Abstract
A recessed downlight fixture and method for installation is provided. The recessed downlight fixture can be installed in a retrofit application, after a ceiling is installed, through a pre-existing opening in that ceiling. Alternatively, a recessed downlight fixture according to a second embodiment can be installed before a ceiling is present. In either embodiment, the light source coupled to, for example, a heat sink, can be universally moved in three degrees of movement, rotationally, along a tilt axis, or further within the ceiling to increase or decrease the recess. All such universal adjustments can take place through and below the ceiling opening during or after installation.
Claims
1. A recessed downlight fixture, comprising: a plate having a planar surface configured to extend between ceiling joists; a circular base coupled around an opening within the plate; a luminaire housing having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the luminaire is rotatable within the circular base and the second portion of the luminaire is tiltable relative to the first portion of the luminaire; a first lever accessible through the opening within the plate for frictionally engaging the first portion of the luminaire housing to the circular base; and a second lever accessible through the opening within the plate for frictionally engaging the second portion of the luminaire housing to the first portion of the luminaire housing.
2. The recessed downlight fixture as recited in claim 1, further comprising a box containing electrical components coupled to the plate, said electrical components comprise an interface between an AC main and at least one light emitting diode (LED).
3. The recessed downlight fixture as recited in claim 1, wherein the second portion of the luminaire housing further comprising a heat sink on which a light source is thermally bonded.
4. The recessed downlight fixture as recited in claim 3, wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode (LED).
5. The recessed downlight fixture as recited in claim 3, further comprising a magnet coupled to opposing surfaces of the heat sink for magnetically drawing the heat sink in one of two positions toward or away from the circular base.
6. The recessed downlight fixture as recited in claim 3, further comprising: a magnet coupled to a surface of the heat sink; a ferromagnetic member coupled to the second portion of the luminaire, wherein the ferromagnetic member comprises: a first stop configured a first distance from the opening within the plate; a second stop configured a second distance from the opening within the plate, the second distance being greater than the first distance; means for moving the heat sink toward the opening within the plate and thereafter magnetically maintaining the magnet against the first stop; and means for moving the heat sink away from the opening within the plate and thereafter magnetically maintaining the magnet against the second stop.
7. The recessed downlight fixture as recited in claim 1, wherein the first portion of the luminaire further comprises a first lever pin that extends through a portion of the first lever between protrusions on the first portion of the luminaire about which the first lever is moveable to secure the first portion of the luminaire from rotating within the circular base.
8. The recessed downlight fixture as recited in claim 1, wherein the first portion of the luminaire further comprises a second lever pin about which the second lever is moveable to secure at least one arm attached to the second portion from tilting relative to the first portion.
9. A recessed downlight fixture, comprising: a plate having an opening; a circular base coupled around the opening; a luminaire housing having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the luminaire housing is rotatably secured within the circular base by a first lever that frictionally engages the first portion of the luminaire housing to the circular base, and wherein the second portion of the luminaire housing is tiltably secured to the first portion of the luminaire housing; and a light source thermally bonded to a heat sink coupled to the second portion.
10. The recessed downlight fixture as recited in claim 9, further comprising a magnet coupled to opposing surfaces of the heat sink for magnetically drawing the heat sink in one or two positions toward or away from the opening.
11. The recessed downlight fixture as recited in claim 9, further comprising: a magnet coupled to a surface of the heat sink; a ferromagnetic member coupled to the second portion of the luminaire, wherein the ferromagnetic member comprises: a first stop configured a first distance from the opening; a second stop configured a second distance from the opening, the second distance being greater than the first distance; means for moving the heat sink toward the opening and thereafter magnetically maintaining the magnet against the first stop; and means for moving the heat sink away from the opening and thereafter magnetically maintaining the magnet against the second stop.
12. The recessed downlight fixture as recited in claim 9, wherein the first portion of the luminaire further comprises a first lever pin that extends through a portion of the first lever between protrusions on the first portion of the luminaire about which the first lever is moveable to secure the first portion of the luminaire from rotating within the circular base.
