features throughout the drawings.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a lamp trunking system; Figure 2 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a lamp trunking system during installation; Figures 3A and 3B show alternative exemplary embodiments of an elongate unit section during installation; Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C depict a perspective view, an exploded side view, and a side view, respectively, of another exemplary embodiment of a lamp trunking system; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a lamp trunking system; Figures 6A and 6B show further exemplary embodiments of an elongate unit section during installation; Figures 7A and 7B show a front view and a side view, respectively of another exemplary embodiment of an installation system; Figures 8A-8D depict schematically an exemplary embodiment of a method for installing a lamp trunking system.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a lamp trunking system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

The lamp trunking system comprises a plurality of elongate units 100 and a plurality of suspension means 200. The lamp trunking system may be used indoors or outdoors, preferably indoors, e.g. in an industrial building.

Typically, the elongate units 100 are lamp units.

However, also other functionalities may be provided in an elongate unit 100 such as a sensor, a battery, etc.

Also some units may be dummy units not containing any functionality and only serving to interconnect the adjacent elongate units 100. For example, the elongate unit may comprise communication circuitry, and/or memory.

In addition or alternatively, the elongate unit may comprise at least one sensor, wherein preferably the at least one sensor comprises any one or more of the following sensors: a light sensor, an image sensor such as a camera, an audio sensor, an air quality sensor, a motion sensor, an environmental sensor sensing, ¢.g. temperature, visibility, vibration, humidity, an electromagnetic sensor such as an IR sensor or an RF sensor, a thermal sensor, a dust sensor, a photosensitive sensor, a wind sensor, a smoke sensor, a radar or lidar sensor, an accelerometer, an astronomical clock, etc.

The elongate unit may also comprise an emergency sign, a loudspeaker, a panic button, a screen, a charging device, base station circuitry, WiFi circuitry, GPS receiving means, and the like.

Each of the plurality of elongate units 100 comprises an elongate housing.

In one embodiment, the elongate housing may be defined by an outer surface section with constant profile along the length of the elongate housing.

The elongate housing may be manufactured by extrusion in order to obtain a constant outer surface section.

In another embodiment, the elongate housing may have varying outer surface section profiles along the length of the elongate housing.

A first and a second elongate unit 100 may be mechanically and electrically interconnected to one another.

The interconnection may be located at the respective extremities of the first and second elongate units 100 facing each other when being mounted.

The mechanical and electrical interconnections may be achieved thanks to integrated interconnecting parts or thanks to dissociated interconnecting parts.

For example, the first and second elongate units 100 may be mechanically interconnected by fixing together the respective extremities of the first and second elongate units 100; and an external electric wiring may be separately connected to each of the first and second elongate units 100 via electrical interconnecting parts, e.g. plug-and-socket, wire opening, independent from the mechanical interconnecting parts.

Alternatively, the mechanical interconnecting parts may comprise an electrical plug-and-socket system such that, when joining the first and second elongate units 100 by their respective extremities, the electrical interconnection is also established simultaneously.

In a preferred embodiment, the first and second elongate units 100 are mechanically and electrically interconnected by integrated interconnecting parts. A portion of the interconnecting parts may extend outwardly from the extremity of the elongate housing of the first elongate unit

100. The second elongate unit 100 may comprise a complementary portion of the interconnecting parts extending inwardly from a corresponding extremity of the elongate housing of the second elongate unit 100. The portion and the complementary portion of the interconnecting parts may be configured for mechanically and electrically interconnecting the first elongate unit 100 to the second elongate unit 100 such that the portion of the interconnecting parts of the first elongate unit 100 is located within the elongate housing of the second elongate unit 100 when the first and second elongate units 100 are assembled. A more detailed description of such an embodiment may be read relative to Figures 4A and 4B. The plurality of elongate units 100 may be suspended from an external support 300 by a plurality of suspension means 200. For example, the external support 300 may be part of a frame of a building, e.g. an l-shaped beam, a sub-feature of the roof. There may be less suspension means 200 than elongate units 100. Preferably there is at least one suspensions means 200 per elongate unit 100; more preferably there are at least two suspension means 200 per elongate unit 100. The suspension means 200 may comprise a support fixation means 210, a connecting means 220, and a retaining means 230. The support fixation means 210 may be configured for fixing the suspension means 200 to the external support 300. The suspension means 200 may be fixed to the external support 300 mechanically, magnetically, and/or chemically. The suspension means 200 may be fixed by bolting, clamping, screwing, welding, using a magnet and/or gluing the support fixation means 210 to the external support 300. In a preferred embodiment, the external support 300 is an I-shaped beam and the support fixation means 210 is a clamp, e.g. a C-shaped clamp optionally with a spur, configured for being fixed to the I-shaped beam.

The retaining means 230 may be configured for retaining the corresponding elongate unit

100. The retaining means 230 may retain the elongate unit 100 by being fixed to it mechanically, magnetically, and/or chemically. The retaining means 230 may be fixed by bolting, clamping, screwing, welding, using a magnet and/or gluing to the corresponding elongate unit 100, In a preferred embodiment, the retaining means 230 is a removable retaining clamp.

The connecting means 220 may connect the support fixation means 210 to the retaining means 230. The connecting means 220 may have a fixed length or an adjustable length in order to adjust the height of the plurality of elongate units 100 with respect to the surface to be illuminated. The connecting means 220 may be flexible, and preferably comprises a chain or cable. Indeed,

opting for a flexible connecting means 220 usually allows for saving weight. Also, in this manner, fixing of the retaining means 230 to the corresponding elongate unit 100 during installation may be made easier.

Each of the plurality of elongate units 100 may comprise along the length of its outer surface at least one sliding surface 110 facing substantially downwardly. The at least one sliding surface 110 may be configured for cooperating with at least one supporting sliding element 431 such that the elongate unit 100 temporarily arranged on the at least one supporting sliding element 431 can be slid along its length. The sliding surface 110 may comprise a straight and/or curved portion and may comprise an inclined and/or parallel portion with respect to the ground when the elongate unit 100 is mounted. In one embodiment, the sliding surface 110 may be comprised by a transparent portion of the elongate housing.

