Bracket device

Abstract

A bracket device for connecting adjacent luminaires is provided. The bracket device includes a pair of arms, which are spaced apart from each other. Each of the arms has an opening for receiving fasteners for coupling each of the arms to the respective housings of adjacent luminaires. The bracket device further includes a base, which extends from the pair of arms at an angle. The base has a substantially V-shaped opening for receiving projections located at the respective ends of the housings, which are positioned between the pair of arms. Tightening the fasteners applies an upward force to the base, pushing the projections into the V-shaped openings, drawing the respective housings toward each other, and connecting the adjacent luminaires. A system including the bracket device and a method for connecting adjacent luminaires are also provided.

Description

【Technical Field】 【0001】 The present disclosure generally relates to bracket devices, and more specifically, to bracket devices for connecting adjacent lighting fixtures. The present disclosure also relates to a system including the bracket device and a method for using the bracket device to connect adjacent lighting fixtures. 【Background Art】 【0002】 To install a continuous run of linear lighting fixtures, installers must have a way to block any light leaking between adjacent fixtures and securely fasten these fixtures to provide a seamless aesthetic along the linear fixtures. Many manufacturers have various methods for achieving this, but the level of difficulty varies for installers. Some fixtures must be fixed to each other using clips, while others require the removal of parts within the fixture to access the connection feature. Depending on the connection method used, accessing the connection feature can be difficult and very careful assembly is required. 【Summary of the Invention】 【Problems to be Solved by the Invention】 【0003】 Therefore, there is a need in the art for a system for connecting adjacent lighting fixtures that provides easy installation and a seamless aesthetic between the lighting fixtures. 【Means for Solving the Problems】 【0004】 This disclosure relates generally to a bracket device for connecting adjacent luminaires. The bracket device may be formed from sheet metal. The bracket device includes a pair of arms spaced apart from each other. Each of the pair of arms has an opening defined in the arm for receiving a fastener for connecting each of the pair of arms to the respective housings of adjacent luminaires. The opening may be a hole or slot configured to receive a screw. The bracket device further includes a base extending from the pair of arms at an angle. The angle may be at least 45 degrees. The base has a substantially V-shaped aperture defined in the base, located between the pair of arms, for receiving projections located at each end of the housings. The substantially V-shaped aperture has an angled sidewall extending into the base at an angle of about 75 to about 85 degrees, connected by a flat portion in the base configured to receive projections when adjacent luminaires are connected to each other. Tightening the fasteners involves pushing the protrusions into the V-shaped openings, drawing the housings toward each other, and applying an upward force to the base to connect adjacent light fixtures. The base is configured to block light from escaping between adjacent light fixtures when the bracket device is installed. 【0005】 Bracket devices can be easily installed between two adjacent luminaires to connect them, eliminating any gaps between them. Thus, bracket devices provide a consistent aesthetic at the transition between adjacent luminaires and prevent unwanted light from escaping from the junction point. Bracket devices can be installed from below the luminaire without removing components from the luminaire, providing ease of installation. 【0006】 This disclosure also relates in general to a system including a bracket device. The bracket device may be provided together with the lighting fixtures as a system for installing adjacent lighting fixtures. This disclosure also provides a method for connecting adjacent lighting fixtures using a bracket device. 【0007】 In general, one embodiment provides a bracket device for connecting adjacent lighting fixtures. 【0008】 The bracket device includes a pair of arms, which are spaced apart from each other. Each of the arms has a defined first opening for receiving fasteners for coupling each of the arms to the respective housings of adjacent luminaires. 【0009】 The bracket device further includes a base. The base extends from a pair of arms at a certain angle. The base has a substantially V-shaped second opening fixed to the base, located between the pair of arms, for receiving projections located at each end of the housing. Tightening the fasteners applies an upward force to the base, pushing the projections into the substantially V-shaped second openings, drawing the respective housings toward each other and connecting adjacent luminaires. 【0010】 For example, the bracket device according to claim 1, wherein the bracket device is formed from sheet metal. 【0011】 For example, the first opening is a hole or slot configured to receive a screw. 【0012】 For example, the angle is at least 45 degrees. 【0013】 In one example, the substantially V-shaped second opening has angled side walls that extend into the base at an angle of approximately 75 to 85 degrees. 【0014】 In one example, the angled sidewalls are connected by flat sections in a base configured to receive protrusions when adjacent luminaires are connected to each other. 【0015】 For example, the base is configured to block light from escaping between adjacent light fixtures. 【0016】 In general, the system is provided in another embodiment. The system includes a first luminaire and a second luminaire, each having a housing. Each housing includes a protrusion located at its end. 