13. The recessed downlight fixture as recited in claim 9, wherein the first portion of the luminaire further comprises a second lever pin about which the second lever is moveable to secure at least one arm attached to the second portion from tilting relative to the first portion.
14. A method for installing a recessed downlight fixture, comprising: providing a luminaire housing having a first portion and a second portion upon a circular base that is secured to a plate surrounding an opening within the plate; securing opposite ends of the plate to a pair of spaced ceiling joists; actuating a first lever through the opening when the first portion is rotated to a desired location within the circular base to frictionally secure the first portion at that desired location; and actuating a second lever through the opening when the second portion is tilted to a desired location relative to the first portion.
15. The method as recited in claim 14, further comprising moving a heat sink magnetically coupled to the second portion.
16. The method as recited in claim 14, further comprising moving a magnetic coupled to the heat sink to a magnetically secured position on the second portion.
17. The method as recited in claim 14, wherein said actuating a first lever comprises compressing one end of the first lever coupled to the first portion upon an upper surface of the circular base.
18. The method as recited in claim 14, wherein said actuating a second lever comprises compressing one end of the second lever coupled to the first portion upon a pin about which one end of an arm is rotationally secured.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a foldable ring inserted through a circular opening in a ceiling;
[0029] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the foldable ring expanded above the circular opening upon which a circular flange is secured below and partially within the circular opening;
[0030] FIG. 3 is side view of a downlight fixture according to a retrofit embodiment, placed through the secured circular flange shown in cross section secured to an existing ceiling and toward a fixed recessed position above the ceiling;
[0031] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the retrofit downlight fixture shown having a first lever moveable from inside the circular opening to allow rotation of a luminaire housing within the recessed downlight fixture in a plane parallel to the ceiling;
[0032] FIG. 5 is a partial cross sectional view of the luminaire housing within the retrofit downlight fixture moveable on pins extending substantially perpendicular to the ceiling when the luminaire housing is not tilted, and further having a second lever also moveable from inside the circular opening to allow tilt of the luminaire housing about at least two pins extending through the downlight fixture co-linear with one another, separated by the circular opening, and extending parallel to the ceiling;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a downlight fixture according to a new construction embodiment, secured between a pair of ceiling joist prior to a ceiling being applied to the joists;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the new construction downlight fixture showing a second lever similar to the second lever shown in FIG. 5 for the retrofit downlight fixture, wherein the second lever is moveable from inside the circular opening to allow tilt of the luminaire housing;
[0035] FIG. 8 is an exploded view of magnets coupled to opposite ends of a luminaire housing secured within the new construction downlight fixture to allow magnetic securement between upper and lower stops along pins that extend substantially perpendicular to the ceiling when the luminaire housing is not tilted;
[0036] FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view of the new construction downlight fixture having a first lever moveable from inside the circular opening to allow rotation of the luminaire housing within the recessed downlight fixture in a plane parallel to the ceiling;
[0037] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the new construction downlight fixture having a collar configured to be placed into an opening of the ceiling but is rotatable about a central axis of the collar and moveable in a plane parallel to the ceiling to accommodate a fine-tune adjustment of the opening to other openings within the ceiling; and
[0038] FIG. 11 is a detailed view of cutouts in the plate also shown in FIG. 7, which holds the luminaire housing and pins extending from the plate to prevent a threaded washer from moving when a second plate that holds the collar is moved in order to perform the fine tune adjustments of the collar opening to the room below.
[0039] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views. There is shown in FIGS. 1-5 a retrofit recessed downlight fixture according to a first embodiment. There is shown in FIGS. 6-9 a new construction recessed downlight fixture according to a second embodiment. There is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 further details of the new construction recessed downlight fixture with moveable collar opening according to a third embodiment.
