US3089023A - Luminaires - Google Patents

Description

May 7, 1963 w. A. TROTT LUMINAIRES driginal Filed Feb. 6, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR WILLIAM A TROTT jflmw KM PATENT ATTORNEYS W. A. TROTT May 7, 1963 LUMINAIRES 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Rn mm w W A I I M I- l W m lE PATENT ATTOR'IYS w. A. TROTT May 7, 1963 LUMINAIRES 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Original Filed Feb. 6, 1956 JMM $15M awn ATTORNEYS W. A. TROTT May 7, 1963 LUMINAIRES 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Original Filed Feb. 6, 1956 INVENTOR My, H 77. BY

HIS ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,089,023 LUMINAIRES William A. Trott, 115 Middlegate, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Continuation of application Ser. No. 563,804, Feb. 6, 1956. This application July 6, 1959, Ser. No. 828,427 4 Claims. (Cl. 240-9) My invention relates to new and useful improvements in lurninaires, this application constituting a continuation of my application Serial No. 563,804, filed February 6, 1956, now abandoned. The principal object and essence of my invention is to provide a high efliciency light diffusion cell surrounding the anterior side of the light source said cell being sealed against the ingress of dust, insects and the like, thereby eliminating the need for cleaning the inner light reflecting and transmitting surfaces of the cell and thus reducing maintenance costs considerably.

A further object of my invention is to provide a device of the character herewith described which is applicable to luminaires designed for surface mounting, as standard recessed units, and in particular suspended ceiling installations.

Yet another object of my invention is to provide a device of the character herewithin described which includes readily attachable and detachable light diffusing cells, thereby making lamp replacement extremely simple.

Still another object of my invention, in conjunction with the foregoing objects, is to provide means for readily attaching and detaching the light diffusion cell from the supporting structure, whereby the former can be lowered and suspended from the supporting structure for cleaning and the like and in which, furthermore, the attaching and detaching operating means is formed of material similar to the anterior presentation or light diffusing panel, thus making the operating means a functional part of the pattern of said panel and eliminating unsightly dark portions normally associated with such structures.

A yet further object of my invention is to provide a device of the character herewithin described which, particularly when used in a suspended ceiling installation, is adapted to bear against the anterior side of conventional T bar supports under spring pressure rather than resting upon the upper surfaces thereof, thereby eliminating (1) noise due to vibration of the units caused either by external causes or high velocity ventilating systems and (2) the considerable maneuvering required to position light-passing panels and the like through the openings formed by the T-bars in order that they may be lowered into position upon said flanges.

A further object of my invention in conjunction with the foregoing objects is to permit luminaires to be positioned adjacent one another the form of a module assembly capable of luminously covering an interior building surface, particularly a ceiling, and which, when the presentation or anterior light diifusing panels thereof are made of plastic, permits the flanges of said panels to abut and cover the T-bars. This, together with the characteristics of plastic, permits light to bleed right to the edges, and eliminates or reduces dark lines between adjacent luminaires normally caused by said T-bars.

Yet another object of my invention is to provide a device of the character herewithin described which is adapted for use either as a complete suspended ceiling installation or, alternatively, as a suspended ceiling embodying one or a plurality of luminaires interspersed with plain or patterned acoustic panels and the like, thus enabling the architect considerable latitude of design having regard to overall lighting requirements and spec fic concentrated lighting requirements in various areas of the room.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a device of the character herewithin described which enables many variations of color and design of the presentation panels either by printing or shadow effect, or by the placement of colored translucent materials upon the inner surfaces of said presentation panels.

A further object of my invention is to provide a device of the character herewithin described in which the majority of maintenance normally required by ceiling fluorescent lighting fixtures is eliminated, the only maintenance required being the replacement of lamps at relatively infrequent intervals. This is in contrast with conventional fluorescent light fixtures, which, in order to maintain efliciency of light output, require regular and frequent cleaning of the light reflecting and transmitting surfaces.

With the foregoing objects in view, and such other objects and advantages as will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which this invention relates as this specification proceeds, my invention consists essentially in the arrangement and construction of parts all as hereinafter more particularly described, reference being had to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a side sectional elevation of my device in the installed position taken substantially along the line-s 11 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 2 is a section taken at right angles to FIG- URE 1 substantially along the lines 22 of FIGURE 1, but showing the components in separated relationship.

