Luminaire assembly

Abstract

A linear luminaire including a u-shaped housing, a circuit board, a primary diffuser, and an intermediate diffuser is provided. The u-shaped housing includes a linear portion and a corner portion. The corner portion is configured to be mechanically coupled to a second linear luminaire. The circuit board is arranged within the u-shaped housing and includes light sources. The primary diffuser is arranged along an open side of the u-shaped housing. The intermediate diffuser is arranged between the circuit board and the primary diffuser to scatter light from the light sources before the light reaches the primary diffuser. The reflector may be disposed within the u-shaped housing and may be substantially u- shaped. The intermediate diffuser may include diffuser holes horizontally offset from each of the plurality of light sources. The intermediate diffuser is arranged proximate to the corner portion of the u-shaped housing.

Description

[0001] Luminaire assembly

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present disclosure is generally directed to a luminaire assembly of two or more linear luminaires with intermediate diffusers to provide uniform lighting.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Luminaires employing light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as light sources typically use several different components to achieve a uniform luminous surface. One such component is a light diffuser used to scatter and distribute light from LED sources, reducing glare and creating a more even spread of light across the surface of the luminaire. Common diffuser materials for LED-based luminaires include polycarbonate, acrylic, polystyrene, and polyethylene.

[0006] In some linear lighting fixtures, a significant distance exists between the light sources and the diffuser. Larger distance generally increases uniformity. Additionally, “heavier” diffuser materials (referring to optical elements having physical properties and / or chemical composition selected for generating more diffusion) will increase the uniformity but reduce optical efficiency. Similarly, reflectors are often used along one or more sides of an optical cavity to redirect the light toward the diffuser and increase the optical efficiency. In the case of luminaires connected at an angle, the cornered reflectors are blocking the rays from the single light sources, resulting in striation shadows on the diffuser. Striation shadows refer to the presence of visible lines or streaks that appear on the surface of the diffuser material when it scatters light, and generally considered undesirable in many lighting applications. To minimize or eliminate striation shadows, luminaire manufacturers may employ techniques such as improving material quality, optimizing manufacturing processes, and designing diffusers with more uniform scattering properties. Additionally, using diffusion films, coatings, or prismatic patterns on the diffuser surface can help achieve a more even light distribution and reduce the visibility of striations. For example, the striation effect can be reduced by using a heavier diffuser or increasing the number of light sources. However, these solutions reduce efficiency and / or increase cost compared to a straight linear luminaire without a comer joint. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The present disclosure is generally directed to a luminaire assembly of two or more linear luminaires joined together at an angle. At least one of the luminaires includes a u-shaped housing, a reflector, a circuit board, a primary diffuser, and an intermediate diffuser. The u-shaped housing may be conceptually divided into a linear portion and a comer portion. The comer portion is configured to couple to another linear luminaire to form an angle or comer. The reflector, such as a u-shaped reflector, is disposed within the u- shaped housing, such that an open side of the reflector faces an open side of the u-shaped housing. In some examples, an interior side of the u-shaped housing may serve as the reflector, rather than a dedicated component. The circuit board is disposed within the linear luminaire and includes a plurality of light sources (such as light emitting diodes) arranged linearly along the circuit board. In the example of a u-shaped reflector, the circuit board may be disposed on the reflector. In other examples, the circuit board may be disposed on the u- shaped housing or a holder plate fixed to the housing. The primary diffuser is arranged along the open side of the u-shaped housing. The intermediate diffuser is arranged between the primary diffuser and the circuit board and proximate to the comer portion of the u-shaped housing. The intermediate diffuser scatters light generated by the light sources to vertical sides of the reflector before reaching the primary diffuser, reducing visual striation shading and providing substantially more uniform lighting.

[0008] In some examples, the intermediate diffuser is substantially translucent. In other examples, the intermediate diffuser is substantially opaque with one or more diffuser holes. When installed within the u-shaped housing, the diffuser holes are laterally offset from the light sources to prevent the light generated from the light sources from reaching the primary diffuser without reflecting off of the reflector. The intermediate diffuser may be substantially parallel or angled relative to the light sources. Further, the intermediate diffuser may be arranged to form a diffuser comer gap within the comer portion of the u-shaped housing.