[0041] Beginning with the first embodiment, and referring to FIG. 1, a foldable ring 10 is shown insertable through an opening in a ceiling 12. The opening 14 results from the extraction of a previously placed recessed downlight fixture associated with, for example, an incandescent or fluorescent fixture in favor of a to-be installed LED recessed downlight fixture, for example. Alternatively, opening 14 could also be in a newly created opening in a ceiling where there may have not been any previously installed fixture and thus not necessarily used to replace an existing light fixture. In order to install the new LED recessed downlight fixture into opening 14, retaining ring must be inserted into the opening 14 which pre-exists or is created within the ceiling 12 without disrupting ceiling 12. Accordingly, ring 10 must be foldable upon itself.
[0042] Foldable ring 10 includes two axis 16a and 16b about which ring 10 folds onto itself. Ring 10 can either be of circular, square or rectangular outer dimension. Each axis can be formed by a pin 17a and 17b, respectively. The pins 17 and axis 16 are collinear with each other, as shown so that the ring can rotate about pins 17a and 17b to diminish the overall profile of the ring less than its diameter and, in fact, approximately equal to its radius so that ring 10, when folded, can fit through the pre-existing opening 14 within ceiling 12. Depending on the dimension of the ring, the opening 14 can be circular, square or rectangular. Included on ring 10 is at least one ring protrusion 18a. As shown in FIG. 1, there can be four ring protrusions 18a-d that extend radially inward when the foldable ring is unfolded above the opening 14, and above ceiling 12 in a retrofit application.
[0043] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along plane 2-2 of FIG. 1, and illustrates ring 10 unfolded upon the upper surface of ceiling 12. Ring 10 is unfolded about the axes 16a and 16b, shown in FIG. 2, and secured to a flange 20 placed below and partially into the circular opening 14. FIG. 2 illustrates the unfolded, foldable ring 10 secured to flange 20 on opposite planar surfaces of ceiling 12, all shown in cross-section. At least one coupling member 22 is placed through an aperture that extends radially inward from the flange 20 through an aperture within, for example, protrusion 18a. The aperture within protrusion 18a is shown as reference numeral 19a in FIG. 1. Also shown in FIG. 1 are respective apertures 19b-19d corresponding to protrusions 18b-18d. Coupling member 22 can be a screw, wherein the ring protrusion 18a-d can comprise a threaded aperture 19a-19d for receiving the screw 22. For example, there can be four screws 22a-22d, and the threaded screws 22a-22d can be placed through apertures on flange 20 and into threaded apertures 19a-19d on ring 10 to secure flange 20 onto ring 10, both of which are held on opposing surfaces of ceiling 12.
[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view along the plane 2-2 of FIG. 1, and extends directly between protrusions 18a/d and 18b/c showing corresponding threaded screws 22a and 22d placed in respective apertures 19a and 19d. Similar to ring 10, flange 20 is circular and of approximately the same interior dimension as ring 10. Combination of ring 10 and secured flange 20 forms an opening within the ceiling opening 14 to accommodate the luminaire housing and circular base. The luminaire housing coupled to the circular base is inserted below the ceiling 12 and through the opening formed by the interior dimensions of ring 10 and flange 20.
[0045] Shown in FIG. 3 is a circular base 24 on which a luminaire housing 26 is moveably coupled. Luminaire housing 26 can comprise a first portion and a second portion of the luminaire housing, with a first portion 26a sometimes interchangeably referred to as a circular luminaire housing base. It is understood, however, that luminaire housing 26 nonetheless moves relative to circular base, as does the first portion, or circular luminaire housing base 26a. However, first portion 26a rotates relative to circular base 24, and second portion 26 can tilt relative to first portion 26a, as well as circular base 24. Moreover, second portion 26 can include a heat sink 28 that comprises a light source that moves perpendicular to the plane formed by first portion 26a as well as the plane formed by circular base 24, provided the second portion 26 is not tilted. FIG. 3 illustrates the first and second portions of the luminaire housing 26a and 26, respectively, as well as circular base 24, inserted through the opening formed within ceiling 12 between the circular plate 10 and circular flange 20, as shown by arrows 30.