FIGURE 3 is a perspective View reduced in scale from FIGURES 1 and 2, showing one of my luminaires in the installed posit-ion.

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective View of one end of one of the light troffers and one end of the light diffusion cells.

FIGURE 5 is :an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the H supporting frames.

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective View of the upper end of one of the elongated members attached to the ceiling supporting structure.

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary top plan view showing the method of attaching the light diffusion cell supporting rod to its supporting surface.

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view of one of the T-bars and the flange-s of a pair of adjacent luminaires.

FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIGURE 2 but showing the cell in operative relationship with the associated reflector.

In the drawings like characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in the different figures.

The accompanying drawings cover primarily my invention as adapted to be utilized in a suspended ceiling installation. It will be appreciated however that it can be adapted readily for use as a recessed installation in a wall or as a surface mounting either upon a wall or ceiling. The said invention consists primarily of three principal assemblies; a ceiling support assembly collectively designated A; a light reflector assembly collectively designated B; and a light diffusion cell assembly c0llectively designated C, all of which are shown in separated relationship in FIGURE 2 of the accompanying drawings.

Assembly A consists of a pair of spaced and parallel channels 20 having a cross channel 21 spanning same medially the ends thereof, said cross channel acting as a Wiring channel. Depending from the extremities 22 of the channels 20 are elongated supporting members 23, said members being secured to the extremities 22, either by welding or bolts or similar means. Flanged end caps 24 are fitted over the ends of the channels after the members 23 are secured, in order to close these ends. Conventional T-oars 25 are secured to the lower ends 26 of the elongated supporting members 23, thus forming a rectangular frame, the dimensions of which are equivalent to the dimensions of the luminaire assembly.

This assembly A may either be secured directly to the ceiling 27, or may be secured to hangers 28 suspended from the ceiling, depending upon the desired finished suspended ceiling height.

Assembly B consists of a pair of upwardly flanged elongated members 29 spanned medially the ends thereof by a flanged member 30, said member 30 being parallel to and adapted to engage with the aforementioned transverse member 21. The assembly includes fluorescent lamp holders 31, and such items as transformers and ballasts (not illustrated) and is adapted to be detachably secured to assembly A by means of bolts 32 extending downwardly from member 21 and engaging within apertures 33 formed in member 30, wing nut 34 completing said securement, so that member 30 encloses the channel 21 which, as hereinbefore mentioned, acts as a wiring v trough.

Upon each side of member 30 and parallel therewith, I have provided an elongated posterior reflector 35 of parabolic cross-section. This reflector extends between the members 29 and partially surrounds each light source 36 which is an elongated fluorescent lamp. The reflectors 35 are closed at the ends by end panels 37, as illustrated in FIGURE 4. The perimeter 38 of said reflectors takes the form of a flange 39 adapted to receive a resilient seal 40. formed of felt, sponge rubber or some similar material.

My light diffusion cell assembly C consists of a concavoconvex posterior light transmitting panel 41, one for each reflector, and an anterior light diffusing presentation panel 42 spaced from said panel 41 by means of pairs of elongated, lateral, light reflectingpanels 43 and 44. All the foregoing structure is formed preferably of plastic material, and is secured together to make a dust-proof enclosure. The panels 43 and 44 may be opaque or semiopaque reflectors. with opposed light reflecting surfaces which direct light on to the presentation panel. The panels. 41 form, in conjunction with the reflectors 35, light chambers 45 surrounding lamps 36'. It Wlll be observed that the perimeters 46 of the panels 4-1 are flanged as at 47, and these reflectors are. adapted to engage, if desired, the aforementioned seal 4% around the perimeters 38 of the light reflector panels aforesaid. In this connection, reference to FIGURE 4 will show that end panels 48 are included as part of the light diffusion cells, thus completely enclosing the same.

The longitudinal edges 46 of the posterior light transmitting panels 41 are cotermino-us with upper flanged.

edges 49 of the outer reflector panels 43, which also have inner, opposed light reflecting surfaces, these panels diverging outwardly and downwardly from the upper edges thereof.

