Reinforced light shielding plate of lighting device

Abstract

A reinforced visor for use with a lighting fixture includes a housing, a first inner end rib bracket, and a first outer reinforcement member. The housing extends a depending distance measured from the first inner end rib bracket to a free end of the housing, and the first outer reinforcement member is attached to the first inner end rib member, with the housing interposed between the first outer reinforcement member and the first inner end rib bracket.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is related to and claims the benefit of U.S. non-provisional application serial number 18 / 161,382, filed on January 30, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to visors for reducing glare and spill from LED lighting fixtures and the like. More particularly, the present disclosure teaches a reinforced visor for such lighting fixtures that is more robust and less susceptible to wind damage and the like. Background Art

[0004] Sports fields and racetracks often use lighting fixtures such as LEDs (light emitting diodes) to illuminate nighttime sporting events such as horse racing. Glare from the lighting fixtures is not ideal if it causes drivers to be distracted.

[0005] For example, as shown in FIG1 , a sun visor 50 and / or a light directing device 52 (a mirror or other reflector) can be used to prevent direct glare from a light source 54 from distracting the driver. However, windy weather may cause the sun visor to become damaged, requiring its replacement. If the damage occurs at an inopportune time, the sun visor may become loose during the race.

[0006] It would therefore be desirable to provide a sunshade that is more robust than previous designs. Summary of the Invention

[0007] A reinforced sunshade for use with a lighting fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a reinforcement system comprising a first rib bracket in a first m-shape or a first n-shape, a second rib bracket in a second m-shape or a second n-shape spaced a first predetermined distance from the first rib bracket, and a first reinforcement member attached to the first rib bracket.

[0008] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a reinforced sunshade for use with a lighting fixture may include a reinforcement system, which includes a first rib bracket having a first n-shape; a second rib bracket, wherein the second rib bracket has a j-shape and is spaced a first predetermined distance from the first rib bracket; and a first reinforcement member attached to the first rib bracket.

[0009] A reinforced sun visor for a lighting fixture according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing, a first inner end rib bracket, and at least a first outer reinforcement member. The housing may extend an overhang distance measured from the first inner end rib bracket to a free end of the housing, and at least the first outer reinforcement member may be attached to the first inner end rib member, wherein the housing is interposed between at least the first outer reinforcement member and the first inner end rib bracket.

[0010] The details of one or more examples of the present disclosure will be set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, objects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The following drawings are used to illustrate specific examples of the present disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but the examples may include the proportions shown and are intended to be used in conjunction with the description in the following detailed description, where like reference numerals represent like elements. Examples of the present disclosure will be described below in conjunction with the drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art lighting system using a sunshade on a lacking enhanced LED lighting fixture or fixture.

[0013] Figure 2 is a front oriented perspective view of a double-width reinforced visor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which may be used with the middle example of the LED lighting fixture shown in FIG. 1 .

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Rear oriented perspective view of a double width reinforced visor showing the outer panel extending past the rearmost rib bracket for attaching the visor to the lighting fixture.

[0015] Figure 4 is a front oriented perspective view of a single-width reinforced visor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which may be used with the intermediate example of the LED lighting fixture shown in FIG. 1 .

[0016] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Rear oriented perspective view of a single width reinforced visor showing the outer panel extending past the rearmost rib bracket for attaching the visor to a fixture.

[0017] Figure 6 is a front oriented perspective view of a left glare control enhancement visor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which can be used with the left example of the LED lighting fixture shown in FIG. 1 .

[0018] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Rear oriented perspective view of the left side glare control enhancement visor showing the outer panel extending past the rearmost rib bracket to provide a fixture for attaching the visor to the lighting fixture.

[0019] Figure 8 is a front-oriented perspective view of a right-side glare control enhancement visor according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, which can be used with the right-side example of the LED lighting fixture shown in FIG. 1 .

