Retrofit light assembly

• US 8,220,957 B2
• Filed: 04/01/2009
• Issued: 07/17/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 02/12/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLC (Acuity Brands, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: ABL IP Holding LLC (Acuity Brands, Inc.)
• Inventors: Lydecker, Stephen Haight, Nicholson, Mark E., Rouse, Russell Vern, Schmidt, Peter M., McCane, Stephan Barry, Mayfield, John T. III
• Primary Examiner(s): Ton, Anabel
• Application Number:
  US12/416,617
• Publication Number:
  US 20090207603A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,203 Days
• Field of Search: 362/217.01, 362/222, 362/223, 36221702-21705
• US Class Current: 362/222
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/02 of recess-mounted type, e.g. downlighters specially adapted for vehicle exteriors F21S41/00-F21S45/00
• CPC Class Codes: F21S 8/026 intended to be recessed in a ceiling or like overhead structure, e.g. suspended ceiling
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 11/06 using crossed laminae or strips , e.g. grid-shaped louvers; using lattices or honeycombs
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 13/04 the elements being reflectors and refractors for vehicle rear lights F21S43/40
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 15/01 Housings, e.g. material or assembling of housing parts F21V15/02 takes precedence housings forming signs or letters G09F13/04
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 17/104 using feather joints, e.g. tongues and grooves, with or without friction
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 17/107 using hinge joints
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 17/18 Latch-type fastening, e.g. with rotary action
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 19/008 of straight tubular light sources, e.g. straight fluorescent tubes, soffit lamps
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 23/026 Fastening of transformers or ballasts
• CPC Class Codes: F21V 5/02 of prismatic shape F21V5/04 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F21Y 2103/00 Elongate light sources, e.g. fluorescent tubes

Abstract

Retrofit systems for replacing the outdated components of an existing light fixture. The retrofit systems may utilize the previously installed housing of the existing light fixture. The retrofit systems include brackets that are positioned on the ends of the housing. The positioning of the brackets is based off of the ceiling, t-grid, or the bottom of the housing. Lamp sockets with associated lamps, an optional ballast tray with associated ballast, reflector(s), lamps, and a shielding mechanism are all mounted on, and their position in the housing dictated by, the mounting brackets. Thus, regardless of the depth of the housing, the lamps are positioned a uniform distance from the ceiling opening to create consistent light distribution. Moreover, because these components are not directly attached to the housing, their dimensions need not precisely match those of the housing. Rather, the retrofit system can be installed in housings of varying sizes and shapes.

Claims

1. A retrofit assembly, for a light fixture with a housing having a first end wall, a second end wall and a bottom edge, the retrofit assembly comprising:

(a) a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket for mounting on the first and the second end walls respectively, of the housing, each mounting bracket comprising a flange for positioning adjacent the bottom edge of the housing;

(b) at least one reflector comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the at least one reflector is supported in the housing by the first and the second mounting brackets;

(c) a light shielding mechanism supported by the first and the second mounting brackets;

(d) at least one lamp socket mounted on each of the first and the second mounting brackets; and

(e) a ballast tray mounted to one of the first or the second mounting brackets.

2. A retrofit assembly, for a light fixture with a housing having a first end wall, a second end wall and a bottom edge, the retrofit assembly comprising:

(a) a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket for mounting on the first and the second end walls respectively, of the housing, each mounting bracket comprising a flange for positioning adjacent the bottom edge of the housing;

(b) at least one reflector comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the at least one reflector is supported in the housing by the first and the second mounting brackets;

(c) a light shielding mechanism supported by the first and the second mounting brackets; and

(d) at least one lamp socket mounted on each of the first and the second mounting brackets,

wherein the first mounting bracket further comprises at least one tab into which the first end of the at least one reflector is inserted.

3. The retrofit assembly of claim 2, wherein the second mounting bracket further comprises a fastener aperture for receiving a fastener for securing the second end of the at least one reflector thereto.