[0009] Generally, in one example, a linear luminaire is provided. The linear luminaire includes a u-shaped housing. The u-shaped housing includes a linear portion and a comer portion. The comer portion is configured to be affixed to a second linear luminaire.

[0010] The linear luminaire further includes a circuit board. The circuit board is arranged within the u-shaped housing. The circuit board includes a plurality of light sources. Each of the plurality of light sources may be a light emitting diode (LED). The light sources may be linearly arranged along the circuit board. The linear luminaire further includes a primary diffuser. The primary diffuser is arranged along an open side of the u-shaped housing.

[0011] The linear luminaire further includes an intermediate diffuser. The intermediate diffuser is arranged between the circuit board and the primary diffuser. The intermediate diffuser may be substantially parallel to the circuit board. The intermediate diffuser may be arranged at an angle relative to the circuit board. The intermediate diffuser may be substantially translucent. The intermediate diffuser may be substantially opaque.

[0012] According to an example, the linear luminaire may include a reflector. The reflector may be disposed within the u-shaped housing. The reflector may be substantially u- shaped.

[0013] According to an example, the intermediate diffuser may include one or more diffuser holes formed therein horizontally offset from each of the plurality of light sources. The one or more diffuser holes may be arranged in one or more rows along the intermediate diffuser.

[0014] According to an example, the intermediate diffuser may be arranged proximate to the comer portion of the u-shaped housing. The intermediate diffuser may be arranged to form a diffuser comer gap within the comer portion of the u-shaped housing.

[0015] Generally, in another aspect, a luminaire assembly is provided. The luminaire assembly includes a first linear luminaire and a second linear luminaire. The first linear luminaire includes a u-shaped housing. The u-shaped housing includes a linear portion and a comer portion. The comer portion is configured to be affixed to the second linear luminaire.

[0016] The first linear luminaire further includes a circuit board. The circuit board is arranged within the u-shaped housing. The circuit board includes a plurality of light sources. Each of the plurality of light sources is a LED.

[0017] The first linear luminaire further includes a primary diffuser. The primary diffuser is arranged along an open side of the u-shaped housing.

[0018] The first linear luminaire further includes an intermediate diffuser. The intermediate diffuser is arranged between the circuit board and the primary diffuser.

[0019] Generally, in another aspect, a method for manufacturing a luminaire assembly is provided. The method includes forming a u-shaped housing comprising a linear portion and a comer portion.

[0020] The method further includes arranging a circuit board within the u-shaped housing. The circuit board includes a plurality of light sources. The method further includes arranging an intermediate diffuser between the circuit board and an open side of the u-shaped housing.

[0021] The method further includes arranging a primary diffuser along the open side of the u-shaped housing.

[0022] The method further includes affixing the comer portion of the u-shaped housing to a second luminaire.

[0023] As used herein for purposes of the present disclosure, the term “LED” should be understood to include any electroluminescent diode or other type of carrier injection / junction-based system that is capable of generating radiation in response to an electric signal. Thus, the term LED includes, but is not limited to, various semiconductorbased structures that emit light in response to current, light emitting polymers, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), electroluminescent strips, and the like. In particular, the term LED refers to light emitting diodes of all types (including semi-conductor and organic light emitting diodes) that may be configured to generate radiation in one or more of the infrared spectrum, ultraviolet spectrum, and various portions of the visible spectrum (generally including radiation wavelengths from approximately 400 nanometers to approximately 700 nanometers). Some examples of LEDs include, but are not limited to, various types of infrared LEDs, ultraviolet LEDs, red LEDs, blue LEDs, green LEDs, yellow LEDs, amber LEDs, orange LEDs, and white LEDs. It also should be appreciated that LEDs may be configured and / or controlled to generate radiation having various bandwidths (e.g., full widths at half maximum, or FWHM) for a given spectrum (e.g., narrow bandwidth, broad bandwidth), and a variety of dominant wavelengths within a given general color categorization.