[0020] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A rear directional perspective view of the right side glare control enhancement visor depicting the outer panel extending past the rearmost rib bracket to provide a fixture for attaching the visor to a lighting fixture.

[0021] Figure 10 yes Figure 2 A cross-section of a double-width reinforced sunshade panel showing the interior cavity formed by the outer and inner panels. The interior cavity can be filled with a core material such as foam.

[0022] Figure 11 By removing one or more outer panels, one or more inner panels, inner reflectors, etc. Figure 2 The double-width reinforced sun visor is a reinforcement member.

[0023] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Alternative view of the reinforcement member.

[0024] Figure 13 The illustration is shown by removing one or more outer panels, one or more inner panels, inner reflectors, etc. Figure 4 A reinforcement member for a single-width reinforced sun visor.

[0025] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 Alternative view of the reinforcement member.

[0026] Figure 15 The illustration is shown by removing one or more outer panels, one or more inner panels, inner reflectors, etc. Figure 6 The left side glare control reinforcement visor is reinforced with a reinforcement member.

[0027] Figure 16 yes Figure 15 Alternative view of the reinforcement member.

[0028] Figure 17 The left side of the light shield is shown to be used to form Figure 8 The right side glare control reinforcement visor with a C-shaped channel has a reinforcement member that is shallower to allow left side light guidance through the visor.

[0029] Figure 18 Shown separately Figures 2 to 5 Right side reinforcement plate shown.

[0030] Figure 19 Shown Figure 6 and Figure 7 Left side reinforcement plate shown.

[0031] Figure 20 Shown Figure 2 and Figure 3 Top reinforcement plate shown.

[0032] Figure 21 Include Figures 4 to 9 etc. The top reinforcement plate shown.

[0033] Figure 22 Shown Figure 7 、 9 , 16 and 17 show the small side reinforcement plates. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The following detailed description is illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the technology or systems described herein in any way. Instead, the following description provides some practical examples for implementing the technology or system examples described herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many of the above examples have multiple suitable alternatives.

[0035] The following detailed description is illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the technology or systems described herein in any way. Instead, the following description provides some practical examples for implementing the technology or system examples described herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many of the above examples have multiple suitable alternatives.

[0036] In order to further understand the present disclosure, specific exemplary embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described in detail. The accompanying drawings will be frequently mentioned in this specification. Figure numerals will be used to indicate specific components in the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the same figure numerals will be used to indicate the same components in all drawings. In addition, similar figure numerals (e.g., 702, 802, 902, 1002, 1102) will be used to indicate similar components or functions between embodiments. Figure numerals with letters (e.g., 100, 100a) may represent the same or similar features, which may be symmetrical to each other, etc.

[0037] Regarding terminology, terms such as “device,” “element,” “component,” “part,” “portion,” “structure,” “assembly,” and “member” may be used interchangeably herein in the singular or plural for convenience and without departing from or limiting the aspects of the present disclosure unless expressly stated otherwise.

[0038] Furthermore, terms such as "having," "including," "with," and the like, or their versions, should be understood as open ended and not limiting the components that may be added to the structure. Terms such as "substantially linear," "linear array," and the like, or their versions, should be understood to include arrays of items that form a straight line within manufacturing tolerances (+ / - 0.020 inches).

[0039] from Figures 2 to 5Initially, enhanced visors 100 and 200 for use with a lighting fixture or fixture thereof (e.g., see 54 in FIG. 1 ) will be described. It should be noted that visors 100 and 200 can be used with the intermediate example 56 shown in FIG. 1 , but this is not required. Visor 100 can be referred to as a double-width visor, while visor 200 can be referred to as a single-width visor, as visor 100 is essentially the same as visor 200 but is double the width and has two light-guiding channels instead of one.

