CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Appl. No. 62/348,559 filed June 10, 2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is generally related to lighting housings, and more particularly to lighting housings configured to contain linear lighting strips, such as flexible light emitting diode (LED) lighting strips.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is designed to overcome the limitations that are attendant upon the use of conventional lighting housings and, toward this end, it contemplates the provision of a novel lighting housing.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a lighting housing that may be configured to allow positioning of lighting elements in a variety of locations.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a lighting housing that is configured to allow for the adaptation of a variety of lighting effects from the lighting housing.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a lighting housing in a variety of different configurations that are adapted to use similar components for the installation of such lighting housings.

It is another object of the present invention to possibly provide a lighting housing having a removable tray to allow for removal and/or replacement of lighting elements that may be contained within the lighting housing, and thereby obviate the need to replace the entire lighting housing.

It is yet another object of the present invention to possibly provide a lighting housing that is configured to allow positioning of the lighting element contained within the lighting housing at different depths within the lighting housing relative to a cover lens of the lighting housing.

It is still another object of the present invention to possibly provide a lighting housing that includes an optional anti-glare shield to allow for a variety of lighting effects from the lighting elements within the lighting housing. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a lighting housing configured to dissipate sufficient heat so that the lighting housing can be used with light emitting diodes (LEDs).

It has now been found that the foregoing and related objects can be readily attained in the exemplary embodiments of the lighting housing that are shown and described in the present application.

According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention a lighting housing is provided that may include a base extrusion having a pair of sidewalls defining a channel within the base extrusion, the base extrusion may include at least one tray receiving portion positioned within the channel, the lighting housing may also include a tray configured for retention within the tray receiving portion, and a removable lens configured for removable attachment to the base extrusion and configured to enclose at least a portion of the channel.

In accordance with this or another exemplary embodiment of the invention, each of the sidewalls may include a longitudinal indent each configured to receive a tong of a retaining clip configured to removably secure the lighting housing to a surface.

In accordance with this or another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the base may also include a pair of wing ledges each extending substantially perpendicular to the sidewalls in a direction away from the channel.

In accordance with this or another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the lighting housing may also include an anti-glare shield configured for removable attachment to one of the pair of wing ledges.

In accordance with this or another exemplary embodiment of the invention, each of the at least one tray receiving portions may include a first curved portion formed in one of the sidewalls of the base extrusion, and a complementarily positioned second curved portion formed in the other sidewall of the base extrusion.

In accordance with this or another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the base extrusion may include an open first end and an open second end, and the lighting housing may also include at least one end cap configured to at least partially enclose the first end or the second end.

In accordance with this or another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the base extrusion may include a base portion connecting the pair of sidewalls.

In accordance with this or another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the base extrusion may include at least two tray receiving portions positioned within the channel. In accordance with this or another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the tray may be configured for receipt of a lighting element.

In accordance with this or another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the pair of sidewalls may be positioned at an angle relative to each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and object of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of an exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention from FIG. 1, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the lighting housing may have an indeterminate length;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of an exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention from FIG. 1, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the lighting housing may have an indeterminate length;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention from FIG. 1, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the lighting housing may have an indeterminate length;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of an exemplary base extrusion of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 1, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the base extrusion may have an indeterminate length;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the exemplary base extrusion of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 1, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the base extrusion may have an indeterminate length;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the exemplary base extrusion of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 1, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the base extrusion may have an indeterminate length;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the exemplary base extrusion of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the exemplary base extrusion of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 1, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the base extrusion may have an indeterminate length; FIG. 10 is a top plan view of an exemplary end cap of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the exemplary end cap of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 12 is a rear view of the exemplary end cap of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the exemplary end cap of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 14 is a rear view of another exemplary end cap of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a front view of an exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of an exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention from FIG. 15, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the lighting housing may have an indeterminate length;

FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of an exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention from FIG. 15, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the lighting housing may have an indeterminate length;

FIG. 18 is a side view of an exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention from FIG. 15, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the lighting housing may have an indeterminate length;

