Restraint mechanism for recessed luminaire

Abstract

Disclosed is a recessed lighting fixture (100) comprising: a light module (101) comprising a light source; a heat sink (200) thermally coupled to the light module (101), the heat sink comprising one or more protrusions (207); and a trim assembly (300). The trim assembly (300) can be removably coupled to the light module (100). The trim assembly (300) includes: a top edge (302) defining a first opening and a bottom edge (303) defining a second opening disposed below the first opening; a body (305) extending from the top edge (302) to the bottom edge (303); and a holding assembly (400). The retention assembly (400) includes an extension spring (402), one or more arms (401) extending from the extension spring (402), and one or more tab brackets (404). When the trim assembly is mechanically coupled to the light module, when one or more arms (401) extending from a torsion spring (402) are biased outwardly toward a bottom edge (303) of the trim (300) in a mounted position, the one or more tab brackets (404) mate with the one or more protrusions (207) on the heat sink (200) and the one or more tab brackets (404) are locked in position, the lighting fixture (100) is held in place to reduce or prevent any rotation or displacement. One or more arms (401) extending from the torsion spring (402) are biased outwardly toward the bottom edge (303) and act like a mouse trapping spring to removably hold the lighting fixture (100) in the installed position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to recessed lighting fixtures, and more particularly to mechanisms for stably securing recessed lighting fixtures in a mounted position. Background Art

[0002] Recessed light fixtures are often provided with a trim assembly that surrounds the outer edge of the recessed light housing to hide any imperfections around the hole formed in the sheet material in which the recessed light fixture is mounted. In such conventional recessed lighting fixtures, the light fixture and trim assembly are loosely held in place by one or more twist brackets and wire arms secured to the trim assembly, such as Figure 6 shown.

[0003] However, problems can arise when trim assemblies are held in place using tension brackets and wire arms by no means other than friction. This can cause the trim assemblies and light fixtures to gradually fall from vibrations, rotate out of proper alignment, or remain unstable in a mounted position. Summary of the invention

[0004] Aspects, objects and embodiments of the present invention address the above-mentioned disadvantages.

[0005] In this regard, one aspect of the present invention allows for the ability to securely secure a recessed lighting fixture into a mounted location so as to reduce the likelihood of displacement or rotation out of proper alignment.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention contemplates an improved method for installing a recessed lighting fixture.

[0007] Yet another aspect of the present invention allows for the tensile forces used to install / secure a recessed lighting fixture in a mounted position to be transmitted in a manner that reduces the risk of deformation of a trim component of the lighting fixture.

[0008] One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a recessed lighting fixture, comprising: a light module including a light source; a heat sink thermally coupled to the light module; and a decorative assembly. The heat sink includes one or more protrusions; and the decorative assembly is removably coupled to the light module. The decorative assembly includes: a top edge defining a first opening and a bottom edge defining a second opening, the second opening being disposed below the first opening; a body extending from the top edge to the bottom edge; and a retaining assembly. The retaining assembly includes a tension spring, one or more arms extending from the tension spring, and one or more tab brackets. When the decorative assembly is mechanically coupled to the light module, the tab bracket engages with the protrusions. The arms extending from the torsion spring are biased outwardly toward the bottom edge and act like a mousetrap spring to removably retain the lighting fixture in an installed position.

[0009] Another embodiment of the present invention relates to a recessed lighting fixture, which includes a light module containing a light source, a housing supporting the light module, and a decorative assembly. The housing includes one or more protrusions; the decorative assembly is removably connected to the light module. The decorative assembly includes: a top edge defining a first opening and a bottom edge defining a second opening, the second opening being disposed below the first opening; a body extending from the top edge to the bottom edge; and a retaining assembly. The retaining assembly includes a tension spring, one or more arms extending from the tension spring, and one or more tab brackets. When the decorative assembly is mechanically coupled to the light module, the tab bracket engages with the protrusion. The arms extending from the torsion spring are biased outward toward the bottom edge and act like a mousetrap spring to removably retain the lighting fixture in an installed position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Further details, aspects and embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings. The elements in the drawings are shown for simplicity and clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings, elements corresponding to elements already described may have the same reference numerals. In the drawings:

[0011] Figure 1a and 1b shows a perspective view of an exemplary light emitting diode based recessed lighting fixture according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2 shows details of raised features of the exemplary light emitting diode based recessed lighting fixture of FIG. 1 ;

[0013] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a trim assembly of the exemplary light emitting diode based recessed lighting fixture of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 4 shows details of the retaining assembly of the trim assembly of FIG. 1 ; and

[0015] Figure 5 Shows the Figure 4 Keep components engaged Figure 2 Details of raised features;

[0016] Figure 6 A prior art light fixture and trim assembly is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] While the invention is susceptible to embodiment in many different forms, one or more specific embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described in detail herein, it being understood that this disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown and described.

[0018] Hereinafter, for the sake of understanding, the elements of the embodiments are described in operation. However, it will be clear that the respective elements are arranged to perform the functions described as being performed by them.

[0019] Furthermore, the invention is not limited to these embodiments, and the invention lies in each and every novel feature or combination of features described herein or recited in mutually different dependent claims.

[0020] In the following paragraphs, the present disclosure will be described in more detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the specification, well-known components, methods and / or processing techniques are omitted or briefly described to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. As used herein, "the present disclosure" and / or "the present invention" refers to any one of the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein and any equivalent. In addition, reference to different features of the "present disclosure" does not indicate that all embodiments must include the referenced features.

[0021] The present disclosure relates to exemplary lighting fixtures such as recessed lighting fixtures (or "lighting units") based on light emitting diodes (LEDs), which include a light module and a decorative assembly removably coupled to the light module. The decorative assembly of the present disclosure may include a decorative piece and an optical device (i.e., an upper reflector and a lens) that is confined to the decorative piece for shaping light from the light module into a desired beam angle. In particular, the upper reflector is attached to the decorative piece using a plurality of tabs that snap into corresponding cutouts or through-slots in the decorative piece so that the lens (particularly a collar of the lens) is disposed between the upper reflector and the decorative piece. In addition, the decorative assembly includes a retaining assembly spring that can be mounted on the decorative piece for mounting the recessed lighting fixture into an installation location / location, for example, in a ceiling.

[0022] In the present disclosure, the light module may include a die-cast housing, which includes a connector portion and a heat sink portion. In addition, the light module includes a wire cover coupled to the die-cast housing. In addition, the light module includes a light source configured between the wire cover and the die-cast housing. Specifically, the light source is coupled to the heat sink portion of the die-cast housing so that the heat sink portion dissipates the heat generated by the light source of the recessed lighting fixture. In one example, the light source can be an LED, however, it can be understood and appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art that any other type of point-like or non-point-like light source can be used in the recessed lighting fixture described herein without departing from the broader scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the light module includes one or more connector sockets, which provide a connection point for an external power source to connect to the light module and power the light source. Specifically, the one or more connector sockets are supported by the wire cover and are arranged in the connector portion of the die-cast housing.

[0023] The technology of the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the technology to those of ordinary skill in the art. In addition, all "examples" or "exemplary embodiments" given herein are intended to be non-limiting and are particularly supported by the description of the present technology.

[0024] like Figure 1a and 1b As shown, the recessed lighting fixture 100 includes a light module 101 and a heat sink 200 thermally coupled to the light module 101. Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that in some exemplary embodiments, the heat sink 200 may be designed in different configurations depending on the lumen output of the light module 101, or may not be included depending on the lumen output of the light module 101 or the drive current used to power the light source of the light module 101. Instead, the housing 103 of the light module 101 may act as a heat sink for light modules with low lumen output. However, light modules with medium or high lumen output may use the heat sink 200. The heat sink 200 may be a dedicated structure that provides additional surface area for dissipating heat generated by the light source of the light module 101 (which increases proportionally with the lumen output of the light module).