When the at least one supporting sliding element 431 is brought against the at least one sliding surface 110, the temporarily arranged elongate unit 100 may be supported by the at least one supporting sliding element 431. In other words, there is suspension of the elongate unit 100 via the at least one supporting sliding element 431. During the installation of the lamp trunking system, the temporary arrangement of the elongate unit 100 suspended by the cooperation of the at least one supporting sliding element 431 with the at least one sliding surface 110 will be substituted by the suspension from the plurality of suspension means 200. The word “temporarily” may be defined in this context as “during the installation of the lamp trunking system”.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one supporting sliding element 431 may comprise a wheel able to roll along the at least one sliding surface 110. A more detailed description of such an embodiment may be read relative to Figure 2. In another embodiment, the at least one supporting sliding element 431 and the at least one sliding surface 110 may constitute a system of cooperating rails sliding with respect to one another. In still another embodiment, each of the plurality of clongate units may comprise along the length of its outer surface at least a pair of sliding surfaces 110 located each on opposite sides of the elongate housing, said pair of sliding surfaces facing substantially downwardly. The pair of sliding surfaces 110 may be configured for cooperating with at least a pair of supporting sliding elements 431 such that the elongate unit temporarily arranged on the pair of supporting sliding elements can be slid along its length. In yet another embodiment, the at least one sliding surface 110 may be complemented by at least one elongate downward protrusion forming at least one drop-edge along the length of the at least one sliding surface 110 The skilled person will understand that the sliding may be achieved thanks to various mechanical means.

The elongate housing may be provided with at least one elongate outward protruding portion forming the at least one sliding surface 110. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the elongate housing comprises an upper housing part 150 and a lower housing part 140. The upper housing part 150 comprises a pair of elongate outward protruding portions forming the pair of sliding surfaces 110. More specifically, the upper housing part 150 of Figure 1 comprises a flat top. Curved portions of the upper housing part 150 are extending downwardly and inwardly from both opposite edges of the flat top. These curved portions define the pair of elongate outward protruding portions.

Since the pair of elongate outward protruding portions is located in the upper housing part 150, the retaining means 230 may be further configured for cooperating with them. Hence, in some embodiments, the retaining means 230) may be further configured for cooperating with the at least one sliding surface 110. Additionally, the at least one sliding surface 110 may be complemented by the at least one elongate downward protrusion forming the drop-edge, thereby defining a gripping feature behind which the retaining means 230 may be mounted. In the embodiment of Figure 1, the retaining means 230 has a pair of clamp arms 231, 232 configured to cooperate with the pair of sliding surfaces 110 without the drop-edge. Each of the clamp arms 231, 232 may be terminated with a hook configured for getting hooked behind a corresponding outward protruding portion. The pair of clamp arms 231, 232 may be partially made out of an elastic material, preferably metal, such that the clamp arms 231, 232 may be more easily assembled to or removed from the elongate housing of the elongate unit 100.

Figure 2 shows a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a lamp trunking system during installation according to the present invention. During installation, the lamp trunking system is installed to an external support 300 using an installation system. The installation system comprises a pole (not shown) and a plurality of temporary suspension means 400. The plurality of temporary suspension means 400 may each be detachably mountable to the pole. The plurality of temporary suspension means 400 may each comprise a temporary support fixation means 410 and a temporary retaining means 430.

The temporary support fixation means 410 may be configured for fixing the temporary suspension means 400 to the external support 300. In the embodiment of Figure 2, the external support 300 is a standard I-shaped beam for ease of understanding. However, the skilled person will understand that other types of external support are also within the scope of the present invention. The fixing of the temporary support fixation means 410 may be achieved by activation to grip a portion of the external support 300. Once gripped to the external support 300, the temporary suspension means 400 may bear the weight of at least one elongate unit 100 of the lamp trunking system. The gripping may be mechanical, chemical, and/or in a magnetic manner.

Preferably, the gripping by the temporary support fixation means 410 is achieved simultaneously on opposite sides of the external support 300 for a more secure fixation.

In the embodiment of Figure 2, a mobile clamp connected to a hydraulic cylinder allows the temporary suspension means 400 to grip, when activated, a horizontal portion of the I-shaped beam 300. In another embodiment, there may be another mobile clamp allowing the temporary suspension means 400 to grip the opposite horizontal portion of the [shaped beam. In yet another embodiment, the temporary suspension means 400 may be adaptable to different shapes and sizes of an I-shaped beam. In still another embodiment, the temporary suspension means 400 may be configured to grip another type of roof sub-structure. The skilled person will understand that various means can be implemented in order to obtain the temporary suspension means of the present invention.

In order to affix the temporary suspension means 400 to the external support 300, the temporary suspension means 400 may first be mounted to the pole. In an embodiment, the temporary suspension means 400 may comprise a dedicated pole mount 420 configured for mounting detachably the temporary suspension means 400 to the pole. For example, the pole mount 420 may comprise a tubular section configured for insertion of the pole. The tubular section ofthe pole mount 420 may extend at a distance from the temporary suspension means 400. The pole may also comprise a complementary tubular section and, by inserting the pole around or within the tubular section of the pole mount 420, the temporary suspension means 400 may be detachably mounted to the pole. The pole mount 420 may be provided with additional or alternative mounting ends, e.g. a bayonet mount, to allow for a more secure mounting. Thanks to the pole, a user of the installation system can lift the temporary suspension means 400 at the level of the external support 300, from the ground.

After lifting the temporary suspension means 400 at the level of the external support 300, the temporary support fixation means 410 may be activated to grip the external support 300. The gripping activation may be done wirelessly or in a wire manner. For example, the activation may be triggered thanks to a switch at the user end of the pole. After activation, the temporary suspension means 400 is suspended from the external support 300, and the pole may be detached from the temporary suspension means 400.

The temporary support fixation means 410 may be connected to the temporary retaining means 430. The temporary support fixation means 410 and the temporary retaining means 430 may be directly connected or may be connected via a connecting portion 440. The connecting portion 440 may have a fixed length or an adjustable length to adjust in function of the installation environment.