FIG. 19 is a top perspective view of an exemplary base extrusion of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 15, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the base extrusion may have an indeterminate length;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the exemplary base extrusion of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 15, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the base extrusion may have an indeterminate length;

FIG. 21 is a top plan view of the exemplary base extrusion of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 15, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the base extrusion may have an indeterminate length;

FIG. 22 is a front view of the exemplary base extrusion of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 15; FIG. 23 is a bottom plan view of the exemplary base extrusion of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 15, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the base extrusion may have an indeterminate length;

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of an exemplary end cap of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 15;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the exemplary end cap of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 15;

FIG. 26 is a rear view of the exemplary end cap of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 15;

FIG. 27 is a side view of the exemplary end cap of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 15;

FIG. 28 is a rear view of another exemplary end cap of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 15;

FIG. 29 is a front view of an exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a top plan view of an exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention from FIG. 29, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the lighting housing may have an indeterminate length;

FIG. 31 is a top perspective view of an exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention from FIG. 29, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the lighting housing may have an indeterminate length;

FIG. 32 is a side view of an exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention from FIG. 29, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the lighting housing may have an indeterminate length;

FIG. 33 is a top perspective view of an exemplary base extrusion of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 29, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the base extrusion may have an indeterminate length;

FIG. 34 is a side view of the exemplary base extrusion of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 1, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the base extrusion may have an indeterminate length;

FIG. 35 is a top plan view of the exemplary base extrusion of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 29, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the base extrusion may have an indeterminate length; FIG. 36 is a front view of the exemplary base extrusion of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 29;

FIG. 37 is a bottom plan view of the exemplary base extrusion of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 29, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the base extrusion may have an indeterminate length;

FIG. 38 is a top plan view of an exemplary end cap of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 29;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the exemplary end cap of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 29;

FIG. 40 is a rear view of the exemplary end cap of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 29;

FIG. 41 is a side view of the exemplary end cap of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 29;

FIG. 42 is a rear view of another exemplary end cap of the exemplary lighting housing according to the present invention of FIG. 29;

FIG. 43 is a top perspective view of an exemplary tray according to exemplary embodiments of the lighting housing according to the present invention, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the tray may have an indeterminate length;

FIG. 44 is a side view of the exemplary tray according to exemplary embodiments of the lighting housing according to the present invention, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the tray may have an indeterminate length;

FIG. 45 is a top plan view of the exemplary tray according to exemplary embodiments of the lighting housing according to the present invention, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the tray may have an indeterminate length;

FIG. 46 is a front view of the exemplary tray according to exemplary embodiments of the lighting housing according to the present invention, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the tray may have an indeterminate length; and

