TITLE

Mounting bracket system for light fixtures

FIELD

[0001] The described examples relate generally to structures and techniques for structurally supporting light fixtures, such as a linear light fixtures.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Non-Provisional Application No.

17/245,560 filed on April 30, 2021 titled “Mounting Bracket System for Light Fixtures,” which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Light fixtures may be used to provide energy to biological organisms and systems to promote growth. For example, light fixtures may provide thermal energy, ultraviolet radiation, and the like to plants that are grown in an indoor environment in order to encourage photosynthesis and other processes that contribute to plant health. Often individual light fixtures emit a single spread of light to a collection of plants held in trays or bins below the fixture. As the light dissipates as the inverse of the square of the distance from the fixture, multiple fixtures may be spaced apart and above the plants in order to provide adequate illumination. Unevenly spaced light fixtures can produce zones of concentrated energy and/or zones with suboptimal energy at the plants held below the fixtures. Light fixtures can be cumbersome, bulky, and heavy, which can hinder the ability to secure the light fixtures above the collection of plants in a desired arrangement. As such, there is a need for systems and techniques to facilitate light fixture mounting at a desired set spacing for indoor grown plants.

[0004] The information included in this Background section of the specification is included for technical reference purposes only and is not to be regarded subject matter by which the scope of the invention as defined in the claims is to be bound.

SUMMARY

[0005] In one example, a mounting bracket for a lighting system is disclosed. The mounting bracket includes a body portion having an elongated shape. The mounting bracket defines a top side and a bottom side opposing the top side. The body portion defines, within the bottom side, a plurality of channels spaced apart along an axial direction of the elongated shape. One or more channels of the plurality of channels is configured to receive a mounting portion of a linear light fixture of the lighting system. The body portion further defines, within the top side, a plurality of holes spaced apart along the axial direction corresponding to the plurality of channels. The one or more holes of the plurality of holes extends into a corresponding channel of the plurality of channels and is configured to receive a fastening structure therethrough.

[0006] In another example, a mounting bracket system is disclosed. The mounting bracket system includes any of the example mounting bracket described herein. The mounting bracket system further includes a linear light fixture having a mounting portion received in one channel of the plurality of channels of the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket system further includes a fastening structure received through a hole of plurality of holes corresponding to the one channel. The fastening structure secures the mounting portion to the mounting bracket.

[0007] In another example, a mounting bracket system is disclosed. The mounting bracket system includes a first linear light fixture having an elongated first mounting portion. The mounting bracket system further includes a second linear light fixture having an elongated second mounting portion. The mounting bracket system further includes a first mounting bracket having an elongated first shape and defining a plurality of first channels configured to receive the elongated first and second mounting portions. The mounting bracket system further includes a second mounting bracket having an elongated second shape and defining a plurality of second channels configured to receive the elongated first and second mounting portions. The plurality of first channels and the plurality of second channels are configured to define a spacing between the first and second linear light fixtures.

[0008] In another example, a method of supporting a collection of linear light fixtures is disclosed. The method includes connecting an elongated first mounting portion of a first linear light fixture with a one channel of a plurality of first channels of an elongated first mounting bracket. The method further includes connecting the elongated first mounting portion with one channel of a plurality of second channels of an elongated second mounting bracket. The method further includes connecting an elongated second mounting portion of a second linear light fixture with another channel of the plurality of first channels. The method further includes connecting the elongated second mounting portion with another channel of the plurality of second channels.

[0009] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. A more extensive presentation of features, details, utilities, and advantages of the present invention as defined in the claims is provided in the following written description of various embodiments and implementations and illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements.

[0011] The use of cross-hatching or shading in the accompanying figures is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements, e.g., when shown in cross section, and also to facilitate legibility of the figures. Accordingly, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, element proportions, element dimensions, commonalities of similarly illustrated elements, or any other characteristic, attribute, or property for any element illustrated in the accompanying figures.

[0012] Additionally, it should be understood that the proportions and dimensions (either relative or absolute) of the various features and elements (and collections and groupings thereof) and the boundaries, separations, and positional relationships presented therebetween, are provided in the accompanying figures merely to facilitate an understanding of the various embodiments described herein and, accordingly, may not necessarily be presented or illustrated to scale, and are not intended to indicate any preference or requirement for an illustrated embodiment to the exclusion of embodiments described with reference thereto.

[0013] FIG. 1 depicts a mounting bracket system supporting a collection of light fixtures. [0014] FIG. 2 depicts detail 2-2 of the mounting bracket system of FIG. 1 .

