Recessed lighting fixture with o-ring for reflector and trim integration

Abstract

A lighting fixture is provided. The lighting fixture includes a reflector, an O- ring, and a trim. The reflector includes a first ridge and a second ridge both extending along a circumference of a radially outer surface of the reflector. The O-ring is configured to fit within a notch formed between the first and second ridges. The trim is configured to receive the reflector within a radially inner surface of the trim. The radially inner surface includes an annular groove formed along a circumference of the inner surface such that the O-ring is positioned inside the groove when the reflector is received within the trim. The lighting fixture may be a recessed lighting fixture.

Description

[0001] Recessed lighting fixture with O-ring for reflector and trim integration

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present disclosure is generally directed to recessed lighting fixtures, and more particularly, to a lighting fixture employing an O-ring to integrate a reflector and trim.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Recessed light fixtures typically include a light source, such as an LED module, in optical communication with a reflector component, and a trim component connected to the reflector component. The reflector and trim are typically integrated using snap-in features or metal parts, such as such as metal clips or springs. For example, several clips may be attached to an outer surface of the reflector and configured to fit into slots or notches on the trim component. During installation, the trim is positioned over the reflector, and the clips are then pushed or snapped into place, securing the trim to the reflector. Alternatively, several springs can be attached to the trim or the outer surface of the reflector. The trim is placed over the reflector, and the springs are compressed and inserted into designated holes or recesses in the housing. Once the springs are released, they exert pressure against the housing, holding the trim firmly in position.

[0006] These integration features can be prone to damage or deformation over time due to frequent replacement of parts when a fixture is installed in the field, eventually compromising the integrity, and visual appeal of the recessed downlight installed in the ceiling. Also, these integration features may require complicated assembly procedures using separate tools and multiple assembly steps. Furthermore, lighting fixtures employing these integration features may be prone to failure in wet conditions.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Applicants have recognized and appreciated that employing O-rings as part of the integration mechanism for the reflector and trim may overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks associated with conventional snap-in integration features and improve durability, reliability, ease of installation and replacement and air tightness of the recessed lighting fixtures, such as downlights. Accordingly, the present disclosure is generally directed to a lighting fixture, including a reflector, an O-ring, and a trim. The reflector includes a notch formed by a pair of ridges extending along a circumference of the reflector. The O-ring is arranged within the notch. The trim includes a radially inner surface with an annular groove for receiving the O-ring when the reflector is placed inside the trim. Accordingly, this arrangement provides a reliable and efficient mechanism for the assembly of a trim and a field replaceable reflector. The O- ring enables smooth and seamless operation during frequent replacement processes.

[0009] Generally, in one aspect, a lighting fixture is provided, such as, for example, a recessed lighting fixture. The lighting fixture includes a reflector. The reflector includes a first ridge and a second ridge both extending along a circumference of a radially outer surface of the reflector. The lighting fixture further includes an O-ring. The O-ring is configured to fit within a notch formed between the first and second ridges. The lighting fixture further includes a trim configured to receive the reflector within a radially inner surface of the trim. The radially inner surface includes an annular groove formed along a circumference of the inner surface such that the O-ring is positioned inside the groove when the reflector is received within the trim.

[0010] According to an example, the reflector further includes a first circumferential point and a second circumferential point. An axial thickness of the reflector at the first circumferential point is greater than an axial thickness of the reflector at the second circumferential point.

[0011] According to an example, the axial thickness continuously decreases between the first circumferential point and the second circumferential point.

[0012] According to an example, the notch extends along the entire circumference of the outer surface.

[0013] According to an example, the groove extends along the entire circumference of the inner surface.

[0014] According to an example, the notch and groove are configured to align along a common axial point when the lighting fixture is assembled.

[0015] According to an example, the circumference of the inner surface increases from an axial point adjacent to the groove to an axial end of the inner surface.

[0016] According to an example, the inner surface comprises a first axial end and a second axial end and wherein the reflector is initially received by the trim at the first axial end. According to an example, the circumference of the inner surface increases from a second axial point, adjacent to an opposite side of the groove to the first axial point, to the first axial end.

[0017] According to some examples, the circumference of the inner surface increases at a draft angle ranging from 0.5 to 3 degrees. In one particular example, the draft angle is about 1 degree.

