Downlight

Abstract

The lighting apparatus, particularly a ceiling downlighter, comprises an internally threaded 122 hollow cylindrical flexible component 120 having external protrusions (e.g., rim 124), and an externall

Description

FIELD

[001] The present invention related to light fixtures and ceiling downlighters. BACKGROUND

[002] Presently, many commonly used ceiling downlighters require some form of manual assembly, manual connection to an earth wire, additional components for waterproofing, draught prevention and fire safety using gaskets, and often involve a spring-based fixture mechanism which damages ceiling material upon affixing, permanent removal, and removal for electrical periodic testing.

[003] Additionally, many commonly used downlighters have a height constraint as they may only be installed in areas where the cavity between the hard ceiling and suspended cavity ceiling is large enough to accommodate them.

[004] Aspects and embodiments were devised with the foregoing in mind. SUMMARY

[005] There is provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a lighting apparatus comprising a hollow cylindrical flexible component comprising a flexible material, the hollow cylindrical flexible component having a lower end and upper end, and the hollow cylindrical flexible component additionally comprising an internal thread and a plurality of external protrusions or a rim protruding from the lower end, and, a cylindrical fixture component being configured to be inserted into the hollow cylindrical flexible component using a threading mechanism and being configured to contain a lamp or a plurality of lamps, the cylindrical fixture component comprising an external thread. The cylindrical fixture component being configured to expand the hollow cylindrical flexible component when the cylindrical fixture component is inserted into the hollow cylindrical flexible component.

[006] Preferably, the hollow cylindrical flexible component is a tapered cylindrical component and the lower end has a larger diameter than the upper end.

[007] Preferably, the cylindrical fixture comprises a fixture trim.

[008] Preferably, the cylindrical fixture component also contains a transparent lens configured to support a lamp, the lens sealing a base of the cylindrical fixture component.

[009] The lens may be an integral part of the base of the cylindrical fixture component.

[010] Alternatively, the base of the cylindrical fixture component may include a cavity configured to support a lamp, the cavity comprising radial protrusions configured to support the lamp.

[011] Preferably, the flexible material is silicone rubber,

[012] Preferably, the hollow cylindrical flexible component additionally comprises a plurality of protrusions radially protruding from the upper end.

[013] Preferably the lamp rests on the lens.

[014] Alternatively, the cylindrical fixture component may comprise a plurality of internal radial protrusions on its curved internal surface on which the lamp rests.

[015] The lens may comprise an external thread and an internal surface of the cylindrical fixture component may be internally threaded.

[016] Preferably, the cylindrical fixture component additionally comprises a transparent material.

[017] Preferably, the cylindrical fixture component additionally comprises a coloured rim adhered onto a fixture trim.

[018] The external surface of the hollow cylindrical flexible component may additionally comprise an external thread.

[019] Preferably, the fixture trim has a larger diameter than the rim.

[020] Preferably, the hollow cylindrical flexible component contains notches configured to allow for the expansion of the flexible material.

[021] Part of the base of the cylindrical fixture component may be concave or convex.

[022] There is provided in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention a lighting apparatus comprising a hollow prismatic flexible component comprising a flexible material, the hollow prismatic flexible component comprising a lower end and a upper end, and the hollow prismatic flexible component additionally comprising internal notches and a plurality of external protrusions or rim protruding from the lower end, and, a prismatic fixture component comprising external notches, the prismatic fixture component being configured to be inserted into the hollow prismatic flexible component using a one-way mechanism wherein the external notches interlock with the internal notches and being configured to contain a lamp or a plurality of lamps, the prismatic fixture component being configured to expand the hollow prismatic flexible component when the prismatic fixture component is inserted into the hollow prismatic flexible component.

[023] Preferably, the hollow prismatic flexible component is a tapered prismatic component and the lower end has a larger diameter than the upper end.

[024] Preferably, the prismatic fixture component additionally comprises a fixture trim and a transparent lens configured to support the lamp, the lens sealing a base of the prismatic fixture component.