[0025] In certain exemplary embodiments, the heat sink 200 may be an extruded metal, such as aluminum, which allows the height of the heat sink 200 to be easily increased for different light modules based on the lumen output of the light module. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the heat sink 200 may be formed using any other suitable manufacturing process without departing from the broader scope of the present disclosure.

[0026] like Figure 1bAs shown in , the heat sink 200 may include an elongated central body 201 extending from a top end 202 to a bottom end 203. Specifically, the elongated central body 201 may be defined by a module cavity 204 that may support the lighting module 101 on one side and a substantially cylindrical surface 205 (spanning a range equal to or greater than 180 degrees) on an opposite side. Further, the heat sink 200 may include a plurality of fins 206 extending radially outward from the cylindrical surface 205 and from the top end 202 to the bottom end 203 of the heat sink 200. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the fins 206 of the heat sink 200 may have other shapes without departing from the broader scope of the present invention.

[0027] As in Figure 2 As shown in more detail in FIG. 2 , the heat sink 200 includes one or more protrusions 207. The one or more protrusions 207 form a relief that can receive a mating object. Figure 2 Two protrusions 207 are shown in FIG. 1 , but other numbers of protrusions 207 may be used according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 In the embodiment of the present invention, the protrusion 207 is shown as having a rectangular shape, but it should be understood that any other shape, such as a semicircular or triangular shape, may be used. It should also be understood that if a heat sink 200 is not provided in the lighting fixture 100, the housing 103 may include one or more protrusions 207 in place of the heat sink 200. Alternatively, the one or more protrusions 207 may be included as part of other suitable housing hardware of the lighting fixture 100.

[0028] Reference now Figure 3 , the trim component 300 includes a top hole 301 defined by a top edge 302, a bottom edge 303 defining a light exit opening 304, and a trim body 305 extending from the top edge 302 to the bottom edge 303. The diameter of the top edge 302 may be smaller than the diameter of the bottom edge 303. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the diameter of the top edge 302 may be substantially similar to or larger than the diameter of the bottom edge 303. The top edge 301 may also include a first set of through holes configured to couple one or more retaining assemblies 400 to the trim 300 using fasteners such as screws 306. In addition, the top edge 302 may also include a second set of through holes configured to couple one or more coupling clips 307 to the trim 300 using fasteners such as rivets or screws 308. The coupling clips 307 are used to mechanically couple the trim 300 to the lighting fixture 100. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other means, such as rivets, screws, clamps, and adhesives, may be used to mechanically couple the trim 300 to the lighting fixture 100 .

[0029] Reference Figure 4, the retaining assembly 400 includes one or more arms 401 extending from a spiral wire portion, the spiral wire portion forming a torsion spring 402, the torsion spring 402 is retained in a support structure 403, and the support structure 403 is retained to the decorative element 300 by a fastener 306. The one or more arms 401 extending from the torsion spring 402 are biased outwardly toward the bottom edge 303 of the decorative element 300. Figure 4 As shown in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, two arms 401 are interconnected at their ends by an abutment pad structure 405, which is fixed across the free end of one or more arms 401, such as Figure 2 The support structure 403 also includes one or more tab brackets 404 formed by walls extending from the support structure 403. In other embodiments, the tab brackets 404 can be integrally formed with the decorative member 300. In other embodiments, the tab brackets 404 can have other configurations, such as ridges or bumps extending upward from the support structure 403. As described below, the one or more tab brackets 404 cooperate with the one or more protrusions 207.

[0030] For example, Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , two tab brackets 404 fit / fit into two protrusions 207, which are locked in place when one or more arms 401 extending from the torsion spring 402 are biased outwardly toward the bottom edge 303 of the decorative member 300 in the installed position. For example, when the light fixture is installed in the ceiling, the two tab brackets 404 are pushed or deformed to fit / fit into the two protrusions 207 by the tensile force of the biased torsion spring 402. This feature prevents the retaining assembly 400 from rotating or shifting. This also allows the tensile force from the torsion spring 402 to be transmitted to the heat sink 200 via the tab brackets 404. This prevents or reduces the possibility of the tensile force deforming the decorative member 300.