【0017】 The system further includes a bracket device. The bracket device includes a pair of arms spaced apart from each other. Each of the pair of arms has a first opening fixed to the arm. The bracket device further includes a base extending from the pair of arms at a certain angle. The base has a substantially V-shaped second opening fixed to the base, located between the pair of arms, for receiving projections located at each end of the housing. 【0018】 The system further includes a pair of fasteners configured to be inserted into the first openings of each of the pair of arms, for connecting each of the pair of arms to the respective housings of the first and second luminaires. Tightening the fasteners applies an upward force to the base, pushing the projections into the substantially V-shaped second openings, drawing the respective housings toward each other and connecting the first and second luminaires. 【0019】 For example, the first and second lighting fixtures are linear lighting fixtures. 【0020】 For example, the base is configured to block light from escaping between adjacent light fixtures. 【0021】 For example, the fastener is a self-cutting screw configured to be inserted into the housing. 【0022】 For example, a pair of fasteners are screws, and the housing includes a screw way for receiving the screws. 【0023】 For example, the system further includes an extruded outer enclosure configured to be coupled to a first or second luminaire and to provide an outer profile for the first or second luminaire. 【0024】 For example, the first or second luminaire has a housing tray configured to hinge to the side wall of the first or second luminaire, providing access to one or more internal components of the first or second luminaire. 【0025】 Generally, in another aspect, a method for connecting adjacent lighting fixtures is provided. The method includes attaching a bracket device by inserting protrusions located at respective ends of the housings in adjacent lighting fixtures into a substantially V-shaped second opening of the bracket device. The bracket device includes a pair of arms spaced apart from each other. Each of the pair of arms has a first opening defined in the arm. The bracket device further includes a base extending from the pair of arms at an angle. The base has a substantially V-shaped second opening defined in the base and located between the pair of arms. 【0026】 The method further includes coupling each of the pair of arms to a respective housing of an adjacent lighting fixture using a pair of fasteners inserted into the first openings of the arms. 【0027】 The method further includes tightening the fasteners to push the protrusions into the substantially V-shaped second opening and applying an upward force to the base to draw the respective housings towards each other and connect the adjacent lighting fixtures. 【0028】 According to an example, attaching the bracket device is performed without removing any components of the adjacent lighting fixtures. 【0029】 According to an example, the fasteners are tightened until the respective housings contact each other. 【0030】 It should be understood that all combinations of the above-mentioned concepts and additional concepts discussed in more detail below (provided that such concepts are not contradictory) are conceived to be part of the subject matter of the invention disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter listed at the end of this disclosure are conceived to be part of the subject matter of the invention disclosed herein. It should also be understood that terms explicitly adopted herein, which may also appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference, should be given meanings that best correspond to the specific concepts disclosed herein. 【0031】 These and other aspects of various embodiments will become apparent and clarified by referring to the (multiple) embodiments described below. [Brief explanation of the drawing] 【0032】 In drawings, similar reference letters generally refer to the same part throughout different drawings. Furthermore, drawings are not necessarily to scale; instead, the focus is generally on illustrating the principles of various embodiments. [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a system including a bracket device for connecting adjacent lighting fixtures, according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an isometric view of adjacent lighting fixtures shown in Figure 1, with the bracket device removed, according to an aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an end view of one of the adjacent lighting fixtures shown in Figure 1, according to an aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 4] Figures 4A to 4C are isometric, side, and front views of the bracket device shown in Figure 1, according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for connecting adjacent lighting fixtures using a bracket device according to an aspect of this disclosure. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an end view of the lighting fixture shown in Figure 3, with an example of an extruded skin according to an aspect of this disclosure positioned on top. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is an end view of the lighting fixture shown in Figure 3, with another example of an extruded skin according to an aspect of the present disclosure positioned above it. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an end view of the lighting fixture shown in Figure 3, with another example of an extruded skin according to an aspect of the present disclosure positioned above it. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an end view of a lighting fixture having a hinged housing tray according to an aspect of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention] 【0033】 This disclosure relates to a bracket device for connecting adjacent luminaires in general. The bracket device can be formed from sheet metal. The bracket device includes a pair of arms spaced apart from each other. Each of the pair of arms has an opening for receiving a fastener for coupling each of the pair of arms to the respective housings of adjacent luminaires. The opening may be a hole or slot configured to receive a screw. The bracket device further includes a base extending from the pair of arms at a certain angle. The angle may be at least 45 degrees. The base has a substantially V-shaped opening for receiving projections located at each end of the housings, positioned between the pair of arms. The substantially V-shaped opening has an angled side wall extending into the base at an angle of about 75 to about 85 degrees, connected by a flat portion in the base configured to receive the projections when the adjacent luminaires are connected to each other. Tightening the fastener applies an upward force to the base, pushing the projections into the V-shaped opening, drawing the respective housings toward each other, and connecting the adjacent luminaires. The base is configured to block light from escaping between adjacent light fixtures when the bracket device is installed. 【0034】 Figure 1 is an isometric view of a system 10 comprising a first luminaire 12, a second luminaire 14, a bracket device 16, and a pair of fasteners 18 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. The first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14 are shown with their lenses removed to clearly show the bracket device 16 mounted between the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14. The bracket device 16 draws the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14 toward each other, connecting the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14, giving the junction between the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14 a consistent aesthetic appearance, and blocking light from escaping into undesirable areas between the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14. The bracket device 16 can be attached from below the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14 when the first lighting fixture 12 and the second lighting fixture 14 are installed, providing easy installation. 【0035】 Figure 2 is an isometric view of the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14 with the bracket device 16 removed. Here again, the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14 are shown with their lenses removed for convenience. As shown in Figure 2, there is a gap (G) between the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14. The gap (G) allows light to escape in an undesirable direction between the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14. Furthermore, the gap (G) gives an inconsistent aesthetic appearance between the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14, and the internal components of the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14 are visible, impairing the overall aesthetic appearance of the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14. As will be described in more detail below and as shown in Figure 1, the bracket device 16 pulls the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14 toward each other so as to eliminate the gap (G) between them (shown in Figure 2). 【0036】 Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, in this example, the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14 are linear luminaires, such as those installed as a linear luminaire running continuously, but the system 10 may be used to connect other types of luminaires to each other. Figures 1 and 2 show the ends of the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14, respectively, to illustrate the operation of the bracket device 16. The first luminaire 12 has a first housing 20, and the second luminaire 14 has a second housing 22. The first housing 20 and the second housing 22 are configured to surround the active components of the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14, such as a light source mounted on a circuit board (not shown). In one example, the first housing 20 and the second housing 22 are made of sheet metal. In another example, the first housing 20 and the second housing 22 are formed from an extruded material such as plastic, but the first housing 20 and the second housing 22 may be formed from other types of materials. 【0037】 The bracket device 16 (Figure 1) connects the end 24 of the first housing 20 and the end 26 of the second housing 22 to each other, as will be described in more detail below. In this example, the ends 24 and 26 of the first housing 20 and the second housing 22 each include projections 28 configured to interact with the bracket device 16, as will be described in more detail below. Figure 3 is an end view of the end 24 of the first housing 20 of the first luminaire 12, including the projections 28. While the projection 28 of the first housing 20 is illustrated and described, it should be understood that the projection 28 located on the second housing 22 is similar in structure and operation. Also, the opposite ends of the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14, which are not shown in Figures 1 and 2, may also include projections for connecting adjacent luminaires located on those ends using the bracket device 16. As shown in Figure 3, the projection 28 includes an arm portion 29 and a slot 30 located between the arm portion 29 and the side of the first housing 20. The slot 30 is configured to receive a portion of the bracket device 16, as will be described in more detail below, but the projection 28 may have other configurations designed to interact with the bracket device 16. 