Illumination – Elongated source light unit or support – Repositionable
Reexamination Certificate
1999-11-03
2001-04-03
Cariaso, Alan (Department: 2875)
Illumination
Elongated source light unit or support
Repositionable
C362S225000, C362S374000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06210019
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to fluorescent lighting fixtures of the type that may be used in industrial, commercial and office applications and, more particularly, to retrofit kits for replacing long fluorescent lamps, typically 8 foot fluorescent lamps, with shorter fluorescent lamps, typically 4 foot fluorescent lamps, that have higher efficiency and/or lumen output, and to methods for retrofitting such lighting fixtures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Surface mount fluorescent lighting fixtures are widely used in industrial, commercial and office applications. As shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2
, a surface mount fluorescent lighting fixture
10
is mounted to a ceiling
12
. Lighting fixture
10
includes fluorescent lamps
14
and
16
installed in sockets
20
. Sockets
20
are mounted in end plates
22
and
24
, which in turn are mounted in a channel
30
. A reflector pan
32
covers channel
30
and end plates
22
and
24
. A lamp ballast
34
is mounted within channel
30
and is electrically connected to sockets
20
.
Prior art fluorescent lighting fixtures of the type shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2
typically utilize 8 foot fluorescent lamps of relatively mature and stable design. In recent years, the trend toward energy efficient lighting has resulted in fluorescent lamps with increased efficiency and lumen output. The newer fluorescent lamps typically have a 4 foot configuration and thus cannot be used as a direct replacement in fixtures designed for 8 foot lamps. Accordingly, the desire to reduce energy costs and/or to increase lumen output in facilities utilizing lighting fixtures of the type shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2
has resulted in the development of retrofit kits. Such retrofit kits permit two or more 4 foot fluorescent lamps to replace the 8 foot fluorescent lamps in existing lighting fixtures.
In order to maximize the attractiveness of the retrofit kits, the associated costs should be minimized. In addition to the energy costs for operating the fluorescent lamps, those costs include the initial cost of the retrofit kit hardware and the cost of installing the retrofit kit. Installation can be cumbersome, time consuming and costly because of the awkward location of the lighting fixture on a ceiling. A ladder is required in most cases. In addition, the retrofit kit must be connected to the existing channel while holding the retrofit kit near the ceiling. Another problem with existing retrofit kits is the bending or damage to components of the existing lighting fixture that may be caused during installation of the retrofit kit. Accordingly, there is a need for retrofit kits for fluorescent lighting fixtures, which are low in cost and easy to install.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect of the invention, a retrofit kit is provided for an existing fluorescent lighting fixture that includes a channel. The retrofit kit comprises a retrofit assembly and retaining chains attachable to the channel and movably attachable to the retrofit assembly. The retrofit assembly is movable between an installation position suspended by the retaining chains from the channel and an operating position secured to the channel by the retaining chains.
The retrofit assembly may comprise a reflector pan, lamp sockets mounted to the reflector pan and a lamp ballast mounted to the reflector pan and electrically connected to the sockets. The sockets may be configured for operation of two, four or six fluorescent lamps.
The retrofit kit may further comprise L-shaped brackets for securing the retaining chains to the channel. The L-shaped brackets may have slots for receiving the respective retaining chains. The slots may be formed in first and second legs of the L-shaped brackets, so that the retaining chains are locked in the L-shaped brackets when the L-shaped brackets are mounted to the channel.
The reflector pan may be provided with slots for receiving and securing the retaining chains. The retrofit kit may further comprise locking elements for locking the respective retaining chains to the reflector pan. The locking elements may comprise locking caps which enclose free ends of the retaining chains. The locking caps may include tabs that snap into the reflector pan. The locking caps are configured to lock the retaining chains into the slots in the reflector pan.
According to another aspect of the invention, a method is provided for retrofitting an existing fluorescent lighting fixture. The method comprises the steps of removing components of the existing lighting fixture from a channel of the existing lighting fixture, attaching retaining chains to the channel and attaching a retrofit assembly to the retaining chains in an installation position, wherein the retrofit assembly is suspended from the channel by the retaining chains. Electrical connections are made to the retrofit assembly with the retrofit assembly in the installation position. Then the retrofit assembly is moved from the installation position to an operating position wherein the retrofit assembly is affixed to the channel, and the retrofit assembly is secured to the channel with the retaining chains.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3358133 (1967-12-01), Thoman et al.
patent: 4238815 (1980-12-01), Price
patent: 5371661 (1994-12-01), Simpson
patent: 6079851 (2000-06-01), Altman et al.
Bessone Carlo S.
Cariaso Alan
Osram Sylvania Inc.
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