[0046] Within a circular heat sink 28 is at least one groove 32 that is dimensioned to allow the heat sink as well as all other portions of luminaire housing 26 and 26a and the circular base to be inserted through the opening formed by plate 10 and flange 20. When the luminaire housing 26 and its circular luminaire housing base 26a is inserted entirely through the opening, circular base comprises at least one pin that is biased substantially circumferentially around circular base 24 and against an upper surface of the ring protrusion shown in dashed line 18. Accordingly, the recess 32 accommodates the ring protrusion that extends into the recess 32 as the downlight fixture comprising the luminaire housing and circular base 34 are inserted through the opening. There can be more than one pin 34, and the biasing member can comprise a spring around pin 34. One end of the pin 34 has a sloped surface. That distal end and, specifically the slope 36 frictionally engages the ring protrusion as luminaire housing 26 is passed through the opening, causing the sloped end 36 to compress the spring on pin 34 and, once the protrusion passes through the angular distal end 36, the spring on pin 34 will push the distal end outward so that the lower surface of the sloped distal end 36 will reside on the upper surface of the protrusion 18. Once the sloped distal end extends outward in a circumferential direction about circular base 26, the luminaire housing 26, as well as the circular luminaire housing base 26a, and circular base 24 are securely held by the ring 10 and flange 20 to ceiling 12. Luminaire housing 26, circular luminaire housing base 26a and circular base 24 are held in a recessed position above ceiling 12.
[0047] Turning now to FIG. 4, an illustration is provided of the rotation of luminaire housing 26 upon a secured circular base 24. In addition, FIG. 4 illustrates a first lever 38 secured to circular base 24 and used to frictionally engage the first portion of the luminaire housing 26a, also known as the circular luminaire housing base.
[0048] The first portion of the luminaire housing, or circular luminaire housing base 26a rotates within the circular base 24. When lever 38 is moved upward from the position shown in dashed line to the position that is labeled, a block member shown in FIG. 5 within circular base 24 is configured to move upward between one end of first lever 28 and the circular luminaire housing base 26a. Block member 40 is adapted to move between the first lever 38 and the circular luminaire housing base 26a such that when it is compressed upward via the rotational movement of first lever 38, it prevents rotation of the luminaire housing, and specifically the circular luminaire housing base 26a within a plane parallel to the ceiling. When first lever 38 is moved downward, however, block member 40 also moves downward and no longer frictionally bears again the circular luminaire housing base 26a so as to allow rotation of the luminaire housing in a plane parallel to the ceiling. The movement 42 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 of first lever 38 to the position shown in dashed line is illustrative of member 40 moving away from and frictionally disengaging from the first portion of a luminaire housing, or circular luminaire housing base 26a. Importantly, first lever 38 is accessed beneath the ceiling within the opening 14, shown in FIG. 1 by a user standing within a room reaching up into the recessed downlight fixture to actuate the first lever 38 within the pre-existing opening of the ceiling.
[0049] FIGS. 4 and 5 also show the second portion of the luminaire housing, oftentimes referred to as simply the luminaire housing 26 having at least one tilt arm 44a-44d. Each tilt arm 44 comprises opposed first and second ends. The first end is coupled to the circular luminaire housing base 26a via a pin 46a-46d. The second end of each tilt arm 44 is coupled above the luminaire housing base to the second portion of the luminaire housing, or luminaire housing 26. The second end is coupled also by pins 48a-48d, with only the pin 48b showing in FIG. 4.