The temporary retaining means 430 may comprise at least one supporting sliding element 431 configured for cooperating with at least one sliding surface 110 of an elongate unit 100 of the plurality of elongate units. The at least one sliding surface 110 may be facing substantially downwardly, and be located along the length of an outer surface of the elongate unit, such that the elongate unit 100 temporarily arranged on the at least one supporting sliding elements 431 can be slid along its length. The skilled person will understand that the at least one sliding surface 110 and the at least one supporting sliding elements 431 may be implemented in various ways in order to achieved the desired effect, e.g. wheels, rails, element in low-friction material, etc.

In the embodiment of Figure 2, the elongate unit 100 comprises an elongate housing comprising an upper housing part 150 and a lower housing part 140. The upper housing part 150 has a top part with an inverted arc-shape. In other embodiments, the top part may be V-shaped or U-shaped. The upper housing part 150 may comprise a pair of elongate outward protruding portions forming a pair of sliding surfaces 110. The pair of sliding surfaces 110 may be located on opposite sides of the elongate housing and be facing downwardly. The upper housing part 150 may be mountable on the lower housing part 140 and may. additionally, delimit a separate compartment distinct from a compartment delimited by the lower housing part 140. In this way, the separate compartment may be used for placing additional components diversifying the functionality of the lamp trunking system and/or facilitating heat dissipation of electricity-consuming units comprised by the elongate unit 100.

The pair of sliding surfaces 110 of Figure 2 may cooperate with a pair of wheels 431 acting as the pair of supporting sliding elements. The pair of supporting sliding elements 431 may be connected to a pair of supporting arms on either side of the elongate unit 100 temporarily arranged within the temporary retaining means 430. By pushing or pulling on the extremity of the elongate unit 100, the user of the installation system may slide the elongate unit 100 along its length within the temporary retaining means 430. By having at least two temporary suspension means 400 affixed to the external support within a distance inferior to the length of the elongate unit 100, the temporarily arranged elongate unit 100 may be suspended from the external support 300.

The user may grab another elongate unit 100, interconnect it to the elongate unit 100 already suspended via the temporary suspension means 400, and slide the interconnected elongate unit 100 with the another elongate umt 100 along their length. In this manner, if a sufficient number of temporary suspension means 400 has been installed, the user can interconnect a desired number of elongate units without moving from the same spot.

After reaching the desired number of interconnected elongate units 100, a plurality of suspension means (not shown) may be fixed to the elongate units 100. Then, the temporary retaining means 430 may be remotely activated to release the elongate units 100. The lamp trunking system ends up being suspended from the external support 300 by the plurality of suspension means. The number of suspension means may be equal or different than the number of temporary suspension means 400.

In one embodiment, the temporary retaining means 430 may be remotely activated using a switch on the pole detachably mounted to the temporary suspension means 400. In another embodiment, a different pole-mounted tool is utilized by the user to activate the temporary retaining means 430 from the ground. In still another embodiment, the temporary suspension means 400 may comprise a communication unit configured for wireless activation of the temporary retaining means 430 and/or the temporary suspension means 410.

Once the lamp trunking system is suspended via the plurality of suspension means, the pole-mounted temporary support fixation means 410 may be remotely activated by the user to release the external support 300, so that the temporary support fixation means 410 may be reused. Figures 3A and 3B show alternative exemplary embodiments of an elongate unit section during IO installation according to the present invention. An elongate unit 100 may comprise along the length of its outer surface at least one sliding surface 110 facing substantially downwardly, one sliding surface in Figure 3A and two sliding surfaces in Figure 3B.

In Figure 3A, the sliding surface 110 is formed by a U-shaped rail facing downwardly and linked to the top of an upper housing part 150 of the elongate unit 100. The U-shaped rail is defined by a wall extending downwardly and facing an outer surface of the elongate unit main body, said wall being connected by another wall forming the bottom of the U and linked to the top of the upper housing part 150. The sliding surface 110 may be comprised by the internal surface of the U-shaped rail, and may be configured for cooperating with one supporting sliding element 431, a wheel in the embodiment of Figure 3A. The supporting sliding element 431 is connected to a supporting arm. The supporting arm is configured to wrap around the U-shaped rail in order for the supporting sliding element 431 to be inserted within the U-shaped rail. The elongate unit 100 temporarily arranged on the supporting sliding element 431 can be slid along its length.

In Figure 3B, the pair of sliding surfaces 110 is located on the bottom of a lower housing part 140 of the elongate unit 100. More specifically, the bottom of the lower housing part 140 is flat-shaped and comprises a pair of shielding surfaces surrounding a transparent or transtucent surface through which light is being emitted. The pair of shielding surfaces forms the pair of sliding surfaces. Similarly as in Figure 3A, the pair of sliding surfaces 110 may be configured for cooperating with a pair of supporting sliding elements 431, a pair of wheels in the embodiment of Figure 3B. The pair of supporting sliding elements 431 is connected to a pair of supporting arms.

Alternatively, the pair of supporting sliding elements 431 may each comprise a skate part made out of a low-friction material, e.g. in Teflon, onto which the pair of sliding surfaces 110 may slide. Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C depict a perspective view, an exploded side view, and a side view, respectively, of another exemplary embodiment of a lamp trunking system according to the present invention. The lamp trunking system comprises a plurality of elongate units 100 comprising at teast one elongate lamp unit, each of the plurality of elongate lamp units 100 comprising an elongate housing and configured for being mechanically and electrically interconnected to one another via at least one of their respective extremities.

In the embodiments of Figures 4A-4C, the elongate housing comprises an upper housing part 150 and a lower housing part 140, said lower housing part 140 comprising an upper portion 140a and a lower portion 140b. The upper portion 140a comprises therein a plurality of electrical wirings running along its length, and the lower portion 140b comprises a light source.

