Illumination – Supported by vehicle structure – Light modifier
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-30
2001-10-23
Sember, Thomas M. (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Supported by vehicle structure
Light modifier
C362S294000, C362S345000, C439S699200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06305829
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates generally to electrical lighting fixtures and more particularly to reflector neck assemblies for recessed lighting fixtures.
2. Description of the Related Art
Current recessed lighting fixtures, while optimizing the focal length of the lamps in relation to the reflector of the fixture, contain socket assemblies that do not adjust to accommodate lamps of various sizes. Additionally, many lighting fixtures that include reflectors also experience unacceptably high surface temperatures at the flange and at the top of the fixture housing. The need to limit the surface temperature of the outer edge of the reflector flange has necessitated the limiting of the power ratings of lamps used in current recessed lighting fixtures. Current recessed lighting fixtures also fail to fully utilize the space within the ceiling or recessed area to help dissipate the heat generated within the fixture. Instead, the heat generated by the fixture tends to be conducted to the outer rim of the reflector flange, where it may cause a safety hazard. Additionally, the ability to dissipate heat from the fixture allows for a brighter, more powerful lamp to be used within the fixture than would otherwise be possible. Thus, there is a need for a neck assembly that allows for the easy repositioning of the socket within the light fixture, thereby accommodating lamps of various sizes as well as a means for lowering the surface temperature of the outer rim of the reflector flange and utilizing the space within the ceiling above the recessed fixture for heat dissipation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a neck assembly for a recessed lighting fixture that allows for the dissipation of heat from the area surrounding the fixture to the interior of the fixture and the recessed portion of the ceiling or wall.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a neck assembly that allows for the facile repositioning of the socket within the recessed lighting fixture to adjust the focal length of the lamp.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an adjustable neck assembly that allows for the use of different sized lamps within the fixture.
More particularly, the present invention provides a neck assembly for a recessed lighting fixture comprising: a generally annular neck portion that includes a body portion and a socket subassembly that includes a U-shaped socket support and lamp socket. The neck portion includes an axial hole or opening therein and may also include one or more nonaxial holes or openings therein. The nonaxial holes or openings may be circular, oblong or some other similar shape. The neck portion also contains two or more pairs of slots or openings. These slots are configured so as to removably receive the ends of two legs of the U-shaped socket support. These slots are aligned diametrically opposite each other within the body portion and run through the neck portion parallel to the axial hole therein. The slots may be contained within two or more pairs of shoulders that are also included within the body portion. Each pair of shoulders contains one pair of slots. The shoulders are aligned within different planes that run perpendicular to the axis that runs through the axial hole within the body portion. The body portion may be made by a metal casting process, injection molding or similar manufacturing operation well known in the art. The body portion may be made of metal, such as aluminum, ceramic, plastic, composite or similarly appropriate material. The body portion may be unitary or formed from two or more parts.
The U-shaped socket support comprises the two aforementioned legs and a crossbar. The U-shaped socket support may be formed of a resilient material such as metal, for instance, aluminum, or plastic. Each leg may contain one or more bends therein that perform a locking function when the U-shaped socket support is positioned within a pair of slots. Attached to the crossbar of the U-shaped socket support is a lamp socket that is well known in the art.
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Roberge Brian R.
Thomas Eric P.
Choi Jacob
Genlyte Thomas Group LLC
Haeberlin Jeffrey A.
Middleton & Reutlinger
Sember Thomas M.
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