[0050] A second lever 50 is shown in FIG. 5 coupled by a pin and cam member 52 to the circular luminaire housing base 26a. When the second lever 50 is moved to the position shown in dashed line in FIG. 5 in the direction of arrow 54, the cam member 52 extends against the tilt arm pin 46a. Once the cam member 52 extends against the tilt arm pin 46a, movement of the tilt arm pin 46a is prevented and thereby preventing any movement to the tilt arm 44a coupled to the tilt arm pin 46a. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 5, movement of the second level 50 causes movement of a cam member 52. Depending on the position of second lever 50, the tilt arms can either rotate around their corresponding pins, or are prevented from rotating about their pins. If the tilt arms are allowed to move, then the second portion of the luminaire housing 26 can tilt on the first portion 26a, as well as on circular base 24. The tilt mechanism allows the second portion containing a heat sink 28 and a thermally bonded set of one or more LEDs 54 to illuminate at an angle offset from perpendicular at an angle less than 90 degrees from the plane formed by the circular luminaire housing base 26a, circular base 24, and ceiling 12. The LED light source can comprise an array of LEDs of different colors, such as red, green, blue and white. The array of LEDs 54 can be encapsulated within an encapsulant material 56 and placed within a parabolic reflector 58 to form a PAR lamp, or PAR luminaire.
[0051] Shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is second portion 26 comprising a heat sink 28 having at least one aperture 60a-60d, with FIG. 5 showing two apertures 60b and 60d, in cross-section. Apertures 60 accommodate a post 62 and, if there are four apertures, four posts 62a-62d. Each post has a first end and a post second end. The first end is coupled to the luminaire housing 26, and specifically, the second portion of the luminaire housing 26. Between the first end and the second end is at least one groove that extends around the circumference of each pin 62. Within each groove is an o-ring and, if there are two grooves, two o-rings 64 and 66 for each post 62. The aperture 60 within the heat sink allows the post 62 to slide up and down within the aperture, with the corresponding pair of o-rings 64 and 66 frictionally engaged within the aperture 60, between the aperture inner walls and the recesses within post 62. The o-rings are preferably made of a rubberized material with elasticity so as to apply a biasing force between the post and inner walls of each aperture, and to maintain that biasing force at whatever position the posts are within the corresponding aperture.
[0052] The luminaire housing 26, and specifically the heat sink portion of the luminaire housing 26 containing the thermally bonded light source 54 moves up and down upon the posts 62 so as to increase the amount of recess above the ceiling, or decrease the amount of recess above the ceiling, depending upon the user desired position.
[0053] The combination of FIGS. 1-5 illustrate the first embodiment for a recessed downlight fixture, and specifically a fixture to be used in a retrofit application. The method for installing the fixture that includes ring 10, flange 20, circular base 24, first and second portions of luminaire housing 26a and 26, respectively, first and second levers 38 and 50, the associated block and cam members of those levers, and the posts 62 and corresponding apertures 60 within heat sink 28 as well as light source 54, etc., all comprise the recessed downlight fixture used in a retrofit application. The methodology for installing the retrofit recessed downlight fixture therefore includes folding ring 10 onto itself, then inserting the folded ring 10 through an opening 14 within a ceiling, then unfolding the ring 10 above the ceiling 12. Thereafter, a circular flange 20 is attached below and partially within the opening 14 to the unfolded ring 10. A circular base 24 on which a luminaire housing (first and second portions) is inserted into the opening formed by the unfolded ring and attached circular flange. The circular base in which the luminaire housing is moveable allows the luminaire housing to be moved in three degrees of motion using the first lever 38 to rotate the luminaire housing, the second lever 50 to tilt the luminaire housing, and the posts 62 to recess in a direction perpendicular to the ceiling. Importantly, all three degrees of motion can be actuated and frictionally stopped and held in a stationary position after movement through the opening from beneath the opening of the ceiling. Thus, once the recess downlight fixture is placed into the pre-existing opening 14 within ceiling 12 after, for example, removing a previously placed recessed downlight fixture, the present recessed downlight fixture that has been inserted can thereafter be adjusted in at least one of the three degrees of motion from beneath the opening and through the opening. No changes or modification whatsoever to the ceiling opening 14 are needed.
[0054] FIGS. 6-9 illustrate a second embodiment in which a recessed downlight fixture is applied to a new construction application in which a ceiling is not yet present. Instead, all that is present during install is at least one ceiling joist 100. Ceiling joist 100 is exposed from below, and either exists as a subfloor of the room above, or in the attic, along with ventilation ducts, fire sprinkler systems, conduits of various kinds for data cables, etc.