[0018] Generally, in another aspect, a method of assembling a lighting fixture is provided. The method includes fitting an O-ring within a notch formed on a reflector comprising a first ridge and a second ridge both extending along a circumference of a radially outer surface of the reflector, the notch being formed between the first and second ridges. The method further includes inserting the reflector into a radially inner surface of a trim until the O-ring is positioned within an annular groove formed along a circumference of the radially inner surface.

[0019] According to an example, the notch aligns with the groove along a common axial point when the lighting fixture is assembled.

[0020] According to an example, the notch extends along the entire circumference of the outer surface.

[0021] According to an example, the groove extends along the entire circumference of the inner surface.

[0022] 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.

[0023] These and other aspects of the various embodiments will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment s) described hereinafter.

[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] 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. Fig. 1 is an exploded view of a lighting fixture, in accordance with an example.

[0026] Fig. 2A is an isometric view of a reflector and O-ring, in accordance with an example.

[0027] Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a reflector and O-ring, in accordance with an example.

[0028] Fig. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a trim and a front view of a reflector, in accordance with an example.

[0029] Fig. 4A is a partial cross-sectional view of a trim, in accordance with an example.

[0030] Fig. 4B is a partial cross-sectional view of a lighting fixture, in accordance with an example.

[0031] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a lighting fixture, in accordance with an example.

[0032] Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a method for assembling a lighting fixture, in accordance with an example.

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0034] The present disclosure is generally directed to a lighting fixture. The lighting fixture includes a reflector, an O-ring, and a trim. The reflector includes a notch formed by a pair of ridges extending along a circumference of the reflector. The O-ring is arranged within the notch. The trim includes a radially inner surface with an annular groove for receiving the O-ring when the reflector is placed inside the trim. Thus, as used herein and readily understood by those skilled in the art, the O-ring is a generally circular gasket that sits in the groove and gets compressed during installation between the trim and the reflector, providing a secure and generally air-tight attachment therebetween.

[0035] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 illustrates a non-limiting example of a lighting fixture 10, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The lighting fixture 10 includes a light source (not shown), a reflector 100, an O-ring 200, and a trim 300. In some examples, the lighting fixture 10 may be arranged in a field environment, such that the trim 300 is permanently installed, for example within an opening in the ceiling, and the reflector 100 is configured to be easily attachable to the trim 300 and positioned to receive the light emitted by the light source in order to control and direct the distribution of the light beam. In various embodiments, the reflector 100 is designed to efficiently reflect and redirect light downward, enhancing the fixture's overall illumination. By directing the light in a specific direction, the reflector 100 helps to minimize glare, increase brightness in the desired area, and improve overall lighting efficiency. Additionally, the reflector 100 may help to achieve specific lighting effects, such as spotlighting or accent lighting, by shaping and focusing the light beam. The reflector 100, once installed, can be easily replaceable at least partly due to the connection between the reflector 100 and the trim 300 facilitated by the Ciring 200. In particular, the field environment may be a wet environment, and the O-ring can provide wetness protection and an airtight seal between the reflector 100 and the trim 300.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the reflector 100 is substantially cylindrical and is arranged around an axis A. The reflector 100 includes a first ridge 102 and a second ridge 104. The ridges 102, 104 are formed along a circumference 106 of a radially outer surface 108 of the reflector 100. In the non-limiting example of FIG. 1, the first and second ridges 102, 104 are arranged in parallel around the entire circumference 106 of the outer surface 108 to form a notch 110. However, in some examples, the first and second ridges 102, 104 may be arranged around only a portion of the outer surface 108. The reflector 100 may be made of any appropriate material. For example, the reflector 100 may be made of a material configured to direct and / or reflect light generated by a light source of the lighting fixture 10, such as a light emitting diode (LED) module.

[0037] The O-ring 200 is arranged within the notch 110. The O-ring 200 may be formed of any suitable material, such as rubber, silicone, polyurethane, fluorocarbon, or other elastomer. The O-ring 200 may have a thickness corresponding to the width of the notch 110, thereby enabling the O-ring 200 to sit within the notch 110. As with the reflector 100, the O- ring 200 is arranged around the axis A when placed on the O-ring 200 and in the notch 110. Accordingly, the reflector 100 and the O-ring 200 may be considered to be arranged concentrically around the axis A.