[0024] It should also be understood that the term LED does not limit the physical and / or electrical package type of an LED. For example, as discussed above, an LED may refer to a single light emitting device having multiple dies that are configured to respectively emit different spectra of radiation (e.g., that may or may not be individually controllable). Also, an LED may be associated with a phosphor that is considered as an integral part of the LED (e.g., some types of white LEDs). In general, the term LED may refer to packaged LEDs, non-packaged LEDs, surface mount LEDs, chip-on-board LEDs, T-package mount LEDs, radial package LEDs, power package LEDs, LEDs including some type of encasement and / or optical element (e.g., a diffusing lens), etc.

[0025] The term “light source” should be understood to refer to any one or more of a variety of radiation sources, including, but not limited to, LED-based sources (including one or more LEDs as defined above). A given light source may be configured to generate electromagnetic radiation within the visible spectrum, outside the visible spectrum, or a combination of both. Hence, the terms “light” and “radiation” are used interchangeably herein.

[0026] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminology explicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistent with the particular concepts disclosed herein.

[0027] These and other aspects of the various embodiments will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the various embodiments.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional illustration of a linear luminaire, in accordance with an example.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a top view illustration of circuit boards within linear luminaires of a luminaire assembly, in accordance with an example.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional illustration of a linear luminaire with an intermediate diffuser, in accordance with an example.

[0033] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a V-shaped luminaire assembly, in accordance with an example.

[0034] FIG. 5 A is an isometric view of a V-shaped luminaire assembly with hidden primary diffusers, in accordance with an example.

[0035] FIG. 5B is an isometric view of a variation of the V-shaped luminaire assembly of FIG. 5 A, in accordance with an example.

[0036] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a linear luminaire of a V-shaped luminaire assembly, in accordance with an example. FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a comer of a V-shaped luminaire assembly, in accordance with an example.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a further isometric view of a linear luminaire of a V-shaped luminaire assembly, in accordance with an example.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a further isometric view of a linear luminaire of a V-shaped luminaire assembly, in accordance with an example.

[0039] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a Y-shaped luminaire assembly, in accordance with an example.

[0040] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a Y-shaped luminaire assembly with hidden primary diffusers, in accordance with an example.

[0041] FIG. 12 is a further isometric view of a Y-shaped luminaire assembly with a hidden primary diffuser, in accordance with an example.

[0042] FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a linear luminaire of a Y-shaped luminaire assembly with a hidden primary diffuser, in accordance with an example.

[0043] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of an X-shaped luminaire assembly, in accordance with an example.

[0044] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of an X-shaped luminaire assembly with hidden primary diffusers, in accordance with an example.

[0045] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a linear luminaire of an X-shaped luminaire assembly with a hidden primary diffuser, in accordance with an example.

[0046] FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a luminaire assembly, in accordance with an example.

[0047] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0048] The present disclosure is generally directed to a luminaire assembly of two or more linear luminaires joined together at an angle. At least one of the luminaires includes a u-shaped housing, a reflector, a circuit board, a primary diffuser, and an intermediate diffuser. The u-shaped housing may be conceptually divided into a linear portion and a comer portion. The reflector, such as a u-shaped reflector, is disposed within the u-shaped housing, such that an open side of the reflector faces an open side of the u-shaped housing. The circuit board is disposed on the reflector and includes a plurality of light sources (such as light emitting diodes). The primary diffuser is arranged along the open side of the u-shaped housing. The intermediate diffuser is arranged in between the primary diffuser and the circuit board. The intermediate diffuser scatters light generated by the light sources to vertical sides of the reflector before reaching the primary diffuser, reducing visual striation shading and providing substantially more uniform lighting.

[0049] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional illustration of a nonlimiting example of a linear luminaire 100. More specifically, FIG. 1 shows the impact of the functional components of the luminaire 100 on light L within the optical cavity 101. Generally, the luminaire 100 includes a circuit board 104, a primary diffuser 106, a plurality of the light sources 114, and a reflector 118. As shown in FIGS. 4-16, these components are disposed within a housing 102 of the luminaire 100, such as a u-shaped housing 102. The circuit board 104 may be any type of circuit board 104 capable of providing electrical signals to the light sources 114, such as one of many varieties of a printed circuit board. In a typical example, the light sources 114 are light emitting diodes (LEDs). Shown in subsequent figures, the light sources 114 are typically linearly arranged in one or more rows along the length of the circuit board 104.

