Receptacles – Sectional – Container formed of only two similar sections
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-09
2001-02-06
Pollard, Steven (Department: 3727)
Receptacles
Sectional
Container formed of only two similar sections
C220S004290, C220S841000, C016S266000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06182848
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a lighting unit, such as a luminaire. The lighting unit has a host housing including a frame and a door panel with hinge members releasably coupling the frame and door panel. Each hinge member includes a fixed end portion, a first angled ramp portion, a second angled ramp portion, and a centering end portion which provide continuous engagement with the frame and facilitate movement of the door panel between open and closed positions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A luminaire is a lighting unit commonly installed on a ceiling. Usually luminaire housings are formed of a host housing unit and a pivotally attached door with a lighting assembly mounted onto the door. New doors are often retro-fit to conform to existing housing units. A hinge is employed to couple the door to the housing unit for the door to pivot between open and closed positions.
Prior art host housing units commonly include a interior flange for sealing and engaging a door and coupling the door to the housing unit by a hinge member. The flange is inserted in between the door and the hinge. The hinge itself is attached to the door panel at one end and pivotally connected to the housing flange at its opposing end.
For the retro-fit door of a luminaire housing to move smoothly and precisely between open and closed positions, the door must be positioned appropriately with respect to the flange and the housing unit, and the door must not obstruct the flange itself. Prior art hinges neglect to provide a way of easily positioning the door to fit appropriately with the housing unit. As a result, the burden is on the operator to couple the door with the housing unit to ensure that the door is properly positioned.
In addition, the prior art hinges do not prevent the door from obstructing and/or damaging the flange. Specifically, if the door is hung to close to the rear flange of the housing unit, the door panel will obstruct and bend the flange downwardly upon attempting to close the door.
Examples of prior art hinges employed with a housing and door are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.: 4,345,697 to Wilson et al.; and 4,308,972 to McReynolds et al.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a luminaire housing that provides a frame, a door that can be retro-fitted on an existing housing, and a hinge member releasably coupling the frame and door.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a luminaire housing that includes a hinge attached to the door that remains in continuous contact with the frame of the housing upon opening and closing the door.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a luminaire housing having a hinge with a centering end portion that facilitates easy positioning of the door with the frame of the housing.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a luminaire housing that includes a hinge with a clear-out area that allows the door to open and close smoothly without obstructing the flange of the frame.
The foregoing objects are basically attained by a luminaire housing comprising a frame having a securing member, a door panel movable between open and closed positions relative to the frame, and a first hinge member. The first hinge member pivotally connects the door panel and the securing member and includes a fixed end portion, a first angled ramp portion, a second angled ramp portion, and a centering portion. The fixed end portion is attached to the door panel and the first angled ramp portion extends therefrom. The fixed end portion further includes an open hinge surface. The second angled ramp portion extends from the first angled portion and the centering end portion extends from the second angled ramp portion, forming a closed hinge surface therebetween. The open hinge surface of the first hinge member is in contact with the securing member of the frame when the door panel is in the open position. The closed hinge surface is in contact with the securing member when the door panel is in the closed position allowing the first hinge member to be in continuous contact with the securing member when the door panel is moved between the open and closed positions.
By designing the hinge member in this fashion, it can be used with various size doors that are retro-fit to accommodate existing housing units.
Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: D. 375379 (1996-11-01), DiCola et al.
patent: 2302661 (1942-11-01), Benson
patent: 2533661 (1950-12-01), Arenberg et al.
patent: 2559009 (1951-07-01), Coyle et al.
patent: 3425587 (1969-02-01), Duross, Jr.
patent: 4099648 (1978-07-01), Kirkton
patent: 4308972 (1982-01-01), McReynolds et al.
patent: 4345697 (1982-08-01), Wilson et al.
patent: 5141123 (1992-08-01), Onodera
LSI Industries Inc. Scottsdale Superkit Catalog, p. 8; 1998.
Sketch of LSI Industries Inc. Scottsdale Superkit Hinge.
Advertisement for LSI Industries Inc. Scottsdale Superkit.
'Hubbell Incorporated
Bicks Mark S.
Goodman Alfred N.
Hoffman Tara L.
Pollard Steven
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