[025] There is provided in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention a lighting apparatus comprising a hollow cylindrical flexible component comprising a flexible material, the hollow cylindrical flexible component comprising a lower end and a upper end, and the hollow cylindrical flexible component additionally comprising a plurality of external protrusions or rim protruding from the lower end, and a plurality of internal protrusions protruding from the lower end, and, a cylindrical fixture component, the cylindrical fixture component being configured to be inserted into the hollow cylindrical flexible component and comprising external protrusions configured to rest on the plurality of internal protrusions protruding from the lower end using a twist-and-lock mechanism, the cylindrical fixture component being configured to contain a lamp or a plurality of lamps, the cylindrical fixture component being configured to expand the hollow cylindrical flexible component when the cylindrical fixture component is inserted into the hollow cylindrical flexible component.

[026] Preferably, the hollow cylindrical flexible component is a tapered cylindrical component and the lower end has a larger diameter than the upper end.

[027] Preferably, the cylindrical fixture component additionally comprises a fixture trim and a transparent lens configured to support a lamp, the lens sealing the base of the cylindrical fixture component.

[028] There is provided in accordance with a fourth embodiment with the present invention a lighting apparatus comprising a cylindrical fixture component comprising a flexible external surface, the flexible external surface having an external thread, the cylindrical fixture component being configured to be inserted into a rigid aperture using a forced threading mechanism and being configured to contain a lamp, the cylindrical fixture component comprising an external thread and a fixture trim.

[029] Preferably, the cylindrical fixture component additionally comprises a lens, the lens sealing the base of the cylindrical fixture component. BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[030] Fig. 1 shows a view of a threaded socket component and a threaded plug component, in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

[031] Fig. 2 shows an exploded cross-sectional view of the threaded plug component inserted into the threaded socket component which is held within plasterboard, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

[032] Fig. 3 shows a cross sectional view of the threaded plug component containing a lamp, in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention.

[033] Fig. 4 shows a view of a notched plug component and a notched socket component, in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.

[034] Fig. 5 shows a cross sectional view of the notched plug component inserted into the notched socket component using a one-way lock mechanism, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

[035] Fig. 6 shows a cross sectional view of the notched plug component containing a lamp, in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.

[036] Fig. 7 shows a view of a plug component and a socket component that can be affixed using a twist-and-lock mechanism, in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention.

[037] Fig. 8 shows a cross sectional view of the plug component inserted into the socket component using a twist and lock mechanism, in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.

[038] Fig. 9 shows a cross sectional view of the plug component containing a lamp, in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention.

[039] Fig. 10 shows a view of a tapered cylindrical socket component, in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[040] Fig. 11 shows a view of the socket component with additional external protrusions in accordance with the first, second, third, or fourth embodiments of the present invention.

[041] Fig. 12 shows a view of the plug component with internal radial protrusions on which a lens rests, in accordance with the first, second, third, or fourth embodiments of the present invention.

[042] Fig. 13 shows a view of the light fixture with additional internal protrusion 149, in accordance with the first, second, third, or fourth embodiments of the present invention.

[043] Fig. 14 shows a view of the light fixture including a plug component without a trim.

[044] Fig. 15 shows a view of the socket component with external threading, in accordance with the first, second, third or fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[045] Fig. 16 shows a view of the socket component with cavities to allow for the expansion of material, in accordance with the first, second, third of fourth embodiments of the present invention.

[046] Fig. 17 shows a view of the plug component with two adherent coloured rings, in accordance with the first, second, third or fourth embodiments of the present invention.

[047] Fig. 18 shows a view of the plug component with a plurality of lamps, in accordance with the first, second, third or fourth embodiments of the present invention.

[048] Fig. 19 shows a view of the plug component with a click on holder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[049] Light fixture 100, shown in Fig. 1, is presented in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention. Light fixture 100 comprises socket component 120 and plug component 140. Socket component 120 is preferably made from an elastomeric material such as silicone rubber or other polymers. However, socket component 120 could be made from a more rigid material. Plug component 140 is preferably made from resin. However, socket component 120 and plug component 140 can be made from any suitable materials.