The upper longitudinal edges 50 of the inner pair of lateral reflector panels 44 are also flanged and are coterminous with the opposite longitudinal edges 47 of the posterior panels. These inner panels also have light reflecting inner surfaces, and extend downwardly and mwardly, terminating at points 51 and being spaced from the aforementioned presentation panel 42 by means of ing panel 42, can be of any convenient design and FIG- URE 3 of the accompanying drawings shows the design utilized in this embodiment. it will be seen that the configuration includes a pair of relatively square formations 57 formed integrally into one presentation panel, each square having a central portion 58. These portions are utilized in actuating the means collectively designated 59, adapted to attach and detach the light diffusion cell to assembly B. The portions 58 are secured to the lower ends of rods 60, which pass upwardly through the aforementioned tubes 52 and terminate with a transverse pin 61 adjacent the upper end 62 thereof. Means taking the form of collar 63 secured to the rod above the lower end of inner flanges 44 and restrict downward movement of the rod under the influence of spring 64 reacting between members 53 and the surface 65 of the presentation panel 42. It also prevents rod 6i: from dropping out of position.

Within the channel 39 is formed an elongated slot 66 adapted to receive pin 61, which, when rotated through ninety degrees can enter the slot and rest upon the upper surface 67 of the said channel, being prevented from accidental disengagement therefrom by means of projections or dimples 68 formed within the said surface.

When the rods are disengaged from the channel 30, the complete cell C may be lowered. It is restrained and held captive by chains 69 attached at their lower ends to rods 60 by means of rings 70, and at their upper ends to the channel 36? by engagement thereof with strappieces 71 punched downwardly in the surface of the channel. The rings 70 are free to slide on the rods and are checked by the aforementioned pins 63 when the assembly is in the fully lowered position.

When placing cell C in the operative position of the accompanying FIGURE 9, it is offered upwardly towards the said reflector 35 so that the perimeters 46 engage the gaskets 40 of the reflector 35. At the same time, due to the length of the elongated supports 23, the flanges 54 coterminous with the perimeter of the presentation panel 42, engage the anterior or underside surfaces 71 of the aforementioned T-bars 25. The upper ends 62 of rods 66" are entered through the slots 66 within the channel 30 and the pins 61 are also entered through the slot by upward pressure upon the actuating members 58 compressing springs 64.

A turn through ninety degrees of the actuating members 58 engages. the pins 61 between the dimples or projections 68, whereupon release of the actuating members 58 causes the springs 64 to maintain the assembly under tension and in position.

Reference to FIGURE 8 will show that when two adjacent luminaires are in position, the edges 72 of the,

flanges 54 and 55, are coterrninous and due to the fact that at least the surrounding flanges of the panel 42 are formed of plastic, the light bleeds through these edges, thus preventing shadows or dark lines being cast by the Tbars 25.

It will also be understood that when in the operative position, both the light chambers 45 and the interior surfaces of light diffusion cells C are enclosed (the latter being sealed) against ingress of dust, insects and the like. Accordingly, the lateral light reflecting panels 43 and 44 may be considered as an extension of the reflector 35the whole forming a novel, deep and capacious reflector in which both a fluorescent lamp is situated, and, in front of it a dust excluding panel (posterior panel 41), which (with panel 42) seals what may be described as the anterior part of the reflector-as-a-whole.

Since various modifications can be made in my invention as hereinabove described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without departing from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in a limiting sense.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. In a luminaire, in combination:

(a) a hollow rectangular light reflecting and diffusing cell having closed ends and comprising:

(I) a rectangular, anterior, light diffusing panel,

(II) a rectangular, posterior, light transmitting panel spaced from said diffusing panel,

(III) longitudinal side edges,

(IV) elongated, lateral, light reflecting panels having opposed reflecting inner surfaces, said anterior and posterior panels being spaced, said reflecting panels connecting said anterior and posterior panels together along said side edges.

(b) an elongated fluorescent lamp disposed exteriorly of said cell and rearwardly of said light transmitting panel,

(c) an elongated posterior reflector having an elongated reflecting surface which is spaced from, and at least partially to the rear of said lamp for optical coaction with light reflecting panels, with said reflector and lamp being parallel to said longitudinal side edges, said reflecting inner surfaces of said reflecting panels and posterior reflector being substantially coterminous and co-extensive,

(d) cell retaining means capable of retaining said cell in said lurninaire while permitting separation of the same therefrom.

2. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said light diffusing panel of said cell is formed from translucent material.

3. The structure as defined in claim 1 wherein said light diffusing panel of said cell is formed from translucent material and said light transmitting panel thereof is transparent.

4. A luminous covering for a planar interior surface of a building in the form of a module assembly comprising in combination, a plurality of substantially similar selfcontained luminous modules of rectangular configuration, said modules having substantially contiguous marginal edges, and rectangular anterior light diff-using panels co-extensive with said interior surface, said modules each comprising a hollow rectangular light-reflecting and diffusing cell having closed ends, said cell comprising said light diffusing panel, an elongated rectangular light transmitting panel spaced rearwardly from said diffusing panel, and elongated, lateral, light reflecting panels having opposed, reflecting, inner surfaces, said reflecting panels connecting said light diffusing and transmitting panels together along said marginal edges of said cell, a source of light comprising an elongated fluorescent lamp disposed exteriorly and rearwardly of said cell, an elongated posterior reflector having an elongated reflecting surface spaced from and at least partially to the rear of said lamp for optical co-action with said reflecting panels, said reflector and said lamp being parallel to said side edges, the said reflecting surfaces of said reflecting panels, and said reflecting surface of said posterior reflector being substantially co-terminous and co-extensive, and cell retain-ing means capable of retaining said cell in said luminaire while permitting separation of the same therefrom.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,870,241 Dorey Aug. 9, 1932 2,281,378 Ohm Apr. 28, 1942 2,428,827 Beck Oct. 14, 1947 2,463,057 Runge Mar. 1, 1949 2,663,794 Avenberg Dec. 22, 1953 2,710,335 Wong June 7, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 565,031 France Apr. 12, 1923 53,501 Netherlands Nov. 16, 1942 345,693 Switzerland Mar. 31, I960

Claims (1)

1. 4. A LUMINOUS COVERING FOR A PLANAR INTERIOR SURFACE OF A BUILDING IN THE FORM OF MODULE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING IN COMBINATION, A PLURALITY OF SUBSTANTIALLY SIMILAR SELFCONTAINED LUMINOUS MODULES OF RECTANGULAR CONFIGURATION, SAID MODULES HAVING SUBSTANTILLY CONTIGUOUS MARGINAL EDGES, AND RECTANGULAR ANTERIOR LIGHT DIFFUSING PANELS CO-EXTENSIVE WITH SAID INTERIOR SURFACE, SAID MODULES EACH COMPRISING A HOLLOW RECTANGULAR LIGHT-REFLECTING AND DIFFUSING CELL HAVING CLOSED ENDS, SAID CELL COMPRISING SAID LIGHT DIFFUSING PANEL, AN ELONGATED RECTANGULAR LIGHT TRANSMITTING PANEL SPACED REARWARDLY FROM SAID DIFFUSING PANEL, AND ELONGATED, LATERAL, LIGHT REFLECTING PANELS HAVING OPPOSED, REFLECTING, INNER SURFACES, SAID REFLECTING PANELS CONNECTING SAID LIGHT DIFFUSING AND TRANSMITTING PANELS TOGETHER ALONG SAID MARGINAL EDGES OF SAID CELL, A SOURCE OF LIGHT COMPRISING AN ELONGATED FLUORESCENT LAMP DISPOSED EXTERIORLY AND REARWARDLY OF SAID CELL, AN ELONGATED POSTERIOR REFLECTOR HAVING AN ELONGATED REFLECTING SURFACE SPACED FROM AND AT LEAST PARTIALLY TO THE REAR OF SAID LAMP FOR OPTICAL CO-ACTION WITH SAID REFLECTING PANELS, SAID REFLECTOR AND SAID LAMP BEING PARALLEL TO SAID SIDE EDGES, THE SAID REFLECTING SURFACES OF SAID REFLECTING PANELS, AND SAID REFLECTING SURFACE OF SAID POSTERIOR REFLECTOR BEING SUBSTANTIALLY CO-TERMINOUS AND CO-EXTENSIVE, AND CELL RETAINING MEANS CAPABLE OF RETAINING SAID CELL IN SAID LUMINAIRE WHILE PERMITTING SEPARATION OF THE SAME THEREFROM.

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