[0055] A recessed downlight fixture 102 for use in a new construction application can be coupled to a single ceiling joist 100a, or coupled to a spaced apart pair of ceiling joists 100a and 100b, as shown in FIG. 6. Fixture 102 includes a plate 104, possibly having a junction box 106 and other elements of downlight fixture 102, labeled 108. Those other elements will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 7-9. Similar to the first embodiment for the retrofit application, the second embodiment for a new construction application includes electrical components, such as wiring and AC mains interface. That interface is any electrical interface that can receive the AC mains power supply and convert that power supply to, for example, current drivers of an LED driver circuit. A portion of the AC mains interface can be contained within junction box 106, with an appropriate cabling 110 between the junction box and the LED module. It is understood that similar interfaces and cabling are associated with the first embodiment, and need not be shown.
[0056] Turning now to FIG. 7, plate 104 is shown in more detail containing the various elements of the recessed downlight fixture, separate and apart from the junction box 106, and cabling 110. Placed on plate 104 are the other elements which, in combination with plate 104, comprise the recessed downlight fixture 102, also shown in FIG. 6. Recessed downlight fixture 102 for new construction application therefore comprises plate 104 having opposed planar surfaces, with a first planar surface shown to receive a circular base. Circular base is secured to the first planar surface, which is the upper surface shown in FIG. 7 of plate 104.
[0057] A luminaire housing 114, and specifically a first portion of the luminaire housing 114a on which a second portion 114b extends above, rotates within the circular base 112. While first portion of 114a can rotate within circular base 112, circular base 112 is rigidly fixed to plate 104. The second portion 114b is tiltable relative to the first portion 114a. As such, the second portion 114b of luminaire housing 114 can tilt relative to the first portion 114a of luminaire housing 114, and first portion 114a can rotate relative to the plate. The overall luminaire housing 114 can therefore rotate and tilt relative to the plate 104.
[0058] A first lever shown in FIG. 9 is accessible through the opening 120 within the plate 104 and, when actuated, frictionally engages the first portion 114a of the luminaire housing 114 to the circular base to prevent further rotation. Absent movement of the first lever 122 along the arrow 124 in FIG. 9, the first portion 114a is free to rotate beyond 360 degrees, and up to approximately 365 degrees, within circular base 112, and within the plane formed by circular base 112 substantially coplanar with plate 104. A rotational extender 125 allows for an additional 5 degrees of rotation to when the extender 125 having a groove that allows the two protrusions to slide within that groove an additional 5 degrees of rotation.
[0059] FIG. 9 further illustrates in detail the first lever 122 and its upward or downward movement 124. When moved upward, for example, one end of lever 122 bears against the circular base 112 about pivot pins 126. When moved downward in the illustration of FIG. 9, first lever 122 will rotate downward thereby causing the end next to the pivot pins 126 to frictionally disengage from the circular base. Thus, while the pivot pin and lever 122 are fixed to the first portion 114a, movement of the first lever 122 will cause frictional engagement or disengagement from the circular base 112 that is coupled to the stationary, non-moveable plate 104. Thus, FIG. 9 illustrates the rotational movement, and fixing of that rotational movement at the desired rotational angle using a first lever 122. The illustration of FIG. 9 provides a detail of that mechanism absent the overlying second portion that could, if shown, obstruct the rotational movement mechanism, and the fixing thereof by first lever 122.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 7, a second lever 130 that is accessible through opening 120 within plate 104 can be moved to frictionally engage the second portion 114b of luminaire housing 114 to the first portion 114a. When second lever 130 is placed in a first position, tilt arms 132 are free to rotate about pins configured at one end of each tilt arm 132. When the second lever 130 is placed in a second position, one end of second lever 130 bears against, either directly or indirectly, a pin 134 at one end of a tilt arm 132 to prevent movement of all of the tilt arms 132 relative to a pin rotatably coupled to first portion 114a. Thus, the second lever 130 is moveable to secure at least one tilt arm attached to the second portion 114b from tilting relative to the first portion 114a. When second lever 130 does not bear against a pin 134 to therefore allow tilt, the second portion on which a heat sink 140 is coupled can tilt the light source from an angle that is as much as 45 degrees from a perpendicular angle. The perpendicular angle being an angle perpendicular to the planar surface of plate 104.