【0038】 Referring again to Figures 1 and 2, the first housing 20 and the second housing 22 also each include a mounting mechanism 32 for receiving one of the fasteners 18 to connect the bracket device 16 to the first housing 20 and the second housing 22, as shown in Figure 1. In one example, the mounting mechanism 32 may be a threaded path configured to receive the fastener 18, such as a screw. The threaded path provides an opening or slot for receiving the fastener 18. For example, if the first housing 20 and the second housing 22 are formed from a material such as sheet metal, a threaded path may be employed for each mounting mechanism 32. In another example, if the first housing 20 and the second housing 22 are formed from an extruded material such as plastic, the mounting mechanism 32 may be part of the extruded material into which the fastener 18, such as a self-cutting screw, can be directly inserted to secure the bracket device 16 to the first housing 20 and the second housing 22. 【0039】 System 10 further includes a bracket device 16 for connecting the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14, as shown in Figure 1. Figures 4A to 4C show isometric, side, and front views of the bracket device 16 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively. In this example, the bracket device 16 includes a pair of arms 34 and a base 36. As shown in Figure 4B, the base 36 extends from the pair of arms 34 at an angle (θ). In one example, the angle (θ) is at least 45 degrees. In one example, the bracket device 16 is formed of sheet metal, but other materials may be used for the bracket device 16. 【0040】 Referring to Figures 4A and 4C, a pair of arms 34 are separated from each other by a gap 37 between them. Each of the pair of arms 34 has an opening 38 defined in the arm for receiving the respective fasteners 18 for connecting the arms 34 to the first housing 20 and the second housing 22. The opening 38 can be a hole or slot located in the arm 34. For example, a slot may be used in the opening 38 to ensure tolerances for aligning the bracket device 16 to the mounting mechanism 32 (shown, for example, in Figure 2) of the first housing 20 and the second housing 22. The opening 38 is configured to receive the fasteners 18, such as screws. 【0041】 Referring more specifically to Figure 4A, the base 36 includes a substantially V-shaped opening 40 fixed to the arms, which is positioned in alignment with the gap 37 between the pair of arms 34. The substantially V-shaped opening 40 is configured to receive the arm portions 29 (Figure 3) of the projections 28 located at the respective ends 24, 26 of the first housing 20 and the second housing 22, as shown in Figure 1. The substantially V-shaped opening 40 has an angled side wall 42 extending into the base 36 at an angle (λ) of about 75 to about 85 degrees. The angled side wall 42 is connected by a flat portion 44 in the base 36, which is configured to receive the arm portions 29 (Figure 3) of the projections 28 when the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14 are connected to each other, as shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, when the bracket device 16 is installed between the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14, the base 36 is positioned to block the light emanating from between the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14. 【0042】 Referring again to Figure 1, the system 10 further includes a pair of fasteners 18. The fasteners 18 are configured such that each of the pair of arms 34 is inserted into the respective openings 38 of the pair of arms 34 (shown in Figures 4A and 4C) for coupling to the first housing 20 and the second housing 22, respectively, as shown in Figure 1. The fasteners 18 may be screws, such as self-cutting screws, but other types and / or numbers of fasteners may be employed to secure the bracket device 16 to the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14. Tightening the fasteners 18 applies an upward force to the base 36 of the bracket device 16 based on the angle (θ) between the pair of arms 34 and the base 36 (shown in Figure 4B). The upward force acting on the base 36 pushes the protrusion 28 into the V-shaped opening 40, drawing the ends 24 and 26 of the first housing 20 and the second housing 22 toward each other, and connecting the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14. 【0043】 Figure 5 is a flowchart of method 500 for connecting adjacent luminaires, such as the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14 shown in Figure 1, using a bracket device, such as the bracket device 16 shown in Figures 1 and 4A to 4C. Referring to Figures 1 to 4C, method 500 includes, in step 510, attaching the bracket device 16 (shown in Figures 4A to 4C) to the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14 by inserting the projections 28 located at the respective ends 24, 26 of the first housing 20 and the second housing 22 into the substantially V-shaped opening 40 of the bracket device 16. Advantageously, the attachment of the bracket device 16 can be done from below the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14 without removing any components of either luminaire, thus increasing installation efficiency. This method, which uses a bracket device 16 that can be attached to the bottom of the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14, allows the installer to connect and pull them together tightly without removing any of the components. The bracket device 16 also provides a blocker that blocks light leakage between the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14 when installed (as shown in Figure 1). 【0044】 Next, in step 520, each of the pair of arms 34 of the bracket device 16 is connected to the mounting mechanisms 32 of the first housing 20 and the second housing 22, respectively, using fasteners 18. The fasteners 18 are inserted into the openings 38 of the arms 34 and then into the mounting mechanisms. 