The upper housing part 150 may be mountable on the lower housing part 140. The upper housing part 150 may be glued, screwed, bolted, and/or mechanically engaged with the lower housing part 140. In the embodimenst of Figures 4A-4C, the top of the upper portion 140a of the lower housing part comprises a pair of outward protrusions 141a. The bottom of the upper housing part 150 comprises a pair of guiding surfaces 151 along its length. In the embodiments of Figures 4A-4C, the pair of guiding surfaces 151 is extending inwardly and upwardly. The pair of guiding surfaces 151 may be configured for being mountable to the pair of elongate outward protrusions 141a, e.g. by sliding and guiding, snap-fitting. The pair of elongate outward protrusions 141a may define a substantially downward-facing groove within which the pair of guiding surfaces 151 will be lodged when mounted. By mounting the upper housing part 150 along the length of the upper portion 1404 of the lower housing part 140, such that the pair of guiding surfaces 151 is lodged behind the pair of elongate outward protrusions 141a, the upper portion 1404 and the upper housing part 150 can be mechanically engaged. Usually, the pair of elongate outward protrusions 141a have a maximum width wg, as measured across the section of the lower housing part 140, lower than 0,5cm. Alternatively or additionally, the upper housing part 150 may be fixed to the top of the lower housing part 140 using bolts or screws in order to further secure the upper housing part 150 to the lower housing part 140 and to insure their accurate alignments.

The upper housing part 150 may delimit a separate compartment distinct from a compartment delimited by the lower housing part 140, a central compartment 152a and two side compartments 152b, 152c in the embodiment of Figures 4A-4C. The top surface of the upper housing part 150 is V-shaped. In alternative embodiments, the top surface of the upper housing part 150 may be arc-shaped or U-shaped.

The bottom of the upper housing part 150 may comprise a pair of elongate outward protruding portions forming the pair of sliding surfaces 110. The pair of sliding surfaces 110 are configured for cooperating with a pair of supporting sliding elements such that the elongate unit 100 temporarily arranged on the pair of supporting sliding element can be slid along its length. The width ws of each of the pair of sliding surfaced 110, as measured across its cross-section, is higher than 0,5cm, preferably higher than tem.

The pair of elongate outward protruding portions may further comprise a pair of elongate downward protrusions 110’ forming a drop-edge of the pair of sliding surfaces 110. The pair of clongate downward protrusions 110’ is located along the length of the elongate unit outer surface.

The pair of drop-edges 110’ may prevent accumulation of dirt and create a safe dripping point for falling water droplets. It can also result in a better guidance of the pair of supporting sliding elements cooperating with the pair of sliding surfaces 110.

The pair of elongate outward protruding portions may further be configured for i0 cooperating with a retaining means 230 of a suspension means 200. Indeed the elongate lamp unit 100 may be suspended from an external support (not shown) via a plurality of suspension means

200. The suspension means 200 of Figures 4A-4C may comprise the retaining means 230, a support fixation means 210, and a connecting means 220 connecting the support fixation means 210 to the retaining means.

The support fixation means 210 may be configured for fixing the suspension means 200 to the external support. For example, the support fixation means 210 may be glued, screwed, magnetically-retained, or bolted to the external support. The connecting means 220 may be flexible and preferably comprise a cable. The retaining means 230 may be a removable retaining clamp and have a pair of clamp arms 231, 232. Each of the clamp arms 231, 232 may comprise at its end a hook 233, 234 configured for being hooked behind the corresponding elongate outward protruding portion of the upper housing part 150. Additionally, in the embodiment of Figures 4A-4C, the pair of sliding surfaces 110 may be complemented by the pair of elongate downward protrusions 110’ forming the drop-edges, thereby defining a gripping feature behind which the retaining means 230 may be more securely mounted.

The pair of clamp arms 231, 232 may be connected in an elastic manner. In this way, by spreading the pair of clamp arms 231, 232 apart, the retaining means 230 may be slid over the upper housing part 150. Then, the pair of hooks 233, 234 may be hooked behind the pair of elongate outward protruding portion of the upper housing part 150 when the pair of clamp arms 231, 232 is released to return in resting position. In Figures 4B and 4C, the pair of hooks 233, 234 may be hooked behind the pair of drop-edges 110°. The spread of the clamp arms 231, 232 may be blocked using a blocking plate 235 such that the retaining means 230 cannot be removed from the upper housing part 150 without removing the blocking plate 235.

The blocking plate 235 may consist in a flat rigid plate comprising an opening in its center to be slid over both clamp arms 231, 232. In doing so, the clamp arms 231, 232 cannot be spread further than the lateral dimension of the opening. Additionally, a pair of spurs 236 located on an upper portion of the pair of clamp arms 231, 232 may be configured for preventing the blocking plate 235 from sliding upwardly without an external assistance.

One of the extremities of the elongate unit 100 may comprise an interconnecting part 160 extending outwardly. The opposite extremity of the elongate unit 100 may comprise another interconnecting part 170 extending inwardly. When a similar first and second elongate units 100 of the lamp trunking system are selected, the interconnecting part 160 of the first elongate unit and the another interconnecting part 170 of the second elongate unit may be configured for mechanically and electrically interconnecting the first elongate unit to the second elongate unit, said interconnecting part 160 of the first elongate unit being located within the elongate housing of the second elongate unit when the first and second elongate units are assembled.

The interconnecting part 160 of the first elongate unit and the another interconnecting part 170 of the second elongate unit may be configured to be interconnected to one another via at least one of their respective extremities in a tool-less manner. For example, the interconnecting part 160 and the another interconnecting part 170 may comprise elastic interlocking elements. Additionally, the interconnecting part 160 of the first elongate unit and the another interconnecting part 170 of the second elongate unit may comprise a plug-and-socket system provided to them such that, when interconnected mechanically, the electrical interconnection is also achieved. Optionally, the interconnecting part 160 and the another interconnecting part 170 may be complementary.

In the embodiment of Figures 4A-4C, the interconnecting part 160 may comprise an interlocking opening located in an elastic tongue. The another interconnecting part 170 may comprise and interlocking protrusion located in another elastic tongue and configured for cooperating with the interlocking opening of the interconnecting part 160. When the user slides the interconnecting part 160 of the first elongate unit within the another interconnecting part 170 of the second elongate unit, the elastic tongue and the another elastic tongue are pushed away from their respective resting positions until the interlocking protrusion is in a location corresponding to the interlocking opening. Then, the interlocking protrusion cooperates with the interlocking opening; the elastic tongue and the another elastic tongue come back in resting positions; and the first elongate unit and the second elongate unit are mechanically interconnected to each other.