FIG. 47 is a bottom plan view of the exemplary tray according to exemplary embodiments of the lighting housing according to the present invention, the dashed lines and bracket being used to indicate that the tray may have an indeterminate length.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, therein illustrated is an exemplary embodiment of a lighting housing, generally indicated by reference numeral 10, according to the present invention. The lighting housing 10 may include a base extrusion 12, a tray 14 configured for retention within the base extrusion 12, a lens 16 and at least one end cap 18. It is understood that to facilitate illustration and understanding of the present invention only one end cap 18 is shown, but the lighting housing 10 according the present invention may include an end cap 18 on each end of the lighting housing 10, an end cap 18 at only one end or on neither end. A retaining clip 20 may also be provided for removably securing the lighting housing 10 on or into a surface. The retaining clip 20 may be configured to receive one or more fastening mechanisms (not shown) for securing the retaining clip 20 to the surface on or in which the lighting housing 10 will be mounted. The retaining clip 20 may preferably be made from a flexible, yet resilient material, and may even more preferably be made from a spring or springlike material, so that the retaining clip 20 may be deformed yet return to its original configuration.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-9, the base extrusion 12 is configured so that a lighting element (not shown), such as a light emitting diode (LED) lighting strip, disposed within the lighting housing 10 may be recessed relative to the surface on or in which the lighting housing 10 is mounted. Towards this end, the base extrusion 12 may include a base portion 22 and a pair of sidewalls 24 forming a channel 26 within the interior of the base extrusion 12. The exterior of the sidewall 24 may include a longitudinal indent 28 extending at least partially along the length of the base extrusion 12. The longitudinal indent 28 may be configured to receive tongs 30 of the retaining clip 20 that are configured to removably secure the base extrusion 12 to the retaining clip 20. The tongs 30 may have any suitable configuration that allows for extension of the tongs 30 into the longitudinal indent 28 that permits snugly securing the base extrusion 12 to the retaining clip 20. Each of the sidewalls 24 of the base extrusion 12 may include a wing ledge 32 positioned substantially perpendicular to the sidewall 24 and extending in a direction away from the channel 26. The wing ledge 32 may include an upper notch 34 and a lower notch 36 that extend at least partially the length of the wing ledge 32. The upper notch 34 and the lower notch 36 may preferably be positioned on the wing ledge 32 so as to allow an anti-glare shield 38 to be clipped onto the wing ledge 32. The anti-glare shield 38 may be positioned on the base extrusion 12 and made from suitable material in order to diffract, diffuse, filter and/or otherwise block light emitted from the lighting element (not shown) positioned in the lighting housing 10. In this manner, the antiglare shield 38 can be configured to reduce and/or eliminate unwanted glare from the lighting element (not shown), or further direct light emitted from the lighting element (not shown). The anti-glare shield 38 may also allow for the lighting housing 10 to be capable of producing a variety of different lighting effects. It is understood that while the anti-glare shield 38 is shown on one wing ledge 32 of the lighting housing 10, the anti-glare shield 38 may be positioned on either or both wing ledges 32, and that the present invention is not limited to the positioning of the anti-glare shield 38.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-9, the upper surface of the wing ledge 32 may be connected to the sidewall 24 by a shoulder portion 40 that may be positioned at an angle relative to the wing ledge 32. The shoulder portion 40 may extend into the channel 26 and connect with the interior face of the sidewall 24. The interior face of the sidewall 24, for the purposes of this discussion the interior face refers to the face of the sidewall 24 that faces towards the channel 26 and the terms "interior" and/or "exterior" are used for reference purposes only and are in no way limiting, may include a longitudinal recess 42 formed therein, and extending at least partially along the length of the interior face of the sidewall 24. The shoulder portion 40 and the longitudinal recess 42 in combination may be configured to removably receive the lens 16 so that the lens 16 may be removably secured to the base extrusion 12. The longitudinal recess 42 may be positioned to receive a longitudinal rib 44 extending from the downward fingers 46 of the lens 16. The lens 16 may be positioned into place on the base extrusion 12 by engaging the downward fingers 46 with the shoulder portion 40 so that the downward fingers 46 are urged inwardly. When the longitudinal ribs 44 of the downward fingers 46 are urged into the longitudinal recesses 42, the downward fingers 46 thereby at least substantially return to their original configuration, and the longitudinal ribs 44 are engaged within the longitudinal recesses 42.

The base extrusion 12 may also include a tray receiving portion formed by sections of the interior of the sidewalls that are configured to complement the shape of the sides 48 of the tray 14. For example, the base extrusion 12 may include complementary curved portions 50 that are configured to receive and retain the tray 14 within the channel 26 of the base extrusion 12. While a curved configuration is shown for the curved portions 50, it is understood that any suitable configuration is contemplated by the present invention to correspond to the shape of the sides 48 of the tray 14. For example, if the sides 48 of the tray 14 had a substantially triangular or rectangular shape, then the curved portions 50 would have a corresponding configuration to match. The corresponding configuration between the sides 48 of the tray 14 and the curved portions 50 of the base extrusion 12 allows the tray 14 to be slid along the length of the base extrusion 12 to allow for installation, positioning and removal of the tray 14 with respect to the base extrusion 12.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 43-47 in regards to the tray, which is generally indicated by reference numeral 14. The tray 14 includes an upper surface 52 and a lower surface 54. The upper surface 52 may be recessed within the tray 14 relative to the sides 48 of the tray 14. It is understood that the upper surface 52 of the tray 14 may be recessed at any elevation relative to the sides 48 of the tray 14, which allows for adjustment of the optics of the lighting elements (not shown) that may be disposed on the tray 14. However, the upper surface 52 may not be recessed, and instead may be positioned the same as the lower surface 54. In that configuration, the upper surface 52 and lower surface 54 of the tray 14 would be substantially identical. It is understood that the terms "upper" and "lower" are used for reference purposes only, and are in no way limiting of the present invention. The tray 14 may also include slots 56 formed in the sides 48 of the tray 14. The slots 56 can facilitate sliding of the tray 14 relative to the base extrusion 12, since there is less surface area to interact between the sides 48 of the tray 14 and the curved portions 50 of the base extrusion 12. In addition, as discussed further below, the slots 56 also increase the surface area of the tray 14 to increase the heat dissipating ability of the tray 14. To further increase the surface area of the tray 14, the upper surface 52 and/or the lower surface 54 may include one or more grooves 58 formed therein.