[0040] These visors 100 and 200 may include reinforcement systems 102 and 202 (e.g. Figures 11 to 14 As best shown, the reinforcement system includes a first rib support 104 (see first rib support 204) having a first m-shape or a first n-shape, and a second rib support 106 (see second rib support 206) having a second m-shape or a second n-shape, the second rib support being spaced a first predetermined distance 108, 208 from the first rib support 104, 204. The first predetermined distance can range from 16.5 inches to 17.5 inches and can be the same for both visors 100, 200, but is not required to be. Furthermore, the shape of the rib supports can be referred to as an "E" on one side for visor 100 or a "C" on one side for visor 200, etc.

[0041] The distance between the ribs can be determined based on the optical requirements of the different materials on the interior of the sunshade. In some embodiments, the reinforcement components (e.g., 110, 112, and 114, etc.) may only need to be attached between the heat sink and the first rib (104) of the fixture using the top plate as shown. The side panels can be extended to make the component large enough to add logos, etc., but this is not required.

[0042] The first reinforcement member, which may be attached to the first rib bracket 104, 204 by fastening (e.g., using rivets, screws, etc.), may take various forms, such as a first side panel 110 that is also attached to the second rib member 106, 206, or attached only to the top panel 112, 212 of the first rib bracket 104, 204, but this is not required. In many embodiments, the reinforcement system 102, 202 may also include a second side panel 114 that is attached to the first rib bracket 104, 204 and the second rib bracket 206. Due to this configuration, the first side panel 110 and the second side panel 114 may form a first pair of parallel sides of a reinforcement frame 116, 216 (also referred to as a box), while the first rib bracket 104, 204 and the second rib bracket 106, 206 define a second pair of parallel sides of the reinforcement frame 116, 216.

[0043] In addition, the first rib bracket 104, 204 may include a first top outer flange 118, 218, a first side outer flange 120, 220 and a second side outer flange 122, 222, which extend from a first outer edge 124, 224 in a first m-shape or a first n-shape along a first same perpendicular direction 125, 225 with respect to the first outer periphery 124, 224.

[0044] It should be noted that the second rib support can be constructed substantially identically to the first rib support, rotated 180 degrees to face the first rib support. Thus, the second rib support 106, 206 can include a second top outer flange 126, 226, a third side outer flange 128, 228, and a fourth side outer flange 130, 230 extending from a second outer periphery 132, 232 in a second m-shape or a second n-shape along a second perpendicular direction 134, 234 that is the same as the second outer periphery 132, 232 of the second rib support 106, 206. The second perpendicular direction can be parallel to the first perpendicular direction, but is not required to be so. The first side panel 110 (see also Figure 18 ) can be attached to the first side outer flange 120, 220 and the third side outer flange 128, 228, while the second side plate 114 (see also Figure 19 ) may be attached to the second side outer flange 122, 222 and the fourth side outer flange 130, 230. These attachments may be achieved by fastening, etc. The side panels may have trademarks, logos, or other information thereon, but need not do so.

[0045] As previously referenced in this article Figures 11 to 14 As described above, the first reinforcing member may be in the form of a top plate 112, 212 (see also Figure 20 and 21 ), the top plate can be attached to the first top outer flange 118, 218 of the first rib bracket 104, 204. The top plate 112, 212 can be trapezoidal in shape, having short sides 136, 236 and long sides 138, 238. The first plurality of apertures 140, 240 can form a first linear array adjacent to the short sides 136, 236, and the second plurality of apertures 142, 242 can form a second linear array adjacent to the long sides 138, 238.

[0046] More specifically, the first plurality of apertures includes three or four apertures, the fastener 144 (see Figure 11 and 14 ) are provided therein (for attaching the top plate to the first rib support), and the second plurality of apertures includes four empty holes (for later securing the sunshade to a fixture or lighting fixture). In other embodiments of the present disclosure, other types of arrays and numbers of apertures may be used. Figure 20 and 21 In FIG, the top panels 112, 212 define an overall length 146, 246 and an overall width 148, 248. Figure 20 The ratio of total length to total width ranged from 5.15 to 7.4 in Figure 21 In the embodiment of the present invention, the ratio ranges from 2.95 to 4.25. It should be noted that in other embodiments of the present disclosure, these ratios can be different and the top plate can be rectangular instead of trapezoidal, etc.