[0050] The non-limiting example of the reflector 118 as shown in FIG. 1 is formed by three sides, a horizontal side 118 A, a first vertical side 118B, and a second vertical side 118C. However, in other examples, the reflector 118 may simply include the first and second vertical sides 118B, 118C without the horizontal side 118A. The circuit board 104 is affixed to the horizontal side 118A of the reflector 118 such that light L generated by the light sources 114 projects downward. If the reflector 118 lacks a horizontal side 118A, the circuit board may be affixed to the housing 102 or to a holder plate fixed to the housing 102. The vertical sides 118B, 118C of the reflector 118 are configured to both scatter the light L, as well as to direct the light L downwards towards an open end 116 of the housing 102. As such, the linear luminaires 100 are typically installed on or proximate to a ceiling in a room. Further, the reflector 118 defines the overall shape of the optical cavity 101. In some examples, the reflector 118 may simply be one or more interior surfaces of the u-shaped housing 102, rather than a discrete component. In these examples, the interior side of the u- shaped housing 102 may be painted white to enhance reflective properties.

[0051] The primary diffuser 106 is arranged at an open end 116 of the housing 102 and the reflector 118. The primary diffuser 106 is configured to diffuse or spread out the light L generated by the light sources 114 as the light L exits the optical cavity 101. A portion of the light L emitted by the light sources 114 reflects off one or more sides 118 A, 118B, 118C of the reflector 118 prior to reaching the primary diffuser 106, while the rest of the light L reaches the primary diffuser 106 without reflecting off of the reflector 118. In some examples, the primary diffuser 106 may be acrylic, polycarbonate, and / or glass. FIG. 2 is a top view illustration of a luminaire assembly 10. As will be shown in more detail in subsequent figures, the luminaire assembly 10 is formed by joining together a first linear luminaire 100 and a second linear luminaire 200. In the example of FIG. 2, the first linear luminaire includes a housing 102 and a circuit board 104. The circuit board 104 includes a plurality of linearly arranged light sources 114. Similarly, the second linear luminaire 200 also includes a housing 202 and a circuit board 204. The circuit board 204 also includes a plurality of linearly arranged light sources 214.

[0052] FIG. 2 further shows light L generated by the light sources 114 of the first linear luminaire 100. The inner surface of the housing 102 of the first linear luminaire 100 blocks light L from the light sources 114 from reaching the inner surface of the housing 202 of the second linear luminaire 200, resulting in striation shadows S visible through the primary diffuser. While not illustrated, the inner surface of the housing 202 of the second linear luminaire blocks light L from the light sources 214 from reaching the inner surface of the housing 102 of the first linear luminaire 100.

[0053] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional illustration of a linear luminaire 100 implementing an intermediate diffuser 108. The intermediate diffuser 108 diffuses and spreads the light L generated by the light sources 114 such that all (or nearly all) of the light L reflects off of the reflector 118 prior to reaching the primary diffuser 106. Spreading the light L in this manner greatly reduces or entirely eliminates the striation shadows S illustrated in FIG. 2 to provide substantially more uniform lighting. In some examples, the intermediate diffuser 108 may be acrylic, polycarbonate, and / or glass.

[0054] In the example of FIG. 3, the intermediate diffuser 108 is arranged substantially parallel relative to the circuit board 104 and / or the primary diffuser 106. However, in other examples, the intermediate diffuser 108 may be angled relative to the circuit board 104 and / or the primary diffuser 106 to achieve the desired diffusing effect. Further, in the non-limiting example of FIG. 3, the intermediate diffuser 108 is arranged approximately halfway between primary diffuser 108 and the circuit board 104. However, in other example, the intermediate diffuser 108 may be significantly closer to the circuit board 104 or the primary diffuser 106.

[0055] FIG. 4 illustrates an isometric view of an example V-shaped luminaire assembly 10. The luminaire assembly 10 is formed by coupling a first linear luminaire 100 to a second linear luminaire 200. The first linear luminaire 100 includes a u-shaped housing 102 and a primary diffuser 106. Similarly, the second linear luminaire 200 also includes a u- shaped housing 202 and a primary diffuser 206. The first and second linear luminaires 100, 200 are coupled together at a comer joint 12 to form an angle 14. In some examples, the angle 14 is less than ninety degrees, such as forty-five degrees or thirty degrees. In the example of FIG. 4, the first and second linear luminaires 100, 200 are essentially, identical, mirrored versions of the other. However, in other examples, the first and second linear luminaires 100, 200 may vary in significant ways, such as with regard to physical dimensions or type of components.