Referring again to FIGS. 1, 3, 5, 7 and 8, the base extrusion 12 may also have one or more grooves 60 formed in the base portion thereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4 and 10-14, the end cap 18 of the lighting housing 10 can be provided to be removably secured to the end portions of the base extrusion 12 in order to provide the lighting housing 10 with a finished look and direct any light emitted from the lighting elements (not shown) contained therein in the direction of the lens 16. The end cap 18 may have a profile substantially similar to the profile of the base extrusion 12, and may include a platform portion 60 and a body portion 62. The body portion 62 may include a beam 64 extending therefrom, which beam 64 may have a configuration to allow the beam 64, and thereby the end cap 18, to be snugly removably affixed to the base extrusion 12. The configuration of the beam 64 may complement the lens 16, and may for example, as shown in FIG. 1, engage with the longitudinal recesses 42 of the base extrusion 12. However, it is understood that the beam 64 may have any suitable configuration. The end cap 18 may also include one or more protrusions 66 extending from the body portion 62. The one or more protrusions 66 may be configured so as to be received within the slots 56 of the tray 14. In this manner, the base extrusion 12, end cap 18 and tray 14 may all be integrated together by the connections created from the beam 64 and the protrusion 66. The end cap 18 may also include an opening 68 formed in the body portion 62 to provide for passage of air into and out of the lighting housing 10, as well as passage of any wiring (not shown) that may be connected to the lighting element (not shown ) disposed within the lighting housing 10. However, as shown in FIG. 14, body portion 62 of the end cap 18 may also be provided without the opening 68.