The interconnecting part 160 may have a section comprising a plurality of walls in order to improve the structural rigidity of the first and second elongate units 100 assembly. Additionally, the interconnecting part 160 and the another interconnecting part 170 may cooperate over a predetermined length to further improve the structural rigidity of the first and second elongate units 100 assembly. Also, the interconnecting part 160 may be made out of metal. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a lamp trunking system according to the present invention. The lamp trunking system in the embodiment of Figure 5 is similar to the lamp trunking system described with respect to Figures 4A-4B.

The elongate housing comprises an upper housing part (not shown) and a lower housing part 140, said lower housing part 140 comprising an upper portion 140a and a lower portion 140b. The upper portion 140a comprises therein a plurality of electrical wirings 141 running along its length, and the lower portion 140b comprises a light source (not shown).

The plurality of electrical wirings 141 may be provided to a sorting unit 142. The sorting unit 142 may be arranged within the upper portion 140a of the lower housing part 140. The sorting unit 142 may comprise a plurality of rails opening inwardly and arranged in a single layer. The plurality of electrical wirings 141 may be snap-fitted within the plurality of rails of the sorting unit

142. In this way, each of the plurality of electrical wirings 141 may be kept separated from one another and are precisely located within the upper portion 140a of the loser housing part. In one embodiment, the sorting unit 142 may extend substantially over the entire length of the upper portion 140a. In another embodiment, there may be a plurality of sorting units 142 arranged at regular intervals along the length of the upper portion 140a.

The plurality of inward-facing openings of the plurality of rails comprised by the sorting unit 142 may allow access to the plurality of electrical wirings 141. The elongate unit 100 may comprise a joining unit 180 located essentially within the lower housing part 140. The joining unit 180 may be configured for mechanically joining the upper portion 140a to the lower portion 140b and for electrically connecting the light source to the plurality of electrical wirings 141 of the upper portion 140a.

The upper portion 140a and the lower portion 140b may each have a U-shaped section facing each other. The downwardly extending walls 145a of the upper portion 140a and the upwardly extending walls 145b of the lower portion 140b may each have matching lips facing each other in order to be easily assembled. Thus, when assembled, the upper portion 140a and the lower portion 140b define a compartment. The joining unit 180 may be located essentially in said defined compartment.

The joining unit 180 of Figure 5 may comprise on either side pushable locking elements

181. The pushable locking elements 181 may be configured for cooperating with openings in the upwardly extending walls 145b of the lower portion 140b. By pushing the pushable locking elements 181 of the joining unit, the joining unit 180 may be arranged within the lower portion 140b such that it corresponds to the position where the openings in the upwardly extending walls 145b are located. Then, by releasing the pushable locking elements 181, they return to their respective resting positions and pass through the openings in the upwardly extending walls 145b of the lower portion, thereby locking the joining unit 180 into place. The joining unit 180 may also be snap-fitted into a cooperating portion of the lower portion 140b via snap-fit elements.

The joining unit 180 may comprise a plurality of electrical connectors 182a, 182b. The plurality of electrical connectors 182a, 182b may be configured for electrically connecting to the plurality of electrical wirings 141. In the embodiment of Figure 5, a first plurality of electrical connectors 182a extending upwardly is configured for power supply, and a second plurality of electrical connectors 182b extending sideways is configured for additional functions.

The plurality of electrical connectors 182a, 182b may comprise a plurality of retractable electrical blades 182b and a plurality of fixed electrical blades 182a configured for passing through the plurality of rail openings of the sorting unit 142. The plurality of retractable electrical blades 182b may be extended or retracted via the pushable locking elements 181. In the embodiment of Figure 5, the extension of the plurality of retractable electrical blades 182b may achieve the mechanical junction of the upper portion 140a with the lower portion 140b.

Figures 6A and 6B show further exemplary embodiments of an elongate unit section during installation, The elongate unit 100 may comprise an elongate housing. An elongate unit 100 may comprise along the length of its outer surface at least one sliding surface 110 facing substantially downwardly, two sliding surfaces facing downwardly in Figures GA-6B.

In the embodiments of Figures 6A-6B, the elongate housing comprises an upper housing part 150 and a lower housing part 140. The upper housing part 150 comprises a pair of outward protruding portions forming the pair of sliding surfaces 110. More specifically, the upper housing part 150 of Figures 6A-6B comprises a flat top. Flat portions or the upper housing part 150 are extending opposite and in parallel with the flat top from both opposite edges of the flat top. These flat portions define the pair of outward protruding portions forming the pair of sliding surfaces 110.

A temporary retaining means 430 may comprise at least one supporting sliding element 431 configured for cooperating with the at least one sliding surface 110. As depicted in Figure 6A,

the at least one sliding surface 110 may be configured for cooperating with the at least one supporting sliding element 431 such that the elongate unit 100 temporarily arranged on the at least one supporting sliding element 431 can be slid along its length. The pair of sliding surfaces 110 of the present embodiment may cooperate with a pair of wheels 431 acting as the pair of supporting sliding elements. The pair of supporting sliding elements 431 may be connected to a pair of supporting arms on either side of the elongate unit 100 temporarily arranged within the temporary retaining means 430. By pushing or pulling on the extremity of the elongate unit 100, the user of the installation system may slide the elongate unit 100 along its length within the temporary retaining means 430.

In the embodiment of Figures 6A-6B, the pair of supporting arms is connected to the rest of the temporary retaining means 430 using a pair of rotation axis around which a pair of springs 432 is coiled. In the resting position of the pair of springs 432, as depicted in Figure 6B, the pair of supporting arms is spread apart and the pair of sliding surface 110 cannot both rest on the pair of supporting sliding elements 431.