[0015] FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket system of FIG. 2, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.

[0016] FIG. 4 depicts detail 4-4 of the mounting bracket system of FIG. 1 .

[0017] FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of the mounting bracket system of FIG. 4, taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

[0018] FIG. 6 depicts an isometric view of a mounting bracket of the mounting bracket system of FIG. 1 .

[0019] FIG. 7 depicts a top view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 6.

[0020] FIG. 8 depicts a bottom view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 6.

[0021] FIG. 9 depicts a side view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 6. [0022] FIG. 10 depicts a top view of a first portion of the mounting bracket of FIG. 6.

[0023] FIG. 11 depicts a top view of a second portion of the mounting bracket of FIG. 6.

[0024] FIG. 12 depicts a top view of a third portion of the mounting bracket of FIG. 6.

[0025] FIG. 13 depicts the mounting bracket system of FIG. 1 supporting a collection of light fixtures in an example growing environment.

[0026] FIG. 14 depicts the mounting bracket system of FIG. 1 supporting a collection of light fixtures in another example growing environment.

[0027] FIG. 15 depicts the mounting bracket system of FIG. 1 supporting a collection of light fixtures in another example growing environment.

[0028] FIG. 16 depicts the mounting bracket system of FIG. 1 supporting a collection of light fixtures in another example growing environment.

[0029] FIG. 17 depicts the mounting bracket system of FIG. 1 supporting a collection of light fixtures in another example growing environment.

[0030] FIG. 18 depicts the mounting bracket system of FIG. 1 supporting a collection of light fixtures in another example growing environment.

[0031] FIG. 19 depicts the mounting bracket system of FIG. 1 supporting a collection of light fixtures in another example growing environment.

[0032] FIG. 20 depicts the mounting bracket system of FIG. 1 supporting a collection of light fixtures in another example growing environment.

[0033] FIG. 21 depicts a flow diagram for supporting a collection of linear light fixtures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The description that follows includes sample systems, methods, and apparatuses that embody various elements of the present disclosure. However, it should be understood that the described disclosure may be practiced in a variety of forms in addition to those described herein.

[0035] The following disclosure relates generally to mounting brackets for a lighting system. An example mounting bracket may be used to secure a light fixture above a collection of plants, typically in an indoor or enclosed or partially enclosed environment. For example, the mounting bracket may be configured to be releasably secured to any of a variety of structural elements of a building or other structure that houses the plants. Structural or support-type elements may include, without limitation, trusses, beams, tubes, girts, purlins, rafters, and/or substantially any other element of the building that is capable of supporting the weight of one or more light fixtures and mounting hardware. Such support elements are often unsuited for the direct attachment of a light fixture due to a lack of an appropriate interface between the support element and light fixture. Further, the support elements may be positionally fixed in the building, and thus are generally not adaptable to support one or more light fixtures at a desired spacing above plants growing below the support elements.

[0036] The mounting bracket of the present disclosure may mitigate such hindrances by structurally supporting one or more light fixtures at a desired position using the existing infrastructure or support elements of an indoor structure. In this way, the light fixture is supportable above plants using the existing structural members, while also be arrangeable along a spectrum of lateral positions beyond the fixed position of the structural member. Thus, the mounting bracket of the present disclosure may define an interface between a light fixture and the structural member of the building for mounting and securing the light fixture to the structural member. The mounting bracket of the present disclosure may also allow the light fixture to be arranged at any of a plurality of positions that are offset from the structural member such that the light fixture may be arranged at a desired location.

[0037] Further, it is often desirable in growing operations to use multiple light fixtures to provide energy to plants that are arranged in trays or bins. For the sake of a non-limiting example, plants can be disposed within and along a growing tray, such as a four foot or five foot wide tray. A single light fixture may not provide adequate energy to facilitate the growth of the plants disposed across the length and width of the tray, as the light dissipates with the inverse square of distance. Based on the needs of the plants, two, three, four, five, or more lights may be required to provide adequate energy and/or otherwise contribute to a healthy environment for the plants. However, where multiple lights fixtures are used, uneven or inconsistent spacing between the light fixtures can negatively affect plant health. For example, where light fixtures are positioned too close to one another, light spread from each fixture may overlap and produce zones of concentrated energy that could deplete plant nutrients or dehydrate and scorch some of the plants. Conversely, where light fixtures are positioned too far apart from one another, light spread from each fixture may fail to reach certain segments of the plants and produce zones of suboptimal energy. The structural support members of buildings are often unsuited to mounting lights at a desired, substantially even spacing to facilitate plant growth, such as where the structural support members are spaced too far apart or too close together. Nor are the structural support members adaptable to accommodate different spacing requirements, for example, at a first spacing for a first plant variety best grown with two light fixtures, and at a second spacing for a second plant variety best grown with three light fixtures for greater energy intensity, and so on.