Referring now to FIGS. 15-18, therein illustrated is an exemplary embodiment of a lighting housing, generally indicated by reference numeral 110, according to the present invention. The lighting housing 110 may include a base extrusion 112, a tray 14 configured for retention within the base extrusion 112, a lens 16 and at least one end cap 118. It is understood that to facilitate illustration and understanding of the present invention only one end cap 118 is shown, but the lighting housing 110 according the present invention may include an end cap 118 on each end of the lighting housing 110, an end cap 118 at only one end or on neither end. It is further understood that the lens 16 may be the same as or substantially the same as the lens 16 discussed above with respect to lighting housing 10. A retaining clip 20 may also be provided for removably securing the lighting housing 110 on or into a surface. The retaining clip 20 may be configured to receive one or more fastening mechanisms (not shown) for securing the retaining clip 20 to the surface on or in which the lighting housing 110 will be mounted. The retaining clip 20 may preferably be made from a flexible, yet resilient material, and may even more preferably be made from a spring or springlike material, so that the retaining clip 20 may be deformed yet return to its original configuration. It is understood that the retaining clip 20 is operable to secure both the lighting housing 110, and the other embodiment of the lighting housing 10 discussed above. In this manner, the same retaining clip 20 can be used to secure multiple different embodiments of the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 15-23, the base extrusion 112 is configured so that a lighting element (not shown), such as a light emitting diode (LED) lighting strip, disposed within the lighting housing 110 may be recessed relative to the surface on or in which the lighting housing 110 is mounted. Towards this end, the base extrusion 112 may include a base portion 122 and a pair of sidewalls 124 forming a channel 126 within the interior of the base extrusion 112. The exterior of the sidewall 124 may include a longitudinal indent 128 extending at least partially along the length of the base extrusion 112. The longitudinal indent 128 may be configured to receive tongs 30 of the retaining clip 20 that are configured to removably secure the base extrusion 112 to the retaining clip 20. The tongs 30 may have any suitable configuration that allows for extension of the tongs 30 into the longitudinal indent 128 that permits snugly securing the base extrusion 112 to the retaining clip 20. Each of the sidewalls 124 of the base extrusion 112 may include a wing ledge 132 positioned substantially perpendicular to the sidewall 124 and extending in a direction away from the channel 126. The wing ledge 132 may include an upper notch 134 and a lower notch 136 that extend at least partially the length of the wing ledge 132. The upper notch 134 and the lower notch 136 may preferably be positioned on the wing ledge 132 so as to allow an anti-glare shield (not shown) to be clipped onto the wing ledge 132. The anti-glare shield (not shown) may be positioned on the base extrusion 112 and made from suitable material in order to diffract, diffuse, filter and/or otherwise block light emitted from the lighting element (not shown) positioned in the lighting housing 110. In this manner, the anti-glare shield (not shown) can be configured to reduce and/or eliminate unwanted glare from the lighting element (not shown), or further direct light emitted from the lighting element (not shown). The anti-glare shield (not shown) may also allow for the lighting housing 110 to be capable of producing a variety of different lighting effects. An exemplary anti-glare shield that may be suitable for use with the lighting housing 110 may be the same as or substantially the same as the anti-glare shield 38 discussed above with respect to lighting housing 10.

Still referring to FIGS. 15-23, the upper surface of the wing ledge 132 may be connected to the sidewall 124 by a shoulder portion 140 that may be positioned at an angle relative to the wing ledge 132. The shoulder portion 140 may extend into the channel 126 and connect with the interior face of the sidewall 124. The interior face of the sidewall 124, for the purposes of this discussion the interior face refers to the face of the sidewall 124 that faces towards the channel 126 and the terms "interior" and/or "exterior" are used for reference purposes only and are in no way limiting, may include a longitudinal recess 142 formed therein, and extending at least partially along the length of the interior face of the sidewall 124. The shoulder portion 140 and the longitudinal recess 142 in combination may be configured to removably receive the lens 16 so that the lens 16 may be removably secured to the base extrusion 112. The longitudinal recess 142 may be positioned to receive a longitudinal rib 44 extending from the downward fingers 46 of the lens 16. The lens 16 may be positioned into place on the base extrusion 112 by engaging the downward fingers 46 with the shoulder portion 140 so that the downward fingers 46 are urged inwardly. When the longitudinal ribs 44 of the downward fingers 46 are urged into the longitudinal recesses 142, the downward fingers 46 thereby at least substantially return to their original configuration, and the longitudinal ribs 44 are engaged within the longitudinal recesses 142. The base extrusion 112 may also include a tray receiving portion formed by sections of the interior of the sidewalls that are configured to complement the shape of the sides 48 of the tray 14. For example, the base extrusion 112 may include one or more complementary curved portions 150 that are configured to receive and retain the tray 14 within the channel 126 of the base extrusion 112. While a curved configuration is shown for the curved portions 150, it is understood that any suitable configuration is contemplated by the present invention to correspond to the shape of the sides 48 of the tray 14. For example, if the sides 48 of the tray 14 had a substantially triangular or rectangular shape, then the curved portions 150 would have a corresponding configuration to match. The corresponding configuration between the sides 48 of the tray 14 and the curved portions 150 of the base extrusion 112 allows the tray 14 to be slid along the length of the base extrusion 112 to allow for installation, positioning and removal of the tray 14 with respect to the base extrusion 112. Furthermore, when multiple levels of curved portions 150 are provided in the base extrusion 112, it allows for the tray 14 to be positioned at various heights within the channel 126 relative to the base portion 122 and lens 16. This allows for a variety of lighting effects to be provided by the lighting housing 110 depending upon the positioning of the lighting elements (not shown) attached to the tray 14. Furthermore, the greater the distance provided between the lens 16 and the lighting elements (not shown), the less likely that individual lighting elements (not shown) within the lighting housing 110 are visible, thereby producing a substantially uniform light. The base extrusion 112 may also have one or more grooves 160 formed in the base portion thereof.