In the constrained position of the pair of springs 432, as depicted in Figure 6A, a latch 433 passing through corresponding holes of the pair of supporting arms keeps the pair of supporting arms from spreading apart. The latch 433 is linked to a lever arm 434. By triggering the lever arm 434, remotely for example, the latch 433 may be lifted and the pair of springs 432 may be released. The pair of supporting arms may then spread sideways and the pair of supporting sliding elements 431 is removed from resting against the pair of sliding surfaces 110.

Figures 7A and 7B show a front view and a side view, respectively of another exemplary embodiment of an installation system according to the present invention. The installation system may comprise a remote fixing means 500. The remote fixing means 500 may comprise a remote fixing head 510 and a pole mount 520. The pole mount 520 may be configured for mounting, optionally detachably, the remote fixing head 510 to the pole such that the remote fixing head 510 can reach the external support 300. The remote fixing head 510 may be configured for fixing a support fixation means 210 of a suspension means to the external support 300. The remote fixing head 500 may be further configured for being remotely activated to fix the support fixation means

210.

In order to affix the support fixation means 210 to the external support 300, the support fixation means 210 may first be provided to a seat 515 of the remote fixing head by the user. The remote fixing head 510 may then be mounted to the pole. The remote fixing means 500 may comprise a dedicated pole mount 520 configured for mounting detachably the remote fixing head 510 to the pole.

For example, the pole mount 520 may comprise a tubular section configured for insertion of the pole.

The tubular section of the pole mount 520 may extend at a distance from the remote fixing head 510. The pole may also comprise a complementary tubular section and, by inserting the pole around or within the tubular section of the pole mount 520, the remote fixing means 500 may be detachably mounted to the pole.

The pole mount 520 may be provided with additional or alternative mounting ends, e.g. a bayonet mount, to allow for a more secure mounting.

Thanks to the pole, a user of the installation system can lift the remote fixing means 500 at the level of the external support 300, from the ground.

After lifting the temporary suspension means 400 at the level of the external support 300, the remote fixing head 510 may be activated such that a gripping unit 511 of the remote fixing head 510 grips the external support 300. The gripping activation may be done wirelessly or in a wire manner.

For example, the activation may be triggered thanks to a switch at the user end of the pole.

After activation, the remove fixing means 500 is suspended from the external support 300. The gripping unit 511 may be designed to be suitable for gripping different shapes and sizes of 1- shaped beams by having mobile adjustable parts, e.g. springs, hydraulic cylinders, etc.

Alternatively, the gripping unit 511 may be designed to be suitable for gripping roof sub-structures having different shapes and sizes than I-shaped beams, e.g. to grip trapezoidal features.

The seat 515 of the remote fixing head of Figures 7A-7B may be suitable for C-shaped clamps 210. The seat 515 is configured to keeping the C-shaped clamp 210 opening at the level of the portion of the I-shaped beam onto which it will be clamped.

A hammer head 512 laterally mounted on the remote fixing head 510 may be configured to hammer on the C-shaped clamp 510 upon triggering.

The swinging force of the hammer head 512 may be provided by a coiled spring 513 located around the rotating axis of the hammer head 512. The coiled spring 513 is in turn linked to a trigger release 514 which can be activated by the user from the ground.

Once activated, the trigger release 514 unleashes the coiled spring 513. The coiled spring 513 returning in resting position swings the hammer head 512 which knocks on the back of the C-shaped clamp 210, thereby fixing the support fixation means 210 into place.

Once the suspension means is suspended from the external support 300, the pole-mounted remote fixing head 510 may be remotely activated by the user to release the external support 300, and the remote fixing means 500 may be retrieved by the user.

Figures 8A-8D depict schematically an exemplary embodiment of a method for installing a lamp trunking system.

The method for installing a lamp trunking system is related to a lamp trunking system comprising a plurality of elongate units 100 comprising at least one elongate lamp unit. Typically, the elongate units 100 are lamp units. However, also other functionalities may be provided in an elongate unit 100, such as a sensor, a battery, etc. Also some units may be dummy units not containing any functionality and only serving to interconnect mechanically and electrically the adjacent elongate units. For example, the elongate unit may comprise communication circuitry, and/or memory. In addition or alternatively, the elongate unit may comprise at least one sensor, wherein preferably the at least one sensor comprises any one or more of the following sensors: a light sensor, an image sensor such as a camera, an audio sensor, an air quality sensor, a motion sensor, an environmental sensor sensing, e.g. temperature, visibility, vibration, humidity, an electromagnetic sensor such as an IR sensor or an RF sensor, a thermal sensor, a dust sensor, a photosensitive sensor, a wind sensor, a smoke sensor, a radar or lidar sensor, an accelerometer, an astronomical clock, etc. The elongate unit may also comprise an emergency sign, a loudspeaker, a panic button, a screen, a charging device, base station circuitry, WiFi circuitry, GPS receiving means, and the like.

As seen in the embodiment of Figure 8A, the method comprises the step of fixing a plurality of suspension means 200 to the external support 300. As described with respect to Figures 7A-7B, the fixing may be achieved thanks to a remote fixing means 500 mounted, optionally detachably, to a pole 600. Alternatively, the installation may be done on an already installed set of suspension means 200 if an existing lamp trunking system needs to be replaced. In another embodiment, the user may utilize an elevator for fixing the plurality of suspension means 200 individually.

As seen in the embodiment of Figure 8B, the method comprises the step of fixing a plurality of temporary suspension means 400 to the external support 300. As described with respect to Figure 2, the fixing may be achieved using the pole 600 such that the temporary suspension means 400 may be brought at the level of the external support 300. The fixing of the corresponding plurality of temporary suspension means 400 comprises, for each of the corresponding plurality of temporary suspension means 400: detachably mounting the temporary suspension means 400 to a pole 600; rising a temporary support fixation means 410 of the temporary suspension means at the level of the external support using the pole 600; and activating the temporary support fixation means 410 to grip the external support. The skilled person will understand that the step depicted in Figure 8B and the step depicted in Figure 8A may be performed in any order without prejudice to the following steps of the installation. The pole 600 used in the steps depicted in Figures 8A and 8B may be the same pole or different poles.