[050] Socket component 120 includes an internal thread 122 on its curved internal surface and plug component 140 includes an external thread 142 on its curved external surface. Internal thread 122 and external thread 142 can undergo mating. Hence, socket component 120 is designed to be placed inside a ceiling cavity and plug component 140 is designed to be inserted into socket component 120 using a threading mechanism, according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[051] Socket component 120 may be placed into a ceiling cavity 160 as shown in Fig. 2. Socket component 120 includes a stop ledge 124 which prevents socket component 120 from passing through ceiling cavity 160, as shown in Fig. 2. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, stop ledge 124 may be a variety of external protrusions as opposed to a complete circular ring. Ceiling cavity 160 is usually a circular hole.

[052] Socket component 120 preferably includes external protrusions 126 on its external curved surface. When plug component 140 is inserted into socket component 120, socket component 120 preferably expands. Preferably, external protrusions 126 provide friction with internal surfaces 162 of ceiling cavity 160, fixing socket component 120 into ceiling cavity 160. This expansion of socket component 120 preferably results in light fixture 100 sealing ceiling cavity 160 to an appropriate level of fire safety, flood prevention and draught exclusion.

[053] Plug component 140 preferably includes a trim 144 and a portion 146, as shown in Fig. 2. Preferably, trim 144 is larger than stop ledge 124. Portion 146 may be a cavity or a lens, provided it is configured to appropriately support a lamp. If portion 146 is a lens, portion 146 is preferably fully transparent. However, portion 146 may include a colour filter, or may be prismatic. Trim 144 and portion 146 may be manufactured as one integrated component or as separate components. In a case where trim 144 and portion 146 are manufactured as separate components, portion 146 may be removable. Furthermore, the entirety of plug component 140 may be manufactured as one integrated component. Additionally, the entirety of socket component 120 may be manufactured as one integrated component.

[054] Portion 146 may include additional components configured to secure the lamp in place. An example of such an additional component is a lockring.

[055] When light fixture 100 is inserted into ceiling cavity 160, a lamp 180 rests on portion 146, as shown in Fig.3.

[056] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, plug component 140 may be removed from socket component 120 using thread disengagement, with minimal damage to internal surfaces 162 of ceiling cavity 160.

[057] Socket component 120 may be removed from ceiling cavity 160 after plug component 140 has been removed from socket component 120 and socket component 120 has preferably contracted. This causes minimal damage to internal walls 162 of ceiling cavity 160.

[058] No specification has thus far been made of the width of trim 144 or stop ledge 124. However, it is preferable that the width of trim 144 exceeds the width of stop ledge 124. Additionally, it should be noted that the lack of spring-based mechanism in this light fixture can enable the width of trim 144 to be smaller than other fixtures.

[059] Light fixture 200, shown in Fig. 4, is presented in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. Light fixture 200 comprises socket component 220 and plug component 240. Socket component 220 is preferably made from an elastomeric material such as silicone rubber or other polymers. However, socket component 220 can be made from a more rigid material. Plug component 240 is preferably made from resin. However, socket component 220 and plug component 240 can be made from any suitable materials.

[060] Socket component 220 includes internal protrusions 222 on its curved internal surface and plug component 240 includes external protrusions 242 on its curved external surface. Internal protrusions 222 and external protrusions 242 result in a one-way locking mechanism. Hence, socket component 220 is designed to be placed inside a ceiling cavity and plug component 240 is designed to be inserted into socket component 220 using a one-way locking mechanism, according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[061] Socket component 220 may be placed into a ceiling cavity 260, between ceiling plasterboard 264 as shown in Fig. 5. Socket component 220 includes a stop ledge 224 which prevents socket component 220 from passing through ceiling cavity 260, as shown in Fig. 5. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, stop ledge 224 may be a variety of external protrusions as opposed to a complete circular ring.

[062] Socket component 220 preferably includes external protrusions 226 on its external curved surface. When plug component 240 is inserted into socket component 220, socket component 220 preferably expands. Preferably, external protrusions 226 provide friction with internal surfaces 262 of ceiling cavity 260, fixing socket component 220 into ceiling cavity 260. This expansion of socket component 220 preferably results in light fixture 200 sealing ceiling cavity 260 to an appropriate level of fire safety, flood prevention and draught exclusion.