【0045】 In step 520, the fastener 18 is tightened to apply an upward force to the base, pushing its projection into the V-shaped opening, drawing the respective housings toward each other, and connecting adjacent light fixtures. 【0046】 Tightening the fastener 18 applies an upward force to the base 36 of the bracket device 16 based on the angle (θ) between the pair of arms 34 (shown in Figure 4B) and the base 36. The upward force on the base 36 pushes the projection 28 into the V-shaped opening 40, drawing the ends 24 and 26 of the first housing 20 and the second housing 22 toward each other, and connecting the first luminaire 12 and the second luminaire 14. In one example, the fastener 18 is tightened until the respective ends 24 and 26 of the first housing 20 and the second housing 22 come into contact with each other. 【0047】 Referring again to Figure 3, the end 24 of the first lighting fixture 12 is shown. In some cases, it may be desirable to change the external appearance of lighting fixtures, such as the first lighting fixture 12. Reasons for these changes include the customer ordering the wrong fixture, a change in fixture layout (e.g., changing from recessed to suspended), or a structural change such as changing the type of ceiling in which a recessed fixture is installed. In some cases, changes may be desired after the fixture has been installed. This can not only cause delays in the construction period but also lead to significant cost increases when making changes to meet requirements. 【0048】 Figures 6–8 show exemplary outer enclosures 600, 700, 800, or skins that can be applied to base lighting fixtures to change the aesthetic appearance of the base lighting fixture, such as the first lighting fixture 12 shown in Figure 3. For example, the base lighting fixture may be modified between recessed and suspended mounting, or the recessed fixture may be modified to be mounted on different ceiling types. 【0049】 Referring more specifically to Figures 6-8, the outer enclosures 600, 700, and 800 are, as an example, attached to the first luminaire 12 using screws 50, but other mounting methods may be employed. Two screws 50 are shown at the upper corners of the first luminaire 12, but it should be understood that other mounting devices may be used at other locations to secure the outer enclosures 600, 700, and 800 to the first luminaire 12. 【0050】 In one example, the first luminaire 12 may be made of a material such as sheet metal and may include an opening for receiving a screw 50. In another example, the first luminaire 12 may be made of an extruded material such as a self-cutting screw, so that the screw 50 can be inserted directly through the first luminaire 12 into the external enclosures 600, 700, and 800. 【0051】 The outer enclosures 600, 700, and 800 are formed from extruded materials suitable for use in lighting applications, such as plastics. The outer enclosures 600, 700, and 800 in the examples shown in Figures 6 to 8 include mounting areas 52 configured to receive screws 50, such as self-cutting screws, for securing the outer enclosures 600, 700, and 800 to the first luminaire 12. Thus, the outer enclosures 600, 700, and 800 can be easily applied and removed using screws 50 or other mounting mechanisms to change the profile of the luminaire, such as the luminaire 12. In this way, the outer enclosures 600, 700, and 800 can be modified on-site by the installer, eliminating the need to order new luminaires and wait for production timelines. Furthermore, the outer enclosures 600, 700, and 800 can be used with base lighting fixtures such as the first lighting fixture 12, which have undergone component design and testing, electrical table, compliance testing including UL and FCC, and optical testing. 【0052】 Therefore, outer enclosures 600, 700, and 800 can be applied to UL-certified fixtures with optical offerings, resulting in a new aesthetic. Simply replacing the outer enclosures 600, 700, and 800 adds a new shape and gives the fixture an entirely new look. For example, Figure 6 shows outer enclosure 600 providing a flanged enclosure, Figure 7 shows outer enclosure 700 providing a flat appearance, and Figure 8 shows outer enclosure 800 providing a rounded enclosure with a curved outer surface. While outer enclosures 600, 700, and 800 are illustrated and described, it should be understood that different enclosures with different configurations may be formed using different extrusion molding processes to accommodate various lighting configurations. 【0053】 Referring to Figure 9, a luminaire 120 having a hinged housing tray 900 is shown. In one example, the luminaire 120 is a linear luminaire. The hinged housing tray 900 may also function as a reflector. In this example, the hinged housing tray 900 is configured to swing downward on a hinge from the luminaire 900 while remaining attached to one side of the luminaire 120. Thus, the entire housing tray does not need to be removed to access the internal components 910 of the luminaire 120, such as the internal driver and wiring. Instead, the hinged housing tray 900 can swing out from the luminaire 120 by loosening a screw 920 on one side of the hinged housing tray 900. However, the hinged housing tray 900 can also be attached to the luminaire 120 on one side in another way. This limits the total number of screws that need to be removed to access the internal components 910, eliminates the need to repeatedly climb ladders, and eliminates the risk of similar trays getting mixed up when reassembling to the luminaire 120. Reattaching the hinged housing tray 900 to only one side of the luminaire 120 is easier, significantly reducing the risk of wires getting pinched. Furthermore, in some examples, this eliminates the need to disconnect the LED board wiring from the driver to prevent the tray from hanging over wires and causing wires to come out of the LED board connector or driver port. 