As seen in the embodiment of Figure 8C, and as described with respect to Figure 2, the method comprises, for each elongate unit 100 of the plurality of elongate units, the steps of: sliding the elongate unit along its length via at least one sliding element of the temporary suspensions means 400 such that the elongate unit 100 is suspended to the external support 300; wherein the at least one sliding element cooperates with at least one sliding surface facing substantially downwardly and located along the length of an outer surface of the elongate unit; and if there is another elongate unit, interconnecting the another elongate unit to the suspended elongate unit. Optionally, the user on the elevator may be assisted by another user on the ground carrying a pole- mounted guiding support means 700 configured for guiding the elongate unit 100 during the sliding when provided to the temporary suspension means 400. The mounted guiding support means 700 may be mounted on the same pole 600 or on a different pole than in the steps depicted IO in Figures 8A and 8B.

As seen in the embodiment of Figure 8D, the method comprises the step of mounting the plurality of suspension means 200 to the plurality of elongate units 100. The mounting may be helped by another pole-mounted tool designed for grabbing mechanically and/or magnetically each of the plurality of suspension means 200, and then mounting by force the suspension means 200 over the top of the elongate unit 100. The another pole-mounted tool may be mounted on the same pole 600 as the previously described steps or on a different pole.

Then, as also described with respect to Figure 6B, the method comprises, for each of the temporary suspensions means 400, the step of remotely activating the temporary suspension means 400 to release the corresponding elongate unit 100, such that the plurality of elongate units 100 is suspended to the external support 300 by the plurality of suspension means 400. The remote activation may be achieved using the same pole 600 as with respect to the embodiment of Figure 8B. In another embodiment, a different pole-mounted tool is utilized by the user to activate the temporary retaining means of the temporary suspension means 400 from the ground. In still another embodiment, the temporary suspension means 400 may comprise a communication unit configured for wireless activation.

Additionally, the method may comprise, for each of the corresponding plurality of temporary suspension means 400, the step of remotely activating the temporary suspension means 400 to release the external support 300. It is to be noted that, after the installation of a row of mechanically and electrically interconnected elongate units 100, the user may connecting the last elongate unit 100 of the row to the mains, for example by one of its extremities.

Whilst the principles of the invention have been set out above in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that this description is merely made by way of example and not as a limitation of the scope of protection which is determined by the appended claims.

Claims (35)