4. The retrofit assembly of claim 3, wherein the fastener comprises a quarter turn fastener or a twist tab fastener.

5. A retrofit assembly, for a light fixture with a housing having a first end wall, a second end wall and a bottom edge, the retrofit assembly comprising:

(a) a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket for mounting on the first and the second end walls respectively, of the housing, each mounting bracket comprising a flange for positioning adjacent the bottom edge of the housing;

(b) at least one reflector comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the at least one reflector is supported in the housing by the first and the second mounting brackets;

(c) a light shielding mechanism supported by the first and the second mounting brackets; and

(d) at least one lamp socket mounted on each of the first and the second mounting brackets,

wherein the first mounting bracket further comprises a height and wherein the height of the first mounting bracket is adjustable.

6. A retrofit assembly, for a light fixture with a housing having a first end wall, a second end wall and a bottom edge, the retrofit assembly comprising:

(a) a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket for mounting on the first and the second end walls respectively, of the housing, each mounting bracket comprising a flange for positioning adjacent the bottom edge of the housing;

(b) at least one reflector comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the at least one reflector is supported in the housing by the first and the second mounting brackets;

(c) a light shielding mechanism supported by the first and the second mounting brackets; and

(d) at least one lamp socket mounted on each of the first and the second mounting brackets,

wherein the light shielding mechanism comprises a first hinge and the first mounting bracket further comprises at least one mounting aperture for receiving the first hinge.

7. The retrofit assembly of claim 6, wherein the at least one mounting aperture comprises:

(a) an insertion section configured to receive the first hinge;

(b) an advancement section in communication with the insertion section; and

(c) a retention section in communication with the advancement section, the retention section configured to retain the first hinge within the at least one mounting aperture.

8. The retrofit assembly of claim 7, wherein the retention section is configured to allow the first hinge to pivot while retained within the retention section.

9. The retrofit assembly of claim 6, wherein the at least one mounting aperture comprises a first mounting aperture and a second mounting aperture, wherein the first and the second mounting apertures are mirror-images.

10. The retrofit assembly of claim 6, wherein the first hinge is rigid.

11. The retrofit assembly of claim 6, wherein the first hinge comprises:

(a) a base mounted to the light shielding mechanism;

(b) an arm extending substantially perpendicular from the base; and

(c) a tab extending substantially perpendicular from the arm and substantially in parallel with the base.

12. The retrofit assembly of claim 6, wherein the light shielding mechanism further comprises a second hinge and the second mounting bracket further comprises at least one mounting aperture configured to receive the second hinge.

13. The retrofit assembly of claim 6, wherein the light shielding mechanism further comprises securing means that interacts with the first mounting bracket for retaining the light shielding mechanism in a closed position.

14. A retrofit assembly, for a light fixture with a housing having a first end wall, a second end wall and a bottom edge, the retrofit assembly comprising:

(a) a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket for mounting on the first and the second end walls respectively, of the housing, each mounting bracket comprising a flange for positioning adjacent the bottom edge of the housing;

(b) at least one reflector comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the at least one reflector is supported in the housing by the first and the second mounting brackets;

(c) a light shielding mechanism supported by the first and the second mounting brackets, wherein the light shielding mechanism comprises a louver; and

(d) at least one lamp socket mounted on each of the first and the second mounting brackets.

15. The retrofit assembly of claim 14, wherein the louver comprises:

(a) an exterior housing defined by at least;

(i) a first end blade;

(ii) a second end blade spaced from the first end blade;

(iii) a first side stringer extending between the first end blade and the second end blade; and

(iv) a second side stringer extending between the first end blade and the second end blade and spaced from the first side stringer; and

(b) a frame defined by and integrally formed with the first end blade, the second end blade, the first side stringer, and the second side stringer.

16. The retrofit assembly of claim 15, wherein the frame further comprises:

(a) a first end flange integrally formed with the first end blade;

(b) a second end flange integrally formed with the second end blade;

(c) a first side flange integrally formed with the first side stringer; and

(d) a second side flange integrally formed with the second side stringer.

17. The retrofit assembly of claim 16, wherein the louver further comprises mounting means positioned on the first end flange and configured to engage a mounting aperture on the first mounting bracket.

18. The retrofit assembly of claim 17, wherein the louver further comprises mounting means positioned on the second end flange and configured to engage a mounting aperture on the second mounting bracket.

19. The retrofit assembly of claim 18, wherein the mounting means positioned on the first and the second end flanges are located more proximate the first side stringer than the second side stringer.

20. The retrofit assembly of claim 17, wherein the louver further comprises releasable securing means positioned on the first end flange opposite the mounting means and configured to engage the first mounting bracket.