[063] Plug component 240 preferably includes a trim 244 and a portion 246, as shown in Fig. 5. Preferably, trim 244 is larger than stop ledge 224. Portion 246 may be a cavity or a lens, provided it is configured to appropriately support a lamp. If portion 246 is a lens, portion 246 is preferably fully transparent. However, portion 246 may include a colour filter, or may be prismatic. Trim 244 and portion 246 may be manufactured as one integrated component or as separate components. Furthermore, the entirety of plug component 240 may be manufactured as one integrated component. Additionally, the entirety of socket component 220 may be manufactured as one integrated component.

[064] Portion 246 may include additional components configured to secure the lamp in place.

[065] When light fixture 200 is inserted into ceiling cavity 260, a lamp 280 rests on portion 246, as shown in Fig.6.

[066] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, plug component 240 may be removed from socket component 220 using pulling, with minimal damage to internal surfaces 262 of ceiling cavity 260.

[067] Socket component 220 may be removed from ceiling cavity 260 after plug component 240 has been removed from socket component 220 and socket component 220 will preferably contract. This causes minimal damage to internal walls 262 of ceiling cavity 260.

[068] No specification has thus far been made of the width of trim 244 or stop ledge 224. However, it is preferable that the width of trim 144 exceeds the width of stop ledge 224. Additionally, it should be noted that the lack of spring-based mechanism in this light fixture can enable the width of trim 244 to be smaller than in other fixtures.

[069] Light fixture 300, shown in Fig. 7, is presented in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. Light fixture 300 comprises socket component 320 and plug component 340. Socket component 320 is preferably made from an elastomeric material such as silicone rubber or other polymers. However, socket component 320 can be made from a more rigid materials. Plug component 340 is preferably made from resin. However, socket component 320 and plug component 340 can be made from any suitable materials.

[070] Socket component 320 includes a plurality of radial internal protrusions 322 on its curved internal surface and plug component 340 includes a plurality of external protrusions 342 on its curved external surface. Once plug component 340 is inserted into socket component 320, plug component 340 can be fixed into socket component 320 using a twist and lock mechanism wherein plug component 340 is rotated and plurality of radial external protrusions 342 can rest on plurality of radial internal protrusions 322. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, other twist-and-lock mechanisms may be used to the same effect. Hence, socket component 320 is designed to be placed inside a ceiling cavity and plug component 340 is designed to be inserted into socket component 320 using a twist and lock mechanism, according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[071] Socket component 320 may be placed into a ceiling cavity 360, between ceiling plasterboard 364 as shown in Fig. 8.

[072] Socket component 320 includes a stop ledge 324 which prevents socket component 20 from passing through ceiling cavity 1360, as shown in Fig. 8. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, stop ledge 324 may be a variety of external protrusions as opposed to a complete circular ring.

[073] Socket component 320 preferably includes external protrusions 326 on its external curved surface. When plug component 340 is inserted into socket component 320, socket component 320 preferably expands. Preferably, external protrusions 326 provide friction with internal surfaces 362 of ceiling cavity 360, fixing socket component 320 into ceiling cavity 360. This expansion of socket component 320 preferably results in light fixture 300 sealing ceiling cavity 360 to an appropriate level of fire safety, flood prevention and draught exclusion.

[074] Plug component 340 preferably includes a trim 344 and a portion 346, as shown in Fig. 8. Preferably, trim 344 is larger than stop ledge 324. Portion 346 may be a cavity or a lens, provided it is configured to appropriately support a lamp. If portion 346 is a lens, portion 346 is preferably fully transparent. However, portion 346 may include a colour filter, or may be prismatic. Trim 344 and portion 346 may be manufactured as one integrated component or as separate components. Furthermore, the entirety of plug component 340 may be manufactured as one integrated component. Additionally, the entirety of socket component 320 may be manufactured as one integrated component.

[075] Portion 346 may include additional components configured to secure the lamp in place.

[076] When light fixture 300 is inserted into ceiling cavity 360, a lamp 380 rests on portion 346, as shown in Fig.9.