Referring now to FIGS. 15-18 and 24-28, the end cap 118 of the lighting housing 110 can be provided to be removably secured to the end portions of the base extrusion 112 in order to provide the lighting housing 110 with a finished look and direct any light emitted from the lighting elements (not shown) contained therein in the direction of the lens 16. The end cap 118 may have a profile substantially similar to the profile of the base extrusion 112, and may include a platform portion 160 and a body portion 162. The body portion 162 may include a beam 164 extending therefrom, which beam 164 may have a configuration to allow the beam 164, and thereby the end cap 118, to be snugly removably affixed to the base extrusion 112. The configuration of the beam 164 may complement the lens 16, and may for example, as shown in FIG. 15, engage with the longitudinal recesses 142 of the base extrusion 112.

However, it is understood that the beam 164 may have any suitable configuration. The end cap 118 may also include one or more protrusions 166 extending from the body portion 162. The one or more protrusions 166 may be configured so as to be received within the slots 56 of the tray 14. In this manner, the base extrusion 112, end cap 118 and tray 14 may all be integrated together by the connections created from the beam 164 and the protrusion 166. The end cap 118 may also include an opening 168 formed in the body portion 162 to provide for passage of air into and out of the lighting housing 110, as well as passage of any wiring (not shown) that may be connected to the lighting element (not shown ) disposed within the lighting housing 110. However, as shown in FIG. 28, body portion 162 of the end cap 118 may also be provided without the opening 168.

Referring now to FIGS. 29-32, therein illustrated is an exemplary embodiment of a lighting housing, generally indicated by reference numeral 210, according to the present invention. The lighting housing 210 may include a base extrusion 212, a tray 14 configured for retention within the base extrusion 212, a lens 16 and at least one end cap 218. It is understood that to facilitate illustration and understanding of the present invention only one end cap 218 is shown, but the lighting housing 210 according the present invention may include an end cap 218 on each end of the lighting housing 210, an end cap 218 at only one end or on neither end. It is further understood that the lens 16 may be the same as or substantially the same as the lens 16 discussed above with respect to lighting housing 10 and lighting housing 110. A retaining clip 20 may also be provided for removably securing the lighting housing 210 on or into a surface. The retaining clip 20 may be configured to receive one or more fastening mechanisms (not shown) for securing the retaining clip 20 to the surface on or in which the lighting housing 210 will be mounted. The retaining clip 20 may preferably be made from a flexible, yet resilient material, and may even more preferably be made from a spring or spring-like material, so that the retaining clip 20 may be deformed yet return to its original configuration. It is understood that the retaining clip 20 is operable to secure both the lighting housing 210, and the other embodiments of the lighting housing 10 and lighting housing 110 discussed above. In this manner, the same retaining clip 20 can be used to secure multiple different embodiments of the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 29-37, the base extrusion 212 is configured so that a lighting element (not shown), such as a light emitting diode (LED) lighting strip, disposed within the lighting housing 210 may be positioned in a corner or at another location so as to provide lighting at an angle, for example a 45 degree angle. Towards this end, the base extrusion 212 may include a pair of sidewalls 225 that are positioned at an angle relative to each other in order to form a channel 226 there between within the interior of the base extrusion 212. The exterior of each of the sidewalls 225 may include one or more a longitudinal indents 228 extending at least partially along the length of the base extrusion 212. The longitudinal indent 228 may be configured to receive tongs 30 of the retaining clip 20 that are configured to removably secure the base extrusion 212 to the retaining clip 20. The tongs 30 may have any suitable configuration that allows for extension of the tongs 30 into the longitudinal indent 228 that permits snugly securing the base extrusion 212 to the retaining clip 20. It is understood that as a result of the exemplary positioning of the longitudinal indents 228 on the sidewalls 225 shown in the figures, that the base extrusion 212 is reversible relative to the retaining clip 20. In other words, the base extrusion 212 may be positioned on the retaining clip 20 so that the channel 226 opens to the left or right.