【0054】 All definitions defined and used herein should be understood to govern dictionary definitions, definitions incorporated by reference in documents, and / or the ordinary meanings of the terms defined. 【0055】 The indefinite articles "a" and "an," when used herein and in the claims, should be understood to mean "at least one" unless explicitly stated otherwise. 【0056】 When used herein and in the claims, the phrase "and / or" should be understood to mean "either or both" of the elements thus combined, that is, elements that are sometimes conjunctive and sometimes disjunctive. Multiple elements listed in "and / or" should be interpreted in the same manner, that is, "one or more" of the elements thus combined. Other elements other than those specifically identified by the "and / or" clause may exist as optional, whether related to or unrelated to those specifically identified elements. 【0057】 When used herein and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” shall be interpreted as inclusive, that is, including at least one, and optionally including two or more of several elements or lists of elements, as well as additional items not enumerated. Only terms such as “only one of the” or “exactly one of the” or, as used in the claims, “consisting of,” refer to including exactly one of several elements or lists of elements, where the opposite is clearly indicated. In general, when the term “or” is used herein, it shall be interpreted as indicating an exclusive choice (i.e., “one or the other, but not both”) only when it precedes an exclusive term such as “either of the” or “one of the” or “exactly one of the” or “exactly one of the” 【0058】 When used herein and in the claims, the phrase “at least one” referring to a list of one or more elements means at least one selected from any one or more elements in that list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each element specifically enumerated in that list of elements, nor excluding any combination of elements in that list of elements. This definition also makes it possible that elements other than those specifically identified in that list of elements, referred to by the phrase “at least one,” may exist as options, whether related to or unrelated to those specifically identified elements. 【0059】 Furthermore, unless explicitly stated otherwise, it should be understood that in any method claimed herein, which includes two or more steps or actions, the order of the steps or actions of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or actions of the method are listed. 【0060】 In the claims and the above specification, please understand that all transitional phrases such as “equipped with,” “include,” “carry,” “have,” “incorporate,” “accompany,” “hold,” and “composed of” are open-ended, meaning they include but are not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consist of” and “essentially consist of” are closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively. 【0061】 The above examples of the subject matter described can be implemented in any of many ways. For example, some embodiments can be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. If at least part of any embodiment is implemented in software, the software code can be executed on any suitable processor, or set of processors, whether it is provided on a single device or computer, or distributed across multiple devices / computers. 【0062】 The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various examples of the present invention. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions containing one or more executable instructions for performing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions described within a block may be performed in an order different from that shown in the diagram. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or they may be executed in reverse order depending on the functionality involved. It should also be noted that each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in those block diagrams and / or flowcharts, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions that performs a specified function or action. 【0063】 Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims and any other claims to which the applicant may be entitled. 【0064】 While various examples have been described and illustrated herein, those skilled in the art will readily conceive of various other means and / or structures for performing the functions described herein and / or obtaining one or more of the results and / or benefits, and each of such variations and / or modifications will be considered to fall within the scope of the examples described herein. More generally, all parameters, dimensions, materials and configurations described herein are intended to be illustrative, and those skilled in the art will readily understand that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials and / or configurations will depend on the specific application in which the teachings of the present invention are used. Those skilled in the art will be able to recognize or confirm many equivalents to the specific examples described herein by means of ordinary experimentation alone. Therefore, it should be understood that the examples described above are presented only as examples, and other examples other than those specifically described and claimed may be put into practice within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. The examples in this disclosure cover each individual feature, system, article, material, kit and / or method described herein. Furthermore, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods is included within the scope of this disclosure, provided that such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not inconsistent with each other.