[0061] The second portion 114b of the luminaire housing 114 includes a bracket 144 that surrounds and secures heat sink 140. Moreover, bracket 144 is coupled to the upper ends of tilt arms 132 via pins 134, as shown. When the pins 134 are secured, and the tilt arms 132 cannot move, bracket 144 as well as heat sink 140 and the thermally bonded LED light source remains fixed in a tilted position relative to plate 104. If second lever 130 does not bear against a pin 134, then bracket 144, heat sink 140 and light source bonded thereto are free to move in any tilt position offset from a perpendicular within a range of almost 45 degrees from perpendicular. FIG. 8 illustrates, in exploded view, a magnet 150 secured to at least one sidewall surface of heat sink 140. Magnet 150 can be secured by brackets, screws, etc., as shown by items 152. A ferromagnetic member 154 can be coupled to the second portion 114b of the luminaire housing 114 and, specifically, the bracket 144 shown in FIG. 7.
[0062] Ferromagnetic member 154 can be made of any material that can magnetically attract magnet 150 to either a first stop 156 or a second stop 158. First stop 156 is configured a first distance from the opening 120 in plate 104, whereas the second stop 158 is configured a second distance from the opening 120. The second distance is greater than the first distance. FIG. 7 illustrates a partial view of the ferromagnetic member 154, coupled to bracket 144 of the second portion 114b, whereas magnet 150 is coupled to a sidewall surface of heat sink 140.
[0063] When a user pushes from within opening 120 the heat sink 140 away from the opening, magnet 150 comes to bear against second stop 158. Because magnet 150 is magnetically attracted to the ferromagnetic material of ferromagnetic member 154, the magnet maintains the heat sink 140, as well as the light source bonded thereto, at the second distance further away from the opening than a first distance in which the heat sink would appear if magnet 150 were placed against the first stop.
[0064] While a user can move the light source away from or towards the opening 120, magnetic 150 will maintain that light source in either a first distance or a second distance from the opening 120. Accordingly, the amount of recess of light source can be moved and magnetically retained at the moved-to position. Contrary to the first and second degrees of movement and the frictional retention using the first and second levers, the third degree of movement (or amount of recess) is magnetically maintained.
[0065] FIGS. 6-9 illustrate the recessed downlight fixture according to the second embodiment, whereby the fixture can be moved in three degrees of movement, with the amount of recess being magnetically maintained rather than frictionally maintained in the third degree of movement. Moreover, the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-9 provide the universal, or three degrees of movement, from beneath the plate 104 through an opening formed in the plate 104. Still further, the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-9 are applicable to a new construction application in which the recessed downlight fixture is installed prior to an installation of the ceiling, and which allows universal, three degrees of adjustment to accommodate movement of the light source either rotationally, tiltably, and/or an amount of recess, to accommodate the subsequently placed ceiling, the angle of that ceiling, the type of ceiling, the space above the ceiling, the light source and the various types of illumination achieved by any type of light source.
[0066] FIGS. 7, 10 and 11 illustrate a third embodiment in which a collar opening can be adjusted in a planar x-y direction abutting against plate 104. Moreover, the collar can be rotated within the plane of plate 104. The purpose of the third embodiment is to allow an installer of the recessed downlight fixture to move the collar so that, for example, all of the collars within any given room can be placed at any desired location preferably in a straight row among a group of collars, and with less than an inch of variation.