[0047] exist Figure 11 and 12 In the embodiment of the present invention, the first rib support 104 can define a first inner perimeter 150 having a first M-shape, the first inner perimeter having a first opening 152 and a second opening 152a. A first plurality of inner flanges 154 can be disposed adjacent to the first opening 152 (e.g., one on each side of the opening), and a second plurality of inner flanges 154a can be disposed adjacent to the second opening 152a. The first and second plurality of inner flanges 154, 154a can extend in a first, same, perpendicular direction 156 relative to the first inner perimeter 150.

[0048] The second rib support 106 may define a second inner periphery 150a having a second M-shape, the second inner periphery having a third opening 152b aligned with the first opening 152 and a fourth opening 152c aligned with the second opening 152a. A third plurality of inner flanges 154b may be disposed adjacent to the third opening 152b, and a fourth plurality of inner flanges 154c may be disposed adjacent to the fourth opening 152c.

[0049] exist Figure 13 and 14 , the first rib bracket 204 may define a first n-shaped first inner periphery 250 having a first opening 252 and may further include a first plurality of inner flanges 254 disposed adjacent the first opening 252 and extending in a first same perpendicular direction 225 relative to the outer periphery.

[0050] The second rib support 206 can define a second inner perimeter 250a having a second n-shape with a second opening 252a aligned with the first opening 252. Additionally, a second plurality of inner flanges 254a can be disposed adjacent the second opening 252a, extending in the same first vertical direction 225 as the outer flanges.

[0051] refer to Figures 2 to 4 as well as Figures 11 to 14The housing, including at least a first housing member 158, 258, can be attached to the first top outer flange 118, 218, the first side outer flange 120, 220, the second side outer flange 122, 222, the second top outer flange 126, 226, the third side outer flange 128, 228, and the fourth side outer flange 130, 230. More specifically, the at least first housing member is an outer panel 160, 260 that is cut or stamped to size and then folded into a C-shape. The outer panel 160, 260 can define a free end 162, 262 that is spaced apart from the first rib support 104, 204 to form an overhang. The outer panel 160, 260 can also define a plurality of fastener mounting holes 164, 264 disposed adjacent to the free end 162, 262. These holes may be aligned with those of the top plate mentioned earlier herein so that fasteners may attach the top plate and outer panel to the fixture or light fixture.

[0052] In addition, Figure 3 In the embodiment, the shell can also include at least a first inner shell member 166 (e.g., the member can be split into three panels or not) attached to the first plurality of inner flanges 154 and the third plurality of inner flanges 154; and at least a second inner shell member 166a (e.g., the member can be split into multiple panels) attached to the second plurality of inner flanges 154a and the fourth plurality of inner flanges 154c. Figure 2 , end brackets 168 (which may be constructed similarly or identically to the first rib bracket and / or the second rib bracket) may be attached to the outer panel, the first inner shell member, and the second inner shell member.

[0053] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment, the housing includes at least a first inner shell member 266 (eg, separable into a plurality of panels) attached to the first plurality of inner flanges 254 and the second plurality of inner flanges 254a. Also in the embodiment Figure 4 , end brackets 268 (which may be constructed similarly or identically to the first rib brackets and / or the second rib brackets) may be attached to the outer panel and the first inner shell member, among others.

[0054] See together Figure 2 and Figure 12 , the visor 100 may define a visor length 170, and in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the ratio of the visor length 170 to the first predetermined distance 108 may range from 1.75 to 2.5. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, other ratios may be used. Similar statements may be made with respect to the visors 200, 300, and 300a. In addition, as Figure 10 As shown, the housing can define an interior cavity 172 and the foam core 174 can be disposed within the interior cavity 172, but this is not required. Likewise, similar statements can be made with respect to the visors 200, 300, and 300a.