[0038] Like the reflector 100 and the O-ring 200, the trim 300 is substantially cylindrical and arranged around the axis A. Accordingly, the reflector 100 and the O-ring 200 may be considered to be arranged concentrically around the axis A. The trim 300 may be defined by a radially inner surface 302. An annular groove 304 is formed along a circumference 306 of the radially inner surface 302. The annular groove 304 is configured to receive the O-ring 200 when the reflector 100 is received by the trim 300. The trim 300 may be configured to be recessed into a physical structure, such as a wall or ceiling.

[0039] In one particular example, the lighting fixture 10 may be permanently installed in a field environment. In this example, the trim 300 is permanently installed into an aspect of the environment, while the reflector 100 may be replaceable due to the O-ring 200. Accordingly, if aspects of the reflector 100 fail, or if the reflector 100 needs to be temporarily removed to repair other aspects of the lighting fixture 10, such as an LED light source, the reflector 100 may be easily removed and replaced. The field environment may be an outdoor environment, thereby exposing the lighting fixture 100 to various conditions, including precipitation, condensation, and other forms of wet conditions. When the reflector 100 is inserted into the trim 300, thereby positioning the O-ring 200 within the annular groove 304, an air-tight and water-tight seal may be formed, protecting the internal components of the lighting fixture 10.

[0040] FIG. 2A is an isometric view of a non-limiting example of the reflector 100. As shown in FIG. 2 A, the O-ring 200 is circumferentially arranged around the outer surface 108 of the reflector 100. The reflector 100 and the O-ring 200 are arranged about the axis A. As shown in FIG. 2A, the reflector 100 may be defined by an axial thickness 116. The axial thickness 116 of the reflector 100 may vary circumferentially around the reflector 100. For example, the axial thickness 116 at a first circumferential point 112 may be greater than a second circumferential point 114. Further, an upper surface 118 of the reflector 100 may be slanted, such that the upper surface forms a non-perpendicular angle with the axis A.

[0041] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of a non-limiting example of the reflector 100 and the O-ring 200 arranged around the axis A. As can be seen in FIG. 2A, the reflector 100 includes a first ridge 102 and a second ridge 104. The O-ring 200 is arranged within the notch 110 formed by the first and second ridges 102, 104. The reflector 100 is further defined by the axial thickness 116. As further shown, the upper surface 118 of the reflector 100 forming an upper surface angle 120.

[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a non-limiting example of the trim 300 and aligned with a front view of a non-limiting example of the reflector 100 along the axis A. The reflector 100 includes the first and second ridges 102, 104 forming the notch 110. The trim 300 includes the radially inner surface 302 with the annular groove 304 arranged along the circumference 306 of the inner surface 302. The trim 300 may also be defined by a first axial end 308 and a second axial end 310. The trim 300 is configured to receive the reflector 100 via the first axial end 308. The trim 300 may also be defined in terms of a first axial point 312 and a second axial point 314 arranged along the axis A. The first axial point 312 is positioned adjacent to the groove 304 and proximate to the second end 310, while the second axial point 314 is positioned adjacent to the groove 304 and proximate to the first end 308. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the circumference 306 of the inner surface 302 slightly increases between the second axial point 314 and the first end 308. This slight increase in circumference 306 ensures that the O-ring 200 can be easily inserted into the groove 304 without encountering any unnecessary resistance or difficulty.

[0043] FIG. 4A is a partial cross-sectional view of the trim 300. The trim 300 is defined by the radially inner surface 302, the first end 308, and the second end 310. The groove 304 is formed along the circumference 306 of the inner surface 302. As previously noted, the circumference 306 of the inner surface 302 increases between the groove 304 and the first end 308. This increase in circumference 306 may be defined by a draft angle 316. In some examples, the draft angle 316 ranges from about 0.5 degree to 3 degrees. In one particular example, the draft angle is approximately one degree.