[077] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, plug component 340 may be removed from socket component 320 using a twist-and-unlock mechanism, with minimal damage to internal surfaces 362 of ceiling cavity 360.

[078] Socket component 320 may be removed from ceiling cavity 360 after plug component 340 has been removed from socket component 320 and socket component 320 has preferably contracted. This causes minimal damage to internal walls 362 of ceiling cavity 360.

[079] No specification has thus far been made of the width of trim 344 or stop ledge 324. However, it is preferable that the width of trim 144 exceeds the width of stop ledge 324. Additionally, it should be noted that the lack of spring-based mechanism in this light fixture can enable the width of trim 344 to be smaller than in other fixtures.

[080] Additional embodiments of the present invention which may be included as an alternative to or in combination with any of the above embodiments are presented below.

[081] Fig. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein plug component 420 is a tapered cylinder with lower end 422 and upper end 424. Lower end 422 has a larger diameter than upper end 424. Plug component 440 may also be a tapered cylindrical shape. This alternative embodiment of the present invention may be instantiated in the first, second or third embodiments of the present invention presented in Figs. 1-3, Figs. 4-6, and Figs. 7-9 respectively. The tapered geometry of socket component 420 facilitates expansion into a ceiling cavity.

[082] Fig. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein socket component 120 has additional external radial protrusions 128 protruding from upper end 130. External radial protrusions 128 ensures an overhanging grip of socket component 120 onto ceiling plasterboard 164. Preferably, external protrusions 128 comprise elastomeric material to minimise ceiling damage. The alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 11 may also be combined with the second embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 4-6 or the third embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 7-9.

[083] Fig. 12 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein plug component 140 includes a variety of internal protrusions 150 at different heights within plug component 140 on which portion 146 may rest. In this embodiment, lamp 180 rests on portion 146, resulting in a recessed light fitting. The alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 12 may also be combined with the second embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 4-6 or the third embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 7-9. If portion 146 is a lens, portion 146 may also be recessed into plug component 140 using a threading mechanism or an alternative recessing mechanism such that the height of lamp 180 and portion 146 within plug component 140 is variable.

[084] Fig. 13 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein plug component 140 includes a variety of internal protrusions 150 at different heights within plug component 140. Additionally portion 146 is attached to cylindrical component 148. Cylindrical component 148 includes external protrusions 149 which rest on internal protrusions 150. In this embodiment, lamp 180 rests on portion 146 and cylindrical component 148 rests on internal protrusions 150, resulting in a recessed light fitting or a pendant (suspended) light fitting. The alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 13 may also be combined with the second embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 4-6 or the third embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 7-9.

[085] Fig. 14 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein plug component 140 does not include a trim. This results in plug component 140 having the capability of being recessed into socket component 120 (resulting in a recessed fitting) or moved below socket component 120 (resulting in a suspended fitting). Stop ledge 124 acts as a trim. In this embodiment, lamp 180 rests on portion 146, resulting in a recessed light fitting. The alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 14 may also be combined with the second embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 4-6 or the third embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 7-9.

[086] Fig. 15 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein socket component 120 includes an external thread 132. External thread 132 roughly threads into internal surfaces 162 of ceiling cavity 160. The alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 15 may also be combined with the second embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 4-6 or the third embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 7-9.

[087] Fig. 16 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein socket component 120 includes internal cavities 134 to allow for the expansion of socket component 120 upon insertion of plug component 140. Cavities 134 may be of any shape or structure to allow for the expansion of socket component 120. Cavities 134 may also be in any location in socket component 120. The alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 15 may also be combined with the second embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 4-6 or the third embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 7-9.