[0056] FIG. 5 A illustrates an isometric view of the V-shaped luminaire assembly 10 of FIG. 4. In FIG. 5 A, the primary diffusers 106, 206 of each linear luminaire 100, 200 are hidden to show the components within the optical cavities 101, 201 of each linear luminaire 100, 200. As shown in FIG. 5 A, the first linear luminaire 100 includes a u-shaped channel 102, a circuit board 104, an intermediate diffuser 108, and a reflector 118. The first linear luminaire 100 may be conceptually divided into a linear portion 110 and a comer portion 112. In the linear portion 110, the horizontal side 118A of the reflector 118 is substantially rectangular. In the comer portion 112, the horizontal sides 118A of the reflector 118 is substantially triangular. In some examples, the circuit board 104 may partially extend into the comer portion 112 from the linear portion 110. In the non-limiting example of FIG. 5 A, the intermediate diffuser 108 is sloped outwards. FIG. 5B illustrates a variation of the luminaire assembly 10 of FIG. 5A where the intermediate diffuser 108 is sloped inwards.

[0057] Like the first linear luminaire 100, the second linear luminaire 200 also includes a u-shaped channel 202, a circuit board 204, an intermediate diffuser 208, and a reflector 218. The second linear luminaire 200 may also be conceptually divided into a linear portion 210 and a comer portion 212. The comer portions 112, 212 of each linear luminaire 100, 200 form a comer joint 12 (as shown in FIG. 4) with the comer portion 112, 212 of the other linear luminaire 100, 200. Further, the intermediate diffusers 108, 208 of each linear luminaire 100, 200 are positioned within both the comer portions 112, 212 and the linear portions 110, 210 of their respective linear luminaires 100, 200. In some examples, the intermediate diffusers 108, 208 may be arranged entirely within the linear portions 110, 210 of their respective linear luminaires 100, 200. In the example of FIG. 5 A, the intermediate diffusers 108, 208 may be embodied as a single, unitary, V-shaped intermediate diffuser 16, with a first portion 108 arranged within the first luminaire 100, and a second portion 208 arranged within the second luminaire 200.

[0058] FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of the first linear luminaire 100 of FIG. 5. In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates the reflector 118 disposed within the housing 102. The reflector 118 is formed by three sides, a horizontal side 118A, a first vertical side 118B, and a second vertical side 118C. The circuit board 104 is arranged on the horizontal side 118A of the reflector 118. The circuit board 104 includes a row of light sources 104, such as LEDs. In other examples, the circuit board 104 may include multiple rows of light sources 104, and / or multiple circuit boards 104 may be arranged on the horizontal side 118A of the reflector 118.

[0059] As further shown in FIG. 6, the intermediate diffuser 108 is coupled to the first and second vertical sides 118A, 118B of the reflector 118. Further, the intermediate diffuser 108 is arranged between the circuit board 104 and the primary diffuser 106 (as shown in FIG. 4). During operation, the intermediate diffuser 108 diffuses and spread the light L emitted by the light sources 114. This diffusion and spreading directs the light L to the first and second vertical sides 118 A, 118B of the reflector 118 to reduce or eliminate striation shading. As shown in FIG. 6, the intermediate diffuser 108 is arranged at an angle relative to the circuit board 104 and the horizontal side 118A of the reflector 118.

[0060] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a section of the V-shaped luminaire assembly 10 shown in FIG. 5 around the comer joint 12. As shown in FIG. 7, the first linear luminaire 100 includes an intermediate diffuser 108. The intermediate diffuser 108 includes a plurality of diffuser holes 124. Notably, the intermediate diffuser 108 is longitudinally arranged along the first linear luminaire 100 to form a diffuser comer gap 128. The diffuser comer gap 128 is implemented to allow more light L to pass from the light sources 114 to the primary diffuser 106 (as shown in FIG. 4) to avoid shadows or dark spots in the comer portion 112 of the first linear luminaire 100, particularly in portions of the first linear luminaire 100 which extend beyond the circuit board 104 and the light sources 114. Similarly, the second linear luminaire 200 also includes an intermediate diffuser 208 with a plurality of diffuser holes 224 and arranged to form a diffuser comer gap 228. In the example of FIG. 7, the intermediate diffusers 108, 208 may be embodied as a single, unitary, V-shaped intermediate diffuser 16, with a first portion 108 arranged within the first luminaire 100, and a second portion 208 arranged within the second luminaire 200.