[0055] Now go to Figures 6 to 9 , other enhanced visors 300, 300a for use with a lighting fixture or fixture thereof (e.g., see 50 in FIG. 1 ) will be described. It is noted that visors 300 and 200 can be used with the left and right side examples 58, 60 shown in FIG. 1 , respectively, but this is not required. It is understood that the glare control portion can face the driver, depending on the direction from which the driver approaches the visor. Visor 300 can be referred to as a left visor, while visor 300a can be referred to as a right visor, as visor 300a is essentially the same as visor 300 but is mirrored to provide left glare control rather than right glare control. Likewise, they can be switched.

[0056] exist Figures 15 to 17 In the drawings, these sunshades 300, 300a include a reinforcement system 302, 302a, which includes a first rib support 304, 304a in a first n-shape; a second rib support 306, 306a in a first j-shape (so called because one of its vertical legs is shorter than the other when viewed from the side), which second rib support is separated from the first rib support 304, 304a by a first predetermined distance 308 (which can be the same as and have the same value as the first predetermined distance 108, 208 mentioned earlier in this document, but does not have to be so).

[0057] The first reinforcement member can be attached to the first rib bracket 304, 304a and can take various forms, such as a first side panel (110 or 114) that is also attached to the second rib bracket 306, 306a. The first reinforcement member can also take the form of a second side panel 310 that is separately attached to the first rib bracket 304, 304a. Other embodiments of the present disclosure may not be like this. Alternatively, the first reinforcement member can take the form of a top panel 212 that is attached to the top outer flange 312 of the first rib bracket 304, 304a.

[0058] More specifically, the first rib brackets 304, 304a may further include a first top outer flange 312 and a first side outer flange 314, 314a extending from a first outer periphery 316, 316a of the first rib brackets 304, 304a in a first perpendicular direction 318, 318a relative to the first outer periphery 316. Furthermore, a second side outer flange 320, 320a may extend from the first rib brackets 304, 304a in a second perpendicular direction 322, 322a opposite the first perpendicular direction 318, 318a. The second side panel 310 may be attached to the second side outer flange 320, 320a.

[0059] exist Figure 22In the embodiment of the present invention, the second side panel defines a height 323 and a width 325 that is less than the width of the first side panel (e.g., see 110 or 114). In some embodiments, the ratio of the height 323 to the width 325 ranges from 4.14 to 6.0. Other embodiments of the present disclosure may not be so. Figure 18 and 19 In the embodiment of the present invention, the ratio ranges from 0.34 to 0.5. In either case, the height can be approximately 7.5 inches.

[0060] See also Figures 15 to 17 The second rib supports 306, 306a include a second top outer flange 324, 324a, a third side outer flange 326, 326a, and a fourth side outer flange 328, 328a. These outer flanges extend from a second outer periphery 330, 330a in a first J-shape in the same vertical direction 332, 332a as the second outer periphery 330, 330a. The first side panel (see 110 or 114) can be attached to the first side outer flange 314, 314a and the third side outer flange 326, 326a. The fourth side outer flange 328, 328a can be vertically shorter than the third side outer flange 326, 326a, but this is not required.

[0061] Similar to the above, the first rib support 304, 304a can define a first inner periphery 334, 334a having a first opening 336, 336a and a first n-shape. A first plurality of inner flanges 338, 338a can be positioned adjacent to the first opening 336, 336a. Additionally, the second rib support 306, 306a can define a second inner periphery 304, 340a having a first j-shape and a second opening 342, 342a aligned with the first opening 336, 336a of the first rib support 304, 304a. A second plurality of inner flanges 344, 344a can be positioned adjacent to the second opening 342, 342a and extending in the same vertical direction 332, 332a.