[088] Fig. 17 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein plug component 140 and / or trim 144 is transparent and trim 144 includes an adherent coloured ring 154 for aesthetic appeal. Additionally, plug component 140 includes adherent coloured ring 155 for aesthetic appeal. Adherent coloured ring 154 may be a translucent holographic film for aesthetic appeal. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that this alternative embodiment results in the appearance of a fixture with multiple trims. The shapes of adherent coloured ring 154, adherent coloured ring 155, trim 144 and portion 146 may be curved to achieve certain aesthetic effects. In an embodiment in which adherent coloured ring 155 is concave, the appearance of a recessed light fitting is achieved. Conversely, in an embodiment in which adherent coloured ring 155 is convex, the appearance of a pendant light fitting is achieved. Similarly, in an embodiment in which portion 146 is concave, the appearance of a recessed light fitting is achieved. Conversely, in an embodiment in which portion 146 is convex, the appearance of a pendant light fitting is achieved. It should be noted that adherent coloured ring 154 and 155 need not both be included in the present invention. It should also be noted that adherent coloured ring 154 and adherent coloured ring 155 need not be adherent. The alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 17 may also be combined with the second embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 4-6 or the third embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 7-9.

[089] Fig. 18 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein a plurality of lamps 182 rests on portion 146. The alternative embodiment shown in Fig. 18 may also be combined with the second embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 4-6 or the third embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 7-9.

[090] Fig 19 shows a view of the plug component with a click-on holder 185. Holder 185 secures the lamp in its place, and may or may not also secure a lens 146. Any other securing mechanism maybe used to secure the lamp and or lens.

[091] It will be appreciated to a person skilled in the art that the relative dimensions of aforementioned components need not be restricted to those represented in Figs. 1-18.

[092] It will be appreciated to a person skilled in the art that the shapes of the plug component and socket component need not be restricted to those represented in Figs. 4-9.

[093] It will be appreciated to a person skilled in the art that the present invention still comprises an inventive step without the presence of a trim, a lens, external protrusions on the socket and the addition or lack of a variety of other components.

[094] It will be appreciated to a person skilled in the art that the present invention may be combined with additional components configured to secure the lamp or additional components configured to secure the entire fixture, including those existing in the state of the art such as springs.

[095] It will be appreciated to a person skilled in the art, that the present invention may comprise of disparate components parts that need to be assembled together or may be manufactured as an integrated whole.

[096] It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the present invention may include a lamp as an integral part of a plug component or a socket component.

[097] It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the plug component and socket component need not be separate components and may be pre-attached.

[098] It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the present invention makes it easier for a lens to be manufactured in a curved shape, a stepped shape, or otherwise, resulting in appearance of a light fitting with multiple concentric trims.

[099] It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that the present invention is advantageous in comparison to other fixtures due to lower production costs in manufacturing, less manual labour required in manufacturing and assembly, less ceiling damage upon removal and reinstallation (during periodic testing or otherwise), ease of recycling and ability to have a more narrow trim. The present invention also has the potential to achieve a greater aesthetic appeal due to the ability of the present invention to comprise materials of a variety of textures. The present invention also allows for a method of manufacturing leading to a light fitting of Class I (as opposed to Class II), eliminating the need for the connection of an earth wire.

Claims

1. A lighting apparatus comprising:a hollow cylindrical flexible component comprising a flexible material, said hollow cylindrical flexible component comprising a lower end and a upper end, and said hollow cylindrical flexible component additionally comprising an internal thread, and a plurality of external protrusions which maybe a rim protruding from said lower end; anda cylindrical fixture component, said cylindrical fixture component being configured to be inserted into said hollow cylindrical flexible component using a threading mechanism and being configured to contain a lamp or a plurality of lamps, said cylindrical fixture component comprising an external thread;said cylindrical fixture component being configured to expand said hollow cylindrical flexible component when said cylindrical fixture component is inserted into said hollow cylindrical flexible component.

2. The lighting apparatus of claim 1, wherein said hollow cylindrical flexible component is a tapered cylindrical component and said lower end has a larger diameter than said upper end.

3. The lighting apparatus of any of claims 1 to 2, wherein said cylindrical fixture component comprises a fixture trim.

4. The lighting apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein said cylindrical fixture component additionally comprises a transparent lens configured to support a lamp, said lens sealing a base of said cylindrical fixture component.

5. The lighting apparatus of claim 4, wherein said lens is an integral part of a base of said cylindrical fixture component.

6. The lighting apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein a base of said cylindrical fixture component includes a cavity configured to support a lamp, said cavity comprising radial protrusions configured to support said lamp.