[0067] FIG. 7 illustrates opening 120 formed by a collar 200. Collar 200, similar to all of the other components of a recessed downlight fixture preferably comprises a non-reflective material such as, for example, anodized aluminum that is of a substantially darkened color, such as black. Collar 200 includes a first portion that is co-planar with plate 104, and a second portion that extends perpendicular to the first portion, and downward from the first portion and the plane formed by plate 104. The second portion of collar 200 is circular, and extends downward at a perpendicular angle approximately one inch, or any distance comparable to the thickness of a ceiling. The ceiling would be installed around the downward extending portion of collar 200. For example, if the ceiling is made of drywall material, or gypsum board, the distance at which the second portion extends downward can be approximately one inch. It is recognized that the downward extending portion can be greater than an inch or less than an inch depending upon the thickness of the ceiling, however.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 7, the second planar surface of the plate 104 includes cutouts 202 in plate 104. Cutouts 202 extend to an opening within plate 104, also shown in FIG. 11. Extending from the lower planar surface of a second plate that slideably moves within a plane below plate 104 is a screw, or any other form of coupling member 206. On the threads of screw 206 is a threaded nut on a washer, both of unibody construction. The nut and washer are shown as reference numeral 208. Washer 208 extends beyond the cutout 202.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 10, the opposite planar surface from that of the threaded washer 208 is shown having a second plate 212. The second plate 212 includes at least one aperture through which screw 206 extends. The aperture is of a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of screw 206 so that when the head of screw 206 is loosened, screw 206 moves to loosen the frictional abutment between washer 208 and plate 104. Once screw 206 is loosened to a sufficient degree, then second plate 212 can move within a plane shown by arrows 214 and 216, substantially coplanar and abutting plate 104. The degree of movement of second plate 212 depends upon the amount of cutout 202 beneath threaded washer 208. Screw 206 can move to the edges of cutout 202 when second plate 212 is moved. Pin 220 extends from the second plate 212 to prevent rotational movement of threaded washer 208, when the head of screw 206 is loosened from beneath plate 104. Accordingly, at least one screw 206, and preferably four screws can be loosened and, once loosened, second plate 212 can move in the x and y directions as shown by arrows 214 and 216 on the lower surface of plate 104. Once the collar 200 that is coupled to the second plate 212 is moved to the appropriate position between, for example, the ceiling joists and to where the opening of the ceiling will be configured, screws 206 are tightened, and the corresponding threaded washer 208 will compress down upon plate 104 to prevent any further movement of the collar within the x-y plane. In this fashion, the collar can be placed wherever needed within the confines of the cutout 202 so that when an installer installs the recessed downlight fixture, he or she can then align one or more collars of associated fixtures precisely within a room using, for example, a laser aiming tool, or otherwise. As shown in FIG. 10, collar 200 can also be rotated along the arrow 224. Once rotated to the appropriate position, screws can be inserted into the first portion of the collar 200 and against the second plate 212, as shown by reference numerals 226.
[0070] The recessed downlight fixture according to the third embodiment therefore includes a luminaire housing that is rotatable within the circular base and tiltable relative to the circular base, and also includes a second plate moveably secured on the second planar surface of plate 104 and coupled to a collar 200 dimensioned to form an aperture that extends through the plate and the second plate as well as the circular base 112. The collar 200 is moveable within a plane, as well as rotatably moveable between the second plate 212 and the luminaire housing by at least one screw 226 configured to be placed into a threaded opening in the collar and frictionally engage against the second plate. At least one screw 206 that is placed through the second plate is placed at least into a threaded washer 208 that when the screw is tightened, the threaded washer 208 frictionally bears again the first planar surface of plate 104. The collar is moved from below the plate while standing in a room, for example. The collar is moveable in two dimensions (e.g., x-y directions) as well as rotational within a plane parallel to the second planar surface.
[0071] It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art having the benefit of this disclosure that this invention is believed to provide an improved downlight fixture that can accommodate any recessed application, whether that application is in new construction prior to a ceiling being installed or in a retrofit after the ceiling is present. The downlight fixture can also accommodate any ceiling space, whether tilted or not, or any recessed or rotational amounts needed for that space. Further modifications and alternative embodiments of various aspects of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of this description. It is intended that the following claims be interpreted to embrace all such modifications and changes. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.