Claims

[Claim 1] A bracket device for connecting adjacent lighting fixtures, wherein the bracket device is A pair of arms spaced apart from each other, each of which has a defined first opening for receiving fasteners for connecting each of the arms to the respective housings of adjacent luminaires, A base extending from the pair of arms at a certain angle, the base having a substantially V-shaped second opening fixed in the base and located between the pair of arms, for receiving projections located at each end of the housing, and tightening the fasteners pushes the projections into the substantially V-shaped second openings, drawing the respective housings toward each other and applying an upward force to the base to connect the adjacent luminaires, the base and Bracket devices, including [Claim 2] The bracket device according to claim 1, wherein the bracket device is formed from sheet metal. [Claim 3] The bracket device according to claim 1, wherein the first opening is a hole or slot configured to receive a screw. [Claim 4] The bracket device according to claim 1, wherein the angle is at least 45 degrees. [Claim 5] The bracket device according to claim 1, wherein the substantially V-shaped second opening has an angled side wall extending into the base at an angle of about 75 to about 85 degrees. [Claim 6] The bracket device according to claim 5, wherein the angled side wall is connected by a flat portion of the base configured to receive the protrusion when the adjacent lighting fixtures are connected to each other. [Claim 7] The bracket device according to claim 1, wherein the base is configured to block light emanating from between adjacent lighting fixtures. [Claim 8] A first lighting fixture and a second lighting fixture, each having a housing, wherein each housing includes a protrusion located at its end, A pair of arms spaced apart from each other, each of which has a first opening defined in the arm, and A base extending from the pair of arms at a certain angle, the base having a substantially V-shaped second opening fixed to the base and located between the pair of arms, for receiving projections located at each end of the housing, A bracket device including, A pair of fasteners configured to be inserted into the first openings of each of the pair of arms, for connecting each of the pair of arms to the respective housings of the first and second lighting fixtures, wherein tightening the fasteners involves pushing the protrusions into the substantially V-shaped second openings, drawing the respective housings toward each other, and applying an upward force to the base to connect the first and second lighting fixtures, A system that includes this. [Claim 9] The system according to claim 8, wherein the base is configured to block light emanating from between adjacent luminaires. [Claim 10] The system according to claim 8, wherein the fastener is a self-cutting screw configured to be inserted into the housing. [Claim 11] The system in question is An extruded outer enclosure configured to be coupled to the first or second lighting fixture, and configured to provide an outer profile for the first or second lighting fixture, The system according to claim 8, including the above. [Claim 12] The system according to claim 8, wherein the first or second luminaire includes a housing tray configured to hinge with respect to the side wall of the first or second luminaire to provide access to one or more internal components of the first or second luminaire. [Claim 13] A method for connecting adjacent lighting fixtures, the method being: The bracket device is attached by inserting the protrusions located at the respective ends of the housings of adjacent lighting fixtures into a substantially V-shaped second opening of the bracket device, wherein the bracket device is A pair of arms spaced apart from each other, each of which has a first opening defined in the arm, A base extending from the pair of arms at a certain angle, the base having a substantially V-shaped second opening fixed to the base and located between the pair of arms, This includes, The pair of arms are connected to the respective housings of the adjacent lighting fixtures using a pair of fasteners inserted into the first opening of the arm, Tighten the fasteners, push the protrusions into the substantially V-shaped second opening, pull the respective housings toward each other, and apply an upward force to the base to connect the adjacent light fixtures, Methods that include... [Claim 14] The method according to claim 13, wherein the bracket device is attached without removing any of the components of the adjacent lighting fixtures. [Claim 15] This method is Tighten the fasteners until each of the housings is in contact with each other. The method according to claim 13, including the method described in claim 13.

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