[0061] In the example of FIG. 7, the intermediate diffuser 108 may be substantially opaque such that light L from the light sources 114 may only travel through the plurality of diffuser holes 124. Further, the plurality of diffuser holes 124 are laterally and / or longitudinally offset from plurality of light sources 114, thereby preventing light L from travelling directly from the light sources 114 to the primary diffuser 106 to promote light scattering. In other examples, the intermediate diffuser may be substantially translucent. Further, the intermediate diffuser 108 of FIG. 7 includes two rows of diffuser holes 124, a first row of eight diffuser holes 124 proximate to the first vertical side 118B of the reflector 118 and a second row of two diffuser holes 124 proximate the second vertical side 118C of the reflector 118.

[0062] FIG. 8 is a further isometric view of the first linear luminaire 100 shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 illustrates the circuit board 104 with the plurality of light sources 114 and the intermediate diffuser 108. The intermediate diffuser 108 includes diffuser holes 124. The diffuser holes 124 of the diffuser 108 are arranged in two rows as described above. FIG. 8 further illustrates that the diffuser holes 124 are laterally offset from the light sources 114.

[0063] FIG. 9 is a further isometric view of the first linear luminaire 100 shown in FIG. 8. The first linear luminaire 100 of FIG. 9 has been rotated such that the light L generated by the light sources 114 of the circuit board 104 will project downward, through the intermediate diffuser 108 and out of the open side 116 of the u-shaped housing 102 as per typical installation. As previously described, a primary diffuser 106 would typically be installed along the open side 116 of the u-shaped housing. FIG. 9 further illustrates an angle 120 between the intermediate diffuser 108 and the circuit board 104 (or horizontal side 118A of the reflector 118). In some examples, the angle 120 is less than ninety degrees, such as approximately sixty degrees, forty-five degrees, or thirty degrees.

[0064] FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric view of an example Y-shaped luminaire assembly 10. The luminaire assembly 10 is formed by coupling a first linear luminaire 100 to a second linear luminaire 200 and a third linear luminaire 300. The first linear luminaire 100 includes a u-shaped housing 102 and a primary diffuser 106. Similarly, the second linear luminaire 200 also includes a u-shaped housing 202 and a primary diffuser 206. Further, the third linear luminaire 300 also includes a u-shaped housing 302 and a primary diffuser 306. The angle formed by each pair of linear luminaires 100, 200, 300 shown in FIG. 10 may be approximately 120 degrees. However, in other examples, the angle may be greater than or less than 120 degrees, such as ninety degrees or 150 degrees. In these examples, the first, second, and third linear luminaires 100, 200, 300 are essentially, identical, mirrored versions of the other. However, in other examples, the first, second, and third linear luminaires 100, 200, 300 may vary in significant ways, such as dimensions or components. The first, second, and third linear luminaire assemblies 100, 200, 300 are joined together by first, second, and third comer joints 12 A, 12B, 12C.

[0065] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of the Y-shaped luminaire assembly 10 of FIG. 10. In FIG. 11, the primary diffusers 106, 206, 306 of each linear luminaire 100, 200, 300 are hidden to show the components within each linear luminaire 100, 200, 300. As shown in FIG. 5, the first linear luminaire 100 includes a u-shaped channel 102, a circuit board 104, and a reflector 118. Similarly, the second linear luminaire 200 includes a u-shaped channel 202, a circuit board 204, and a reflector 218. Further, the third linear luminaire 300 includes a u- shaped channel 302, a circuit board 304, and a reflector 318. The Y-shaped luminaire assembly 10 includes a Y-shaped intermediate diffuser 16 positioned where each of the linear luminaires 100, 200, 300 meet.