[0062] Return Reference Figures 6 to 9 A housing can be provided that includes at least a first housing member 346, 346a attached to the first top outer flange 312, the first side outer flanges 314, 314a, the second side outer flanges 320, 320a, the second top outer flanges 324, 324a, the third side outer flanges 326, 326a, and the fourth side outer flanges 328, 328a. As previously described, the first housing member 346 can be a one-piece outer panel 350, 350a, but this is not required. For example, an auxiliary side panel can be provided.

[0063] As previously described, the outer panels 350, 350a may have free ends 352, 352a that are spaced apart from the first rib support, thereby forming an overhang or space 354, 354a for receiving a fastener for attachment thereto. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, this may not be the case. Furthermore, the outer panels 350, 350a may define a plurality of fastener mounting holes 356 disposed adjacent the free ends 352, 352a, some of which align with holes in various reinforcement members so that the reinforcement members and the outer panels can be attached to the fasteners.

[0064] The housing can also include at least a first inner shell member (eg, see reflectors 358, 360) that is directly or indirectly attached to the first and second pluralities of inner flanges 338, 338a, 344, 344a.

[0065] See together Figure 8 and Figure 17 , the end brackets 362 may be attached to the outer panel 350a, one or more inner shell members. Figure 15 and Figure 16 A mirror image is shown, represented by end bracket 362a. The end brackets 362, 362a can be constructed similarly or identically to the second rib brackets 306, 306a, but need not be.

[0066] exist Figure 17 In the embodiment, one or more C-shaped channel members 364 may be provided, which extend from the end bracket 362 to the second rib bracket 306a and from the second rib bracket 306a to the first rib bracket 304a adjacent to the second side plate 310. Although not shown, for Figure 15 and 16 Similar statements can be made regarding the illustrated sunshade 300 .

[0067] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, "similarly or identically constructed" means that dimensional features of one component are within reasonable manufacturing tolerances of features of another component, for example, + / - .02 inches.

[0068] Industrial Applicability

[0069] In practice, one or more of the following parts, assemblies or subassemblies are initially provided at the first point of sale in an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) environment or provided as replacement or alternative parts in an aftermarket environment: reinforcement members, rib brackets, reinforcement systems, top panels, side panels and / or sun visor assemblies, etc.

[0070] In particular, the side panels and roof panels can be provided as replacement parts on site.

[0071] For example, you can provide Figure 18 and19 The large side panels 110 and 114 are shown as including a rectangular array of mounting holes 178 for attaching to the rib brackets and a pair of mounting apertures 176 for later attaching the sunshade to the fixture of the lighting fixture. The top instances of the mounting apertures 176 can be horizontally aligned with the top instances of the mounting holes 178, while the bottom instances of the mounting apertures are higher than the bottom instances of the mounting holes. Thus, the vertical distance between the mounting apertures is less than the vertical distance between the mounting holes.

[0072] Figure 20 and Figure 21 Shown are a large top plate 112 and a small top plate 212. Detailed descriptions of these components have been given above and will not be repeated here.

[0073] Figure 22 The small side panel 310 itself is shown. It also has mounting holes 378 positioned at similar intervals as the mounting holes of the large side panel, except that due to its shorter width 325, only two mounting holes are provided instead of a rectangular array. Mounting holes 378 similar to those of the large side panel can also be provided at similar intervals.

[0074] As previously disclosed herein, reinforced visors for use with lighting fixtures according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may have better wind resistance and overall stiffness and be more robust.

[0075] In general, these visors 100, 200, 300, 300a share various common features, such as an outer shell for housing a foam core or other core material made of a lightweight material. The outer shell can be made of one or more outer panels 160, 260, 350, and 350a. In addition, inner panels, such as the first inner shell member 166, 266, the second inner shell member 166a, 160, and the reflector 358, 360, are provided. A first inner end rib support (e.g., see 104, 204, 304, 304a) and at least a first outer reinforcement member are provided. Typically, three such members are provided, including a top panel 112, 212 and a pair of side panels 110, 114, 310 (these top and side panels can be integrally formed), which are attached to the rib support.