21. A retrofit assembly for a light fixture with a housing having a first end wall, a second end wall and a bottom edge, the retrofit assembly comprising:

(a) a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket for mounting on the first and the second end walls respectively, each mounting bracket comprising;

(i) a first flange extending in a first direction for positioning adjacent the bottom edge of the housing;

(ii) a vertical portion extending upwards from the first flange and comprising;

(A) two mirror-image mounting slots, each mounting slot comprising;

(I) an insertion section;

(II) an advancement section in communication with the insertion section; and

(III) a retention section in communication with the advancement section; and

(B) two latch tabs; and

(iii) a second flange extending from the vertical portion in a second direction opposite the first direction of the first flange, the second flange comprising reflector retaining means; and

(iv) at least one lamp socket;

(b) at least one reflector supported by the first and the second mounting brackets; and

(c) a light shielding mechanism supported by the first and the second mounting brackets, the light shielding mechanism comprising;

(i) a first end and a second end spaced from the first end;

(ii) a first side and a second side extending between the first and the second ends;

(iii) a first hinge extending from the first end proximate the first side, wherein the first hinge is adapted to engage at least one of the two mounting slots of the first mounting bracket;

(iv) a second hinge extending from the second end proximate the first side, wherein the second hinge is adapted to engage at least one of the two mounting slots of the second mounting bracket;

(v) a first latch positioned on the first end proximate the second side and adapted to interact with at least one of the two latch tabs of the first mounting bracket; and

(vi) a second latch positioned on the second end proximate the second side and adapted to interact with at least one of the two latch tabs of the second mounting bracket.

22. The retrofit assembly of claim 21, wherein the first mounting bracket further comprises a height and the vertical portion of the first mounting bracket further comprises an adjustable neck configured to allow the height of the first mounting bracket to be adjusted.

23. A method of retrofitting a lighting fixture with a retrofit assembly, the lighting fixture including a housing with a first end wall, a second end wall spaced from the first end wall, and a bottom edge, the method comprising:

(a) providing the retrofit assembly comprising;

(i) a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket for mounting on the first and the second end walls of the housing respectively, each mounting bracket comprising a first flange for positioning adjacent the bottom edge of the housing;

(ii) a ballast;

(iii) at least one reflector supported by the first and the second mounting brackets;

(iv) a light shielding mechanism supported by the first and the second mounting brackets; and

(v) at least one lamp socket mounted on each of the first and the second mounting brackets;

(b) mounting the first and the second mounting brackets to the first and the second end walls of the housing, respectively, by positioning the first flange of the first and the second mounting brackets along the bottom edge of the first and the second end walls of the housing;

(c) mounting the at least one reflector on the first and the second mounting brackets; and

(d) mounting the light shielding mechanism to the first and the second mounting brackets.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the first mounting bracket further comprises a first mounting aperture,

wherein the second mounting bracket further comprises a second mounting aperture, and

wherein the light shielding mechanism further comprises:

a first end and a second end;

a first side and a second side; and

a first hinge and a second hinge positioned on the first and the second ends, respectively, proximate the first side,

wherein mounting the light shielding mechanism to the first and the second mounting brackets comprises;

(a) inserting the first hinge into the first mounting aperture; and

(b) inserting the second hinge into the second mounting aperture.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein each of the first and the second mounting apertures comprises:

an insertion section;

an advancement section connected to the insertion section; and

a retention section connected to the advancement section,

wherein inserting the first hinge into the first mounting aperture of the first mounting bracket comprises;

inserting the first hinge into the insertion section of the first mounting aperture; and

moving the first hinge from the insertion section to the retention section through the advancement section of the first mounting aperture.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein inserting the second hinge into the second mounting aperture of the second mounting bracket comprises:

inserting the second hinge into the insertion section of the second mounting aperture; and

moving the second hinge from the insertion section to the retention section through the advancement section of the second mounting aperture.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the light shielding mechanism further comprises a first and a second latch positioned on the first and the second ends, respectively, proximate the second side of the light shielding mechanism, wherein mounting the light shielding mechanism further comprises:

(a) pivoting the light shielding mechanism about the first and the second hinges to a closed position within the housing; and

(b) engaging the first and the second latches with the first and the second mounting brackets, respectively, to secure the light shielding mechanism in the closed position.