[0066] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the Y-shaped intermediate diffuser 16 arranged within the Y-shaped luminaire assembly 10 shown in FIG. 10. Accordingly, the Y-shaped intermediate diffuser 16 may be conceptually divided into a first diffuser portion 108 disposed within the first linear luminaire 100, a second diffuser portion 208 disposed within the second linear luminaire 200, and a third diffuser portion 308 disposed within the third linear luminaire 300. As with V-shaped example, the Y-shaped intermediate diffuser 16 of the Y-shaped luminaire assembly 10 is configured to scatter light L generated by the light sources 114, 214, 314 to the reflectors 118, 218, 318 to reduce striation shadows. The Y- shaped intermediate diffuser 16 may be coupled to the interior of the u-shaped housings 102, 202, 302 or the reflectors 118, 218, 318 via a series of mounting tabs 18. Notably, the Y- shaped intermediate diffuser 16 lacks the diffuser holes 124 illustrated in the V-shaped luminaire assembly 10 example. Rather, the Y-shaped intermediate diffuser 16 is substantially translucent and scatters the light L generated by the light sources 114, 214, 314 according to the optical properties of the material of the Y-shaped intermediate diffuser 16. However, in other examples, the Y-shaped intermediate diffuser 16 could optionally include diffuser holes to improve overall optical efficiency. In particular, diffuser holes or cutouts could optionally be arranged in a pattern to avoid further shadowing or striation. Further, as shown in FIG. 13, each diffuser portion 108, 208, 308 of the Y-shaped intermediate diffuser 16 is substantially parallel to the circuit boards 104, 204, 304 and the light sources 114, 214, 314 disposed within each linear luminaire 100, 200, 300.

[0067] FIG. 14 illustrates an isometric view of an example X-shaped luminaire assembly 10. The luminaire assembly 10 is formed by coupling a first linear luminaire 100 to a second linear luminaire 200, a third linear luminaire 300, and a fourth linear luminaire 400. The first linear luminaire 100 includes a u-shaped housing 102 and a primary diffuser 106. Similarly, the second linear luminaire 200 also includes a u-shaped housing 202 and a primary diffuser 206. Further, the third linear luminaire 300 also includes a u-shaped housing 302 and a primary diffuser 306. Additionally, the fourth linear luminaire 400 also includes a u-shaped housing 402 and a primary diffuser 406. The angles formed between the first and fourth linear luminaires 100, 400 and the second and third luminaires 200, 300 shown in FIG. 15 may be approximately 60 degrees. Similarly, the angles formed between the first and second linear luminaires 100, 200 and the third and fourth luminaires 300, 400 may be approximately 120 degrees. In these examples, the first, second, third, and fourth linear luminaires 100, 200, 300, 400 are essentially identical, mirrored versions of the other. However, in other examples, the first, second, third, and fourth linear luminaires 100, 200, 300, 400 may vary in significant ways, such as dimensions or components. The first, second, third, and fourth linear luminaire assemblies 100, 200, 300 are joined together by first, second, third, and fourth comer joints 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D.

[0068] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the X-shaped luminaire assembly 10 of FIG. 14. In FIG. 15, the primary diffusers 106, 206, 306, 406 of each linear luminaire 100, 200, 300, 400 are hidden to show the components within each linear luminaire 100, 200, 300, 400. As shown in FIG. 15, each linear luminaire 100, 200, 300, 400 includes a u-shaped housing 102, 202, 302, 402, a circuit board 104, 204, 304, 404, and a reflector 118, 218, 318, 418. Further, the X-shaped luminaire assembly 10 includes an X-shaped intermediate diffuser 16 positioned where each of the linear luminaires 100, 200, 300, 400 meet. The X-shaped intermediate diffuser 16 may be conceptually divided into a first portion 108 disposed within the first linear luminaire 100, a second portion 208 disposed within the second linear luminaire 200, a third portion 308 disposed within the third linear luminaire 300, and a fourth portion 408 disposed within the fourth linear luminaire 400. As with the V- and Y-shaped examples, the X-shaped intermediate diffuser 16 of the Y-shaped luminaire assembly 10 is configured to scatter light L to the reflectors 118, 218, 318 to reduce striation shadows. Further, the X-shaped intermediate diffuser 16 includes a crease 18, enabling the various portions 108, 208, 308, 408 of the X-shaped intermediate diffuser 16 to be angled relative to the circuit boards 104, 204, 304, 404 of each linear luminaire 100, 200, 300, 400. For example, FIG. 16 shows the first portion 108 of the X-shaped intermediate diffuser 16 arranged at an angle relative to the circuit board 104 of the first linear luminaire 100.