[0076] More specifically, if Figure 3 、 5 9, the outer shell extends an overhang distance 174, 274, 374 measured from the first inner rib bracket to the free end of the outer shell. At least a first outer reinforcement member (e.g., outer panel 160, 260, 350, 350a) is attached to the first inner rib member (e.g., see 104, 204, 304, 304a), with the outer shell interposed between at least the first outer reinforcement member and the first inner end rib bracket.

[0077] When at least the first external reinforcement member is a top plate 112, 212, it can be a top external plate (because it is located on top of the outer panel) that extends adjacent the free end 162, 262, 352 of the shell and includes a plurality of mounting apertures (e.g., see 142, 242) arranged adjacent the free end.

[0078] When the at least first external reinforcement member is a first or second external side panel (see 110, 114, 310), it may extend adjacent the free end of the housing and include a plurality of mounting apertures 176, 376 (see Figures 6 to 8 ).

[0079] The first outer side panel may also be attached to the second inner rib bracket (so called because it is closer to the middle of the sun visor) with the outer shell interposed between the second inner rib bracket and the first outer side panel.

[0080] Likewise, the second outer side panel may also be attached to the second inner rib bracket, with the outer shell interposed between the second inner rib bracket and the second outer side panel.

[0081] The various panels, reinforcements, and brackets can be made from sheet metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel, etc. The exterior structure can be stamped to size and any holes or apertures can be punched in. The sheet metal can then be folded into the desired configuration.

[0082] Alternatively, the perimeters of these components, along with their apertures, may be wire EDM (Electrical Discharge Machine) cut, laser cut, or the like to size and then folded into the desired configuration.

[0083] Various components, such as exterior components, may be anodized, powder coated, etc. to increase wear and / or corrosion resistance.

[0084] By adding a reinforcement member to the free end of the housing, near the fixture where it attaches to the lighting fixture, the local thickness can be tripled. For example, the outer panel of the housing is approximately 0.040 inches thick, while the reinforcement member is approximately 0.060 to 0.080 inches thick. This means that the sunshade is locally at least 27 times stiffer in bending. Furthermore, the creation of a reinforcement frame helps resist torsional forces. As a result, the inventors anticipate that this sunshade will be more robust than previous sunshades and should be able to withstand higher wind loads, for example.

[0085] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, attaching the reinforcement member and the housing to the heat sink base of the fixture of the lighting fixture may help provide a sufficiently robust connection between the fixture and the sunshade. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the total wall thickness of the reinforcement member and the outer panel is locally increased to about 0.080 inches (+ / - 0.005 inches), which increases the stiffness by about 8 times. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the total wall thickness is increased to about 0.100 inches, which increases the stiffness by about 15.0 times to about 16.0 times.

[0086] This disclosure has described various examples. Any combination of the described systems, operations, or functions is within the contemplated scope. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A reinforced sunshade for use with a lighting fixture, the sunshade comprising: Strengthening the system, which includes a first rib support in a first m-shape or a first n-shape, a second rib support in a second m-shape or a second n-shape, spaced apart from the first rib support by a first predetermined distance, and A first reinforcement member is attached to the first rib bracket.

2. The sunshade according to claim 1, wherein: The first reinforcement member is also attached to the second rib member.

3. The sunshade according to claim 2, wherein: The first reinforcement member is a first side plate.

4. The sunshade according to claim 3, wherein: The reinforcement system also includes a second side panel attached to the first and second rib brackets, and the first and second side panels form a first pair of parallel sides of the reinforcement frame, and the first and second rib brackets define a second pair of parallel sides of the reinforcement frame.

5. The sunshade according to claim 1, wherein The first reinforcement member is a top plate attached to a top flange of the first rib bracket. The sunshade according to claim 5 , wherein: The top plate includes a trapezoidal shape having short sides and long sides, a first plurality of apertures forming a first linear array adjacent the short sides, and a second plurality of apertures forming a second linear array adjacent the long sides.