7. The lighting apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein said lamp is secured in place by a plurality of flexible axial protrusions, wherein said flexible axial protrusions protrude axially from a base of said cylindrical fixture component.

8. The lighting apparatus of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein said hollow cylindrical flexible component additionally comprises a plurality of protrusions radially protruding from said upper end.

9. The lighting apparatus of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein said lamp rests on said lens.

10. The lighting apparatus of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein said cylindrical fixture component comprises a plurality of internal radial protrusions on a curved inner surface on which said lamp rests.

11. The lighting apparatus of any of claims 1 to 10, wherein said lens comprises an external thread and an internal surface of said cylindrical fixture component is internally threaded.

12. The lighting apparatus of any of claims 1 to 11 wherein said cylindrical fixture component additionally comprises a transparent material.

13. The lighting apparatus of any of claims 1 to 12 wherein said cylindrical fixture component additionally comprises a coloured ring adhered to a fixture trim.

14. The lighting apparatus of any of claims 1 to 13 wherein an external surface of said hollow cylindrical flexible component additionally comprises an external thread.

15. The lighting apparatus of any of claims 1 to 14 wherein said fixture trim has a larger diameter than said rim.

16. The lighting apparatus of any of claims 1 to 15 wherein said hollow cylindrical flexible component comprises notches configured to allow for the expansion of said flexible material.

17. The lighting apparatus of any of claims 1 to 16 wherein a part of a base of said cylindrical fixture component is concave or convex.

18. Alighting apparatus comprising:a hollow prismatic flexible component comprising a flexible material, said hollow prismatic flexible component comprising a lower end and a upper end, and said hollow prismatic flexible component additionally comprising internal notches and a plurality of external protrusions or rim protruding from said lower end; anda prismatic fixture component comprising external notches, said prismatic fixture component being configured to be inserted into said hollow prismatic flexible component using a one-way mechanism wherein said external notches interlock with said internal notches and being configured to contain a lamp or a plurality of lamps;said prismatic fixture component being configured to expand said hollow prismatic flexible component when said prismatic fixture component is inserted into said hollow prismatic flexible component.

19. The lighting apparatus of claim 18, wherein said hollow prismatic flexible component is a tapered prismatic component and said lower end has a larger diameter than said upper end.

20. The lighting apparatus of any of claims 18 to 19, wherein said prismatic fixture component additionally comprises a fixture trim and a transparent lens configured to support a lamp, said lens sealing a base of said prismatic fixture component.

21. Alighting apparatus comprising:a hollow cylindrical flexible component comprising a flexible material, said hollow cylindrical flexible component comprising a lower end and a upper end, and said hollow cylindrical flexible component additionally comprising a plurality of external protrusions or rim protruding from said lower end, and a plurality of internal protrusions protruding from said lower end; anda cylindrical fixture component, said cylindrical fixture component being configured to be inserted into said hollow cylindrical flexible component and comprising external protrusions configured to rest on said plurality of internal protrusions protruding from said lower end using a twist-and-lock mechanism, said cylindrical fixture component being configured to contain a lamp or a plurality of lamps;said cylindrical fixture component being configured to expand said hollow cylindrical flexible component when said cylindrical fixture component is inserted into said hollow cylindrical flexible component.

22. The lighting apparatus of claim 21, wherein said hollow cylindrical flexible component is a tapered cylindrical component and said lower end has a larger diameter than said upper end.

23. The lighting apparatus of any of claims 21 to 22 wherein said cylindrical fixture component additionally comprises a fixture trim and a transparent lens configured to support a lamp, said lens sealing abase of said cylindrical fixture component.

24. Alighting apparatus comprising:a cylindrical fixture component comprising a flexible external surface, said flexible external surface having an external thread, said cylindrical fixture component being configured to be inserted into a rigid aperture using a forced threading mechanism and being configured to contain a lamp, said cylindrical fixture component comprising an external thread and a fixture trim.

25. Alighting apparatus according to claim 23, wherein said cylindrical fixture component additionally comprises a lens, said lens sealing a base of said cylindrical fixture component.

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