[0069] FIG. 17 is a flow chart of a method 900 for manufacturing a luminaire assembly 10. Referring to FIGS. 1-17, the method 900 includes, in step 902, forming a u- shaped housing 102 including a linear portion 110 and a comer portion 112.

[0070] The method 900 further includes, in step 904, arranging a circuit board 104 within the u-shaped housing 102. The circuit board 104 includes a plurality of light sources 114.

[0071] The method 900 further includes, in step 906, arranging an intermediate diffuser 108 between the circuit board 104 and an open side 116 of the u-shaped housing 102. The method 900 further includes, in step 908, arranging a primary diffuser 106 along the open side 116 of the u-shaped housing 102.

[0072] The method 900 further includes, in step 910, affixing the comer portion 112 of the u-shaped housing 102 to a second luminaire 200.

[0073] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0074] The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

[0075] The phrase “and / or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0076] As used herein in the specification 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 being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of’ or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.”

[0077] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0078] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

[0079] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’ shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0080] The above-described examples of the described subject matter can be implemented in any of numerous ways. For example, some aspects may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. When any aspect is implemented at least in part in software, the software code can be executed on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided in a single device or computer or distributed among multiple devices / computers .

[0081] Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims and other claims to which the applicant may be entitled.

[0082] While various examples have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and / or structures for performing the function and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the examples described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings is / are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific examples described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing examples are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, examples may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Examples of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A linear luminaire (100), comprising: a u-shaped housing (102) comprising a linear portion (110) and a comer portion (112), wherein the comer portion (112) is configured to be affixed to a second linear luminaire (200) at an angle that is less than 90 degrees; a circuit board (104) arranged within the u-shaped housing (102), wherein the circuit board (104) comprises a plurality of light sources (114); a primary diffuser (106) arranged along an open side (116) of the u-shaped housing (102); and an intermediate diffuser (108) arranged between the circuit board (104) and the primary diffuser (106).

2. The linear luminaire (100) of claim 1, further comprising a reflector (118) disposed within the u-shaped housing (102).

3. The linear luminaire (100) of claim 2, wherein the reflector (118) is substantially u-shaped.

4. The linear luminaire (100) of claim 2, wherein horizontal sides (118A) of the reflector (118) are triangular in the comer portion 112.

5. The linear luminaire (100) of claim 1, wherein the intermediate diffuser (108) is substantially parallel to the circuit board (104).

6. The linear luminaire (100) of claim 1, wherein the intermediate diffuser (108) is arranged at an angle (120) relative to the circuit board (104).

7. The linear luminaire (100) of claim 1, wherein the intermediate diffuser (108) is substantially translucent.

8. The linear luminaire (100) of claim 1, wherein the intermediate diffuser (108) is substantially opaque.

9. The linear luminaire (100) of claim 1, wherein the intermediate diffuser (108) comprises one or more diffuser holes (124) formed therein horizontally offset from each of the plurality of light sources (114).

10. The linear luminaire (100) of claim 9, wherein the one or more diffuser holes (124) are arranged in one or more rows (126) along the intermediate diffuser (108).

11. The linear luminaire (100) of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of light sources (114) is a light emitting diode (LED).

12. The linear luminaire (100) of claim 1, wherein the intermediate diffuser (108) is arranged proximate to the comer portion (112) of the u-shaped housing (102).

13. The linear luminaire (100) of claim 1, wherein the intermediate diffuser (108) is arranged to form a diffuser comer gap (128) within the comer portion of the u-shaped housing.

14. The linear luminaire (100) of claim 1, wherein the light sources (114) are linearly arranged along the circuit board (104).

15. A luminaire assembly (10), comprising: the first linear luminaire (100) of claim 1; and a second linear luminaire (200), the comer portion (112) of the first linear luminaire (100) being affixed to a comer portion (212)_of the second linear luminaire (200) at an angle that is less than 90 degrees.

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