7. The sunshade according to claim 6, wherein: The first plurality of apertures includes three or four apertures having fasteners disposed therein, and the second plurality of apertures includes four empty holes.

8. The sunshade according to claim 6, wherein: The top panel defines an overall length, an overall width, and a ratio of the overall length to the overall width ranges from 5.15 to 7.4 or from 2.95 to 4.

25.

9. The sunshade according to claim 1, wherein: The visor defines a visor length, and a ratio of the visor length to the first predetermined distance ranges from 1.75 to 2.

5.

10. A reinforced visor for use with a lighting fixture, the visor comprising: Strengthening the system, which includes a first rib support in a first n-shape, a second rib support having a second J-shape and spaced apart from the first rib support by a first predetermined distance, and A first reinforcement member is attached to the first rib bracket.

11. The sunshade according to claim 10, wherein: The first reinforcement member is also attached to the second rib bracket.

12. The sunshade according to claim 11, wherein: The first reinforcement member is a first side plate.

13. The sunshade according to claim 12, wherein: The reinforcement system also includes a second side panel separately attached to the first rib bracket.

14. The sunshade according to claim 13, wherein: The first rib support also includes a first top outer flange, a first side outer flange extending from the first outer periphery of the first rib support in a first vertical direction, and a second side outer flange extending from the first rib support in a second vertical direction opposite to the first vertical direction, and the second side plate is attached to the second side outer flange.

15. The sunshade according to claim 13, wherein: The second side panel defines a height and a width, and a ratio of the height to the width ranges from 4.14 to 6.

0.

16. The sunshade according to claim 15, wherein: The second rib bracket includes a second top outer flange, a third side outer flange, and a fourth side outer flange extending from a second outer periphery in the first J-shape in a same perpendicular direction as the second outer periphery.

17. The sunshade according to claim 16, wherein: The first side panel is attached to the first side outer flange and the third side outer flange.

18. The sunshade according to claim 10, wherein: The first reinforcement member is a top plate attached to a first top outer flange of the first rib bracket.

19. The sunshade according to claim 18, wherein: The top plate includes a trapezoidal shape having short sides and long sides, a first plurality of apertures forming a first linear array adjacent the short sides, and a second plurality of apertures forming a second linear array adjacent the long sides.

20. The sunshade according to claim 19, wherein The first plurality of apertures includes four apertures having fasteners disposed therein, and the second plurality of apertures includes four empty holes.

21. A reinforced visor for use with a lighting fixture, the visor comprising: shell; a first inner end rib bracket; as well as at least a first outer reinforcement member; wherein the outer shell extends an overhang distance measured from the first inner rib support to the free end of the outer shell, and the at least first outer reinforcement member is attached to the first inner rib member, wherein the outer shell is interposed between the at least first outer reinforcement member and the first inner end rib support.

22. The sunshade according to claim 21, wherein The at least first outer reinforcement member is a top exterior plate extending adjacent the free end of the housing and including a plurality of mounting apertures disposed adjacent the free end.

23. The sunshade according to claim 21, wherein The at least first outer reinforcement member is a first outer side panel extending adjacent the free end of the housing and including a plurality of mounting apertures disposed adjacent the free end.

24. The sun visor of claim 23, further comprising a second exterior side panel opposite the first exterior side panel, the second exterior side panel extending adjacent the free end of the housing and including a plurality of mounting apertures.

25. The sunshade according to claim 23, wherein The first exterior side panel is also attached to the second interior rib bracket, wherein the outer shell is interposed between the second interior rib bracket and the first exterior side panel.

26. The sunshade according to claim 24, wherein The second outer side panel is also attached to a second inner rib support, wherein the outer shell is interposed between the second inner rib support and the second outer side panel.

27. The sunshade according to claim 21, wherein The combined wall thickness of the reinforcement member and the outer panel ranges from 0.080 inches to 0.120 inches.

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