Modular light fixture with power pack
First Claim
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1. A light fixture comprising:
- a fixture body comprising a frame having a top side and a bottom side, the top side defining a ballast channel and the bottom side having a reflector formed from a sheet material;
a lampholder mounted to the frame and configured to receive and electrically connect to a fluorescent tube positioned adjacent to the reflector; and
a detachable power pack that is removable from the top side of the frame substantially free from interference, the detachable power pack comprising;
a ballast channel cover configured to detachably engage the ballast channel on the top side of frame;
a ballast mounted to the ballast channel cover, wherein the ballast comprises power input wiring and ballast output wiring, and further wherein the ballast output wiring is configured to be electrically connected to the lampholder such that electrical power is provided to the lampholder; and
a power input connector mounted to the ballast channel cover, wherein the power input connector is electrically connected to the power input wiring of the ballast and configured to receive the electrical power from a power source.
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Abstract
A modular light fixture specially adapted for flexible, cost-effective, and safe retrofit and maintenance, particularly in large commercial lighting applications. The light fixture preferably includes a frame with one or more lampholders and a detachable power pack with a ballast, with modular connectors used to provide an electrical connection between the detachable power pack and the lampholders. Other aspects of the invention relate to methods of redeploying lighting, and a modular light fixture kit, for example to be used in lighting retrofit and maintenance.
201 Citations
24 Claims
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1. A light fixture comprising:
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a fixture body comprising a frame having a top side and a bottom side, the top side defining a ballast channel and the bottom side having a reflector formed from a sheet material; a lampholder mounted to the frame and configured to receive and electrically connect to a fluorescent tube positioned adjacent to the reflector; and a detachable power pack that is removable from the top side of the frame substantially free from interference, the detachable power pack comprising; a ballast channel cover configured to detachably engage the ballast channel on the top side of frame; a ballast mounted to the ballast channel cover, wherein the ballast comprises power input wiring and ballast output wiring, and further wherein the ballast output wiring is configured to be electrically connected to the lampholder such that electrical power is provided to the lampholder; and
a power input connector mounted to the ballast channel cover, wherein the power input connector is electrically connected to the power input wiring of the ballast and configured to receive the electrical power from a power source. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method of redeploying lighting in a building, comprising:
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(a) providing a light fixture, wherein the light fixture comprises a fixture body comprising a frame having a top side and a bottom side, the top side defining a ballast channel; a lampholder mounted to the frame, wherein the lampholder comprises a lampholder harness connector; and a detachable power pack comprising; a ballast channel cover configured to detachably mount to the top side of the frame and over the ballast channel; a ballast mounted to the ballast channel cover, wherein the ballast comprises power input wiring and ballast output wiring; and a ballast output connector electrically connected to the ballast output wiring and configured to engage the lampholder harness connector such that electrical power is provided to the lampholder; (b) disengaging the ballast channel cover from the top side of the frame such that the ballast output connector and the lampholder harness connector are exposed; and (c) disengaging the ballast output connector from the lampholder harness connector such that the detachable power pack is detached from the fixture body. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A light fixture kit comprising:
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a frame having a top side and a bottom side; a first raceway and a second raceway disposed proximate opposite ends of the frame; a first lampholder mounted to the first raceway and a second lampholder mounted to the second raceway, wherein the lampholders are electrically connected to a lampholder harness connector; and a plurality of detachable power packs, wherein each detachable power pack comprises; a ballast channel cover configured to detachably engage the top side of the frame; a ballast mounted to the ballast channel cover, wherein the ballast comprises power input wiring; and a power input connector mounted to the ballast channel cover and electrically connected to the ballast input wiring, wherein the power input connector is configured to receive electrical from a power supply line electrically connected to a power source. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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21. A method of redeploying lighting in a building using existing light fixtures, comprising:
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(a) accessing the existing light fixture, wherein the existing light fixture comprises; a frame having a top side and a bottom side, the top side defining a power side adapted to receive any one of a plurality of detachable power packs having different ballast factors, the bottom side defining a light-emitting side with lamp holders coupled to the frame and to a fluorescent lamp and a reflector coupled to the frame to reflect light emitted from the fluorescent lamp into a space beneath the existing light fixture; and a detachable power pack comprising a ballast having a first ballast factor, the ballast detachably mounted to the top side of the frame and directly removable from the top side of the frame substantially free from interference with the existing light fixture; (b) evaluating a first lighting level within the space provided by the fluorescent lamp and the ballast having the first ballast factor; and (c) changing the first lighting level within the space to a second lighting level within the space using the existing light fixtures by removing the ballast with the first ballast factor from the top side of the frame of the existing fixture and installing a second ballast with a second ballast factor on the top side of the frame of the existing light fixture. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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Specification