Still referring to FIGS. 29-37, the sidewall 225 may also include a shoulder portion 240 that may be positioned at an angle relative to the sidewall 225. The shoulder portion 240 may extend into the channel 226 and connect with the interior face of the sidewall 224. The interior face of the sidewall 224, for the purposes of this discussion the interior face refers to the face of the sidewall 224 that faces towards the channel 226 and the terms "interior" and/or

"exterior" are used for reference purposes only and are in no way limiting, may include a longitudinal recess 242 formed therein, and extending at least partially along the length of the interior face of the sidewall 224. The shoulder portion 240 and the longitudinal recess 242 in combination may be configured to removably receive the lens 16 so that the lens 16 may be removably secured to the base extrusion 212. The longitudinal recess 242 may be positioned to receive a longitudinal rib 44 extending from the downward fingers 46 of the lens 16. The lens 16 may be positioned into place on the base extrusion 212 by engaging the downward fingers 46 with the shoulder portion 240 so that the downward fingers 46 are urged inwardly. When the longitudinal ribs 44 of the downward fingers 46 are urged into the longitudinal recesses 242, the downward fingers 46 thereby at least substantially return to their original configuration, and the longitudinal ribs 44 are engaged within the longitudinal recesses 242. The base extrusion 212 may also include a tray receiving portion formed by sections of the interior of the sidewalls that are configured to complement the shape of the sides 48 of the tray 14. For example, the base extrusion 212 may include one or more complementary curved portions 250 that are configured to receive and retain the tray 14 within the channel 226 of the base extrusion 212. While a curved configuration is shown for the curved portions 250, it is understood that any suitable configuration is contemplated by the present invention to correspond to the shape of the sides 48 of the tray 14. For example, if the sides 48 of the tray 14 had a substantially triangular or rectangular shape, then the curved portions 250 would have a corresponding configuration to match. The corresponding configuration between the sides 48 of the tray 14 and the curved portions 250 of the base extrusion 212 allows the tray 14 to be slid along the length of the base extrusion 212 to allow for installation, positioning and removal of the tray 14 with respect to the base extrusion 212. The base extrusion 212 may also have one or more grooves 160 formed in the base of the channel 226.

Referring now to FIGS. 29-32 and 38-42, the end cap 218 of the lighting housing 210 can be provided to be removably secured to the end portions of the base extrusion 212 in order to provide the lighting housing 210 with a finished look and direct any light emitted from the lighting elements (not shown) contained therein in the direction of the lens 16. The end cap 218 may have a profile substantially similar to the profile of the base extrusion 212. The end cap 218 may include a beam 264 extending therefrom, which beam 264 may have a configuration to allow the beam 264, and thereby the end cap 218, to be snugly removably affixed to the base extrusion 212. The configuration of the beam 264 may complement the lens 16, and may for example, as shown in FIG. 29, engage with the longitudinal recesses 242 of the base extrusion 212. However, it is understood that the beam 264 may have any suitable configuration. The end cap 218 may also include an opening 268 to provide for passage of air into and out of the lighting housing 210, as well as passage of any wiring (not shown) that may be connected to the lighting element (not shown ) disposed within the lighting housing 210. However, as shown in FIG. 42, the end cap 218 may also be provided without the opening 268.

The lighting housing according to the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and components thereof, may be made from any suitable material for using with lighting. For example, the lighting housing may be made from anodized extruded aluminum, or the like. It is understood that the present invention is not limited to the material that may be used to control the lighting housing or components thereof.

It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently attained and, since certain changes may be made in the above article without departing from the scope of this invention, it is intended that all matter contained in this disclosure or shown in the accompanying drawings, shall be interpreted, as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. It is to be understood that all of the present figures, and the accompanying narrative discussions of corresponding embodiments, do not purport to be completely rigorous treatments of the invention under consideration. It is to be understood that the above-described arrangements are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. Numerous modifications and alternative

arrangements may be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.