[0044] FIG. 4B is a partial cross-sectional view of the fixture 10. In particular, FIG. 4B shows in greater detail how the O-ring 200 forms a seal between the reflector 100 and the trim 300. In particular, the O-ring 200 is arranged between the first and second ridges 102, 104. When the reflector 100 is inserted into the trim 300, the O-ring 200 engages with the groove 304 of the trim 300. Similarly, to remove the reflector 100 from the trim 300, the O- ring 200 disengages from the groove 304 while remaining coupled to the reflector 100 due to the first and second ridges 102, 104.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting fixture 10, in accordance with an example. The lighting fixture 10 includes the reflector 100, the O-ring 200, and the trim 300 arranged around the axis A. The O-ring 200 is coupled to the reflector 100 via the notch 110 defined by the first and second ridges 102, 104. When the reflector 100 is inserted into the trim 300, the O-ring 200 engages with the groove 304 of the trim 300 to form a seal between the reflector 100 and the trim 300. FIG. 5 also shows a secondary axis A2. As shown in FIG. 5, the notch 110 of the reflector 100 and the groove 304 of the trim 300 are aligned along a common axial point 12 along the secondary axis A2.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a method 500 for assembling a lighting fixture 10. The method 900 includes, in step 502, fitting an O-ring 200 within a notch 110 formed on a reflector 100 comprising a first ridge 102 and a second ridge 104 both extending along a circumference 106 of a radially outer surface 108 of the reflector 100, the notch 110 being formed between the first and second ridges 102, 104.

[0047] The method 900 further includes, in step 504, inserting the reflector 100 into a radially inner surface 302 of a trim 300 until the O-ring 200 is positioned within an annular groove 304 formed along a circumference 306 of the radially inner surface 302. According to an example, the notch 110 aligns with the groove 304 along a common axial point 12 when the lighting fixture 10 is assembled.

[0048] According to an example, the notch 110 extends along the entire circumference 106 of the outer surface 108. According to an example, the groove 304 extends along the entire circumference 306 of the inner surface 302.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.”

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.”

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims and other claims to which the applicant may be entitled.

[0057] 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 lighting fixture (10), comprising: a reflector (100) comprising a first ridge (102) and a second ridge (104) both extending along a circumference (106) of a radially outer surface (108) of the reflector (100); an O-ring (200) configured to fit within a notch (110) formed between the first and second ridges (102, 104); a trim (300) configured to receive the reflector (100) within a radially inner surface (302) and at an axial end (308) of the trim (300), wherein the radially inner surface (302) comprising an annular groove (304) formed along a circumference (306) of the inner surface (302) with a portion of the radially inner surface (302) being located between the groove (304) and the axial end (308) of the trim; and wherein a first portion of the O-ring (200) is positioned inside the groove (304) when the reflector (100) is received within the trim (300) and a second portion of the O-ring remains located in the notch of the reflector once the reflector is received within the trim, and wherein at least a portion of the notch (202) and at least a portion of the groove (304) are configured to align when the reflector is received within the trim.

2. The lighting fixture (10) of claim 1, wherein the reflector (100) further comprises a first circumferential point (112) and a second circumferential point (114), wherein the axial thickness (116) continuously decreases between the first circumferential point (112) and the second circumferential point (114), such that an axial thickness (116a) of the reflector (100) at the first circumferential point (112) is greater than an axial thickness (116b) of the reflector at the second circumferential point (114).

3. The lighting fixture (10) of claim 1, wherein the notch (202) extends along the entire circumference (106) of the outer surface (108).

4. The lighting fixture (10) of claim 1, wherein the groove (304) extends along the entire circumference (306) of the inner surface (302).

5. The lighting fixture (10) of claim 1, wherein the lighting fixture (10) is a recessed lighting fixture.

6. The lighting fixture (10) of claim 1, wherein the circumference (306) of the inner surface (302) increases from an axial point (312) adjacent to the groove (304) to the axial end (308) of the inner surface (302).

7. The lighting fixture (10) of claim 6, wherein the circumference (306) of the inner surface (302) increases from a second axial point (314), adjacent to an opposite side of the groove to the first axial point (312), to the first axial end (308).

8. The lighting fixture (10) of claim 7, wherein the circumference (306) of the inner surface (302) increases at a draft angle (316) ranging from about 0.5 degrees to about 3 degrees.

9. The lighting fixture (10) of claim 8, wherein the draft angle (316) is about 1 degree.

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