CONCLUSIONS A lamp trunking system comprising: - a plurality of elongate units (100) comprising at least one elongate lamp unit, each of the plurality of elongate units (100) comprising an elongate housing and arranged to be mechanically and electrically coupled to each other via at least one from their respective ends; - a plurality of suspension means (200), each of the plurality of suspension means comprising: - a support attachment means (210) adapted for fixing the suspension means to an external support (300); - a holding means (230) adapted to hold a corresponding elongate unit; - a connecting means (220) connecting the support fastening means (210) to the holding means (230); - wherein each of the elongate units (100) comprises along the length of its outer surface at least one sliding surface (110) directed substantially downwards; - wherein the at least one slide surface (110) is adapted to cooperate with at least one support slide element (431) such that the elongate unit (100) temporarily attached to the at least one support slide element (431) can slide in the longitudinal direction . The lamp trunking system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of elongate units (100) comprises along the length of its outer surface at least a pair of sliding surfaces (110) each located on opposite sides of the elongate housing, the pair of sliding surfaces being substantially be directed downwards; wherein the pair of slide surfaces (110) are arranged to cooperate with at least a pair of support slide members (431) such that the elongate unit temporarily mounted on the pair of support slide members can slide along its length. The lamp trunking system of claims 1 or 2, wherein the elongate housing includes at least one elongate outwardly projecting portion forming the at least one sliding surface (110). The lamp trunking system of the preceding claim, wherein the at least one elongate outwardly projecting portion further comprises at least one elongate downwardly projecting portion (110°) forming a drip edge of the at least one sliding surface (110). The lamp trunking system of any preceding claim, wherein the elongate housing comprises an upper housing portion (150) and a lower housing portion (140); and wherein the upper housing portion (150) includes a pair of elongate outwardly extending portions forming a pair of sliding faces (110). The lamp trunking system according to the preceding claim, wherein the upper housing portion (150) has an upper portion having an inverted V-shape, arc shape or U-shape, the upper portion facing the plurality of suspension means (200) when suspended to the external aid (300). The lamp trunking system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the upper housing portion (150) is mountable on the lower housing portion (140). The lamp trunking system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the upper housing portion (150) defines a separate compartment (1524, 152b, 152c) different from a compartment defined by the lower housing portion (140). The lamp trunking system of any preceding claim, wherein the retaining means (230) is further adapted to cooperate with the at least one sliding surface (110). The lamp trunking system of any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of elongate units (100) are arranged to be mechanically and electrically coupled together via at least one of their respective ends in a tool-less manner. The lamp trunking system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting means (220) is flexible, and preferably comprises a chain or cable. The lamp trunking system of any preceding claim, wherein the retaining means (230) is a removable retaining clip. The lamp trunking system of claims 2 and 12, wherein the holding means (230) has a pair of clamping arms (231, 232) adapted to cooperate with the pair of sliding surfaces (110). The lamp trunking system of any preceding claim, wherein the support fastener (210) is a clamp adapted to be attached to an L-shaped beam. The lamp trunking system of any preceding claim, wherein a first elongate unit of the plurality of elongate units (100) includes a coupling portion (160) extending outwardly from an end of the elongate housing of the first elongate unit; wherein a second elongate unit comprises another coupling member (170) extending inwardly from one end of the elongate housing of the second elongate unit: wherein the coupling member (160) and the other coupling member (170) are arranged about the first elongate unit and mechanically and electrically coupling the second elongate unit together, wherein the coupling portion (160) of the first elongate unit is located within the elongate housing of the second elongate unit when the first and second elongate units are mounted. An installation system for installing a lamp trunking system comprising a plurality of elongate units comprising at least one elongate lamp unit, the installation system comprising: - a pole (600); - a plurality of temporary suspension means (400), each of the plurality of temporary suspension means {400) being releasably mountable to the post (600) and comprising: - a temporary support fixing means (410) adapted for fixing the temporary suspension means (400) to an external strut (300): - wherein the temporary strut fastener (410) is further adapted to be activated to engage the external strut (300); - a temporary retaining means (430) connected to the temporary support fastener (410) comprising at least one support slide member (431) adapted to cooperate with at least one slide surface (110) of an elongate unit (100) of the plurality elongated units; - wherein the at least one slide surface (110) is directed substantially downwardly, and is situated along the length of an outer surface of the elongate unit such that the elongate unit (100) temporarily attached to the at least one support slide member (431 ) can slide in the longitudinal direction; - wherein the temporary holding means (430) is adapted to be remotely activated to release the elongate unit. The installation system of the preceding claim, wherein the temporary retaining means (430) comprises at least a pair of complementary slide members (431) adapted to cooperate with at least a pair of slide surfaces (110) of an elongate unit (100) of the multiple elongated units; wherein the pair of sliding faces face substantially downwardly, and are located on opposite sides along the length of an outer surface of the elongate unit such that the elongate unit temporarily mounted on the complementary pair of support slide members can slide along their length. The installation system of claim 16 or 17, wherein the temporary strut fastener (410) is further configured to be remotely activated to engage the external strut (300). The installation system of any one of claims 16-18, wherein the temporary suspension means (400) comprises a post holder (420) adapted to releasably mount a temporary suspension means (400) to the post (600) such that the temporary suspension means (400) can reach the external support (300). The installation system according to any one of claims 16-19, further comprising a spacer fastener (500), the spacer fastener comprising: - a spacer fastener head (510) adapted to attach a support fastener (210) of a suspension means (200) to the external support (300); - a post holder (520) adapted to mount, optionally releasably, the spacer attachment head to the post (600) such that the spacer attachment head can reach the external support (300); - wherein the spacer fastener head is further adapted to be remotely activated to secure the support fastener (210). The installation system of any one of claims 16-20, further comprising a pole-mounted guide support means (700) adapted to guide the elongate unit during sliding when provided with the temporary suspension means (400). The installation system of any one of claims 16-21, wherein the temporary strut fastener (410) is further adapted to be remotely activated to release the external strut (300). A method of installing a lamp trunking system comprising a plurality of elongate units comprising at least one elongate lamp unit, the method comprising the steps of: - attaching a plurality of suspension means (200) to an external support (300); - attaching a plurality of temporary suspension means (400) to the external support; - wherein the fastening of the corresponding plurality of temporary suspension means comprises, for each of the corresponding plurality of temporary suspension means (400): - releasably mounting the temporary suspension means (400) on a post (600); - raising a temporary support fastener (410) of the temporary suspension means to the level of the external support using the post (600); - activating the temporary support fastener (410) to engage the external support; - for each elongate unit (100) of the plurality of elongate units: - sliding the elongate unit along their length via at least one sliding element of the temporary suspension means (400) such that the elongate unit (100) is suspended from the external support ( 300); - wherein the at least one sliding element cooperates with the at least one sliding surface directed substantially downwards and situated along the length of an outer surface of the elongate unit; - if there is a further elongate unit, interconnecting the further elongate unit to the suspended elongate unit; - mounting a plurality of suspension means (200) to the plurality of elongate units; - for each of the temporary suspension means, remotely activating the temporary suspension means to release the corresponding elongate unit such that the plurality of elongate units are suspended from the external support by the plurality of suspension means. The method of the preceding claim, wherein the method comprises for each of the elongate units (100) of the plurality of elongate units: - sliding the elongate unit along its length via at least one complementary pair of sliding elements of the temporary suspension means such that the elongate unit is suspended from the external support - the complementary pair of sliding members cooperating with at least one pair of sliding surfaces, the pair of sliding surfaces directed substantially downward and situated on opposite sides along the length of an outer surface of the elongate unit; - when there is another elongate unit, interconnecting the other elongate unit to the suspended elongate unit. The method of claim 23 or 24, further comprising: - for each of the corresponding plurality of temporary suspension means, remotely activating the temporary suspension means (400) to release the external support. An elongate unit for use in a lamp trunking system, comprising: - an elongate housing comprising an upper housing portion (150) and a lower housing portion (140); - the lower housing portion (140) including electrical wiring (141) running along its length; - wherein the upper housing portion (150) comprises at least one elongate outwardly projecting portion forming at least one sliding surface (110) directed substantially downwards. The elongate unit of the preceding claim, wherein the at least one elongate outwardly projecting portion further comprises at least one elongate downward projection (110°) forming a drop edge of the at least one sliding surface (110). The elongate unit of claim 26 or 27, wherein the upper housing portion (150) comprises a pair of outwardly projecting portions each located on opposite sides of the elongate housing, the pair of outwardly projecting portions comprising a pair of sliding surfaces (110) form. The elongate unit of any one of claims 26-28, further comprising a light source provided at the lower housing portion (140). The elongate unit of any one of claims 26-29, wherein the upper housing portion (150) has an upper portion having an inverted V-shape, arc shape or U-shape, the upper portion facing the plurality of suspension means (200). when hung on the external support (300). The elongate unit according to any one of claims 26-30, wherein the width of the at least sliding surface (110) measured over its cross-section is greater than 0.5cm, preferably greater than 1cm. The elongate unit of any one of claims 26-31, wherein the width of the upper housing portion (150) at the level of the at least one sliding surface (110) is greater than the maximum width of the lower housing portion (140). The elongate unit of any one of claims 26-32, wherein the upper housing portion (150) is mountable on the lower housing portion (140). The elongate unit of any one of claims 26-33, wherein the upper housing portion (150) defines a separate compartment different from the compartment defined by the lower housing portion (140). The elongate unit of any one of claims 26-34, further comprising an assembly unit (180) located substantially within the lower housing portion (140); wherein the lower housing portion (140) includes an upper portion (1402) having a plurality of electrical wires (141) running along its length, and a lower portion (140b) including a functional unit; wherein the assembly unit (180) is adapted to mechanically join the upper portion to the lower portion and to electrically connect the functional unit to the plurality of electrical wirings (141) of the upper portion (1402).