[0038] The mounting bracket of the present disclosure may be configured to mount a collection of light fixtures to one or more existing structural members at a desired spacing.

In this regard, the mounting bracket may be configured to provide an interface between the collection of light fixtures and the support member, as described above, and also allow multiple light fixtures to be arranged at any of a plurality of positions that are laterally offset from the structural member or support element of the building. Further, the mounting bracket may be configured to define a set, substantially uniform spacing between the light fixtures mounted to mounting bracket. For example, the plurality of positions may be preset or defined by the mounting bracket to mount the light fixtures at positions along the bracket that generally minimize zones of energy concentration and/or suboptimal energy zones for a given growing operation. In this regard, the mounting bracket may be adaptable to accommodate different growing setups, such as a two-light, three-light, four-light, and/or five-light setup, or others, arranged for each of a four-foot, five-foot, or other width tray, and define a consistent spacing between each light of the setup.

[0039] To facilitate the foregoing, the mounting bracket may be formed from one or more pieces of material, such as steel, aluminum, and/or certain alloys that are configured to support the weight of one or more light fixtures. Composites, high-temperature plastics, resins, and synthetic materials may also be appropriate materials for forming the mounting bracket based on a given application. The piece of material may form a body portion of the mounting bracket that defines an elongated shape extending along an axial direction. A section of the body portion, such as a center section, may be configured for releasable attachment to the structural support member of the building, such as via one or more fastening structures, screws, bolts, nuts, and so on, as described herein. The body member may extend along the axial direction from the support member of the building in any appropriate direction.

[0040] The body member may include a plurality of channels, grooves and/or other features within a bottom side of body member. The body member may further include a plurality of holes or through portions extending from a top side of the body member, through a thickness of the body member, and into corresponding ones of the channels. Broadly, one or more of the channels may be configured to receive a mounting portion of a linear light fixture. The corresponding hole may be configured to receive a fastening structure therethrough for engagement with the mounting portion received in the channel. The fastening structure may be manipulated to releasably secure the light fixture to the mounting bracket at the channel such that the light fixture is structurally supported by the mounting bracket.

[0041] The plurality of channels may be spaced apart along the axial direction of the elongated shape of the body portion. The axial direction extends from the support structure of the building. Accordingly, the fixture may be secured to the mounting bracket at a position that is spaced apart or laterally separated from the support structure. Further, the plurality of channels may be spaced apart along the axial direction of the mounting bracket and at predetermined intervals that are configured to define a consistent spacing between two or more light fixtures that are secured to the mounting bracket. For example, a first subset of channels may be configured to define a two-light spacing for two lights secured by the bracket, a second subset of channels may be configured to define a three-light spacing for three lights held by the bracket, a third subset of channels may be configured to define a four-light spacing for four light held by the bracket, a fourth subset of channels may be configured to define a five-light spacing for five lights held by the bracket, and so on.

[0042] In some cases, the mounting bracket may be a component or subassembly of a mounting system, including multiple light fixtures and mounting brackets that support a growing operation. For example, a mounting system may include multiple light fixtures that are structurally supported via multiple mounting brackets of the present disclosure. As one example, a system may include a first mounting bracket and a second mounting bracket, each secured to one or more support structures of a building and oriented substantially along a first direction. The system may further include a first light fixture secured to each of the first and second mounting brackets and generally laterally offset or separated from the support structure. The system may further include a second light fixture secured to each of the first and second mounting brackets and generally laterally offset or separated from the support structure. The first and second mounting brackets may be configured to arrange the first and second light fixtures a desired spacing from one another, such as at a spacing required for a two-light setup. The first and second mounting bracket may be further configured to maintain a uniform spacing along an entire length of the first and second light fixtures, which may promote uniform plant growth, as described herein.

[0043] Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which assist in illustrating various features of the present disclosure. The following description is presented for purposes of illustration. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the inventive aspects to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the following teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the present inventive aspects.

[0044] FIG. 1 depicts a mounting bracket system 100 connected to a support structure 190. The mounting bracket system 100 is configured support a collection of light fixtures 170 using mounting brackets 104, such as any of the mounting brackets discussed above and described in greater detail below. The mounting brackets 104 may be configured to structurally support the collection of light fixtures 170 above plants in a growing operation using the existing infrastructure or support elements of a building or