[0031] As shown in this embodiment, a retaining assembly 400 that functions like a mousetrap spring bracket can removably couple the lighting fixture 100 to a mounting surface / location, such as in a ceiling. In this regard, Figure 1a The retention assembly 400 is shown with one or more arms 401 urged toward the top edge 302 so that the lighting fixture 100 may be inserted into a recess 10 , such as into a ceiling. Figure 1b The lighting assembly 100 is shown after being inserted into the recess 10 and the one or more arms 401 are released from the upward position toward the top edge 302, so that the one or more arms 401 exert pressure on the mounting surface / location to secure the lighting fixture 100 in place. In this regard, the bottom edge 304 of the trim 300 has an upward pressure due to the bias of the torsion spring 402 and the one or more arms 401 pressing downward toward the bottom edge 304 against the sheet material 11 in the mounting location.

[0032] In more detail, by simply moving one or more arms 401 from a downwardly biased position (such as Figure 1a The installation of the lighting fixture 100 is accomplished simply and quickly by moving the wire arm 401 (as shown) to an outward and upright position for inserting the wire arm 45 (with its abutment pad structure 46) into a recess 10 (e.g., a ceiling hole), and releasing one or more arms 401 when the lighting fixture 100 is pushed into the recess 10, wherein when released, the one or more arms 401 will automatically shift downward by the force of the torsion spring 402, thereby placing their abutment pad structure 405 toward the lighting fixture 100 and holding the lighting fixture 100 in place. When the lighting fixture 100 is pushed into the recess 10, the abutment pad structure 405 applies an internal pulling force to the lighting fixture 100. The torsion force possessed by the torsion spring 402 is strong enough to apply an inward holding force to maintain the holding force on the bottom edge 304.

[0033] Thus, the retaining assembly 400 having the protrusions 207 makes installation of the lighting fixture 100 easier and allows the lighting fixture 100 to be stably fixed in place to prevent / reduce any vertical or horizontal movement.

[0034] The foregoing detailed description has set forth some of the many forms that the invention can take. The above examples illustrate only several possible embodiments of various aspects of the invention, wherein equivalent changes and / or modifications will occur to other skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the invention and the accompanying drawings. Specifically, with respect to the different functions performed by the above-described components (devices, systems, etc.), unless otherwise indicated, the terms used to describe such components (including references to "devices") are intended to correspond to any component (such as hardware or combination thereof) that performs the specified functions of the described components (i.e., functionally equivalent), even if the structure is not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure that performs the functions in the illustrated implementation of the present disclosure.

[0035] Although specific features of the invention may have been illustrated and / or described with respect to only one of several implementations, such features may be combined with one or more other features of other implementations that may be desirable and advantageous for any given or particular application. In addition, unless otherwise indicated, reference to a singular component or item is intended to encompass two or more such components or items. Moreover, to the extent that the terms "comprises," "includes," "has," "contains," "with," or variations thereof are used in the detailed description and / or in the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising."

[0036] The present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments. However, after reading and understanding the foregoing detailed description, others will think of modifications and changes. The present invention is intended to be interpreted as including all such modifications and changes. It should be emphasized that only the claims (including all equivalents thereof) are intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0037] In the claims, reference numerals in parentheses refer to reference symbols in the drawings of exemplary embodiments or formulas of the embodiments, thereby increasing the intelligibility of the claims. These reference numerals should not be construed as limiting the claims.

Claims

1. A recessed lighting fixture (100), comprising: A light module (101) comprising a light source; A heat sink (200) thermally coupled to the optical module (101), the heat sink comprising one or more protrusions (207); as well as A decoration component (300) is removably coupled to the light module (100), the decoration component (300) comprising: a top edge (302) defining a first opening and a bottom edge (303) defining a second opening, the second opening being arranged below the first opening; a body (305) extending from the top edge (302) to the bottom edge (303); and a retaining component (400) comprising a tension spring (402), one or more arms (401) extending from the tension spring (402), and one or more tab brackets (404), Wherein, when the decorative component (300) is mechanically coupled to the light module (101), when the one or more arms (401) extending from the torsion spring (402) are biased outwardly toward the bottom edge (303) of the decorative component (300) in the installed position, the one or more tab brackets (404) cooperate with the one or more protrusions (207) on the heat sink (200) and the one or more tab brackets (404) are locked in place, and the lighting fixture (100) is held in place to reduce or prevent any rotation or displacement.

2. The recessed lighting fixture (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more tab supports (404) are formed by walls extending in a vertical orientation toward the top edge (302).

3. The recessed lighting fixture (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more protrusions (207) are rectangular in shape.

4. The recessed lighting fixture (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The retaining assembly (400) includes two tab brackets (404), and the heat sink (200) includes two protrusions (207), wherein the two tab brackets (404) fit into the two protrusions (207).

5. The recessed lighting fixture (100) according to claim 4, wherein: The retaining assembly (400) includes two arms (401) extending from the torsion spring 402, the two arms being biased outwardly toward the bottom edge (303), the two arms acting like mousetrap springs to removably retain the lighting fixture (100) in an installed position, in which the torsion strength of the torsion spring (402) is sufficient to apply an inward retaining force to maintain the retaining force on the bottom edge (304).

6. The recessed lighting fixture (100) according to claim 5, wherein: The torsion force from the torsion spring (402) is transmitted to the heat sink (200) via the two tab brackets (404) to reduce the possibility of the tensile force deforming the decorative member (300).

7. The recessed lighting fixture (100) according to claim 5, wherein: The two arms (401) are connected to each other at the ends opposite to the torsion spring (402) by means of a pad (405) fixed across the free ends of the two arms (401).

8. The recessed lighting fixture (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The decorative element (300) also includes one or more coupling clips (307) for mechanically coupling the decorative element (300) to the lighting fixture (100).

9. A recessed lighting fixture (100), comprising: A light module (101) comprising a light source; A housing (103) supporting the optical module (101), the housing comprising one or more protrusions (207); as well as A decoration component (300) is removably coupled to the light module (100), the decoration component (300) comprising: a top edge (302) defining a first opening and a bottom edge (303) defining a second opening, the second opening being arranged below the first opening; a body (305) extending from the top edge (302) to the bottom edge (303); and a retaining component (400) comprising a tension spring (402), one or more arms (401) extending from the tension spring (402), and one or more tab brackets (404), Wherein, when the decorative component (300) is mechanically coupled to the light module (101), when the one or more arms (401) extending from the torsion spring (402) are biased outwardly toward the bottom edge (303) of the decorative component (300) in the installed position, the one or more tab brackets (404) cooperate with the one or more protrusions (207) on the housing (103) and the one or more tab brackets (404) are locked in place, and the lighting fixture (100) is held in place to reduce or prevent any rotation or displacement.

10. The recessed lighting fixture (100) according to claim 9, wherein: The one or more tab supports (404) are formed by walls extending in a vertical orientation toward the top edge (302).

11. The recessed lighting fixture (100) according to claim 9, wherein: The one or more protrusions (207) are rectangular in shape.

12. The recessed lighting fixture (100) according to claim 9, wherein: The retaining assembly (400) includes two tab brackets (404), and the heat sink includes two protrusions (207), wherein the two tab brackets (404) fit into the two protrusions (207).

13. The recessed lighting fixture (100) according to claim 12, wherein: The retaining assembly (400) includes two arms (401) extending from the torsion spring 402, the two arms being biased outwardly toward the bottom edge (303), the two arms acting like mousetrap springs to removably retain the lighting fixture (100) in an installed position, in which the torsion spring (402) has a torsional strength sufficient to apply an inward retaining force to maintain the retaining force on the bottom edge 304.

14. The recessed lighting fixture (100) according to claim 12, wherein: The torsion force from the torsion spring 402 is transmitted to the heat sink (200) via the two tab brackets (404) to prevent or reduce the possibility of the tensile force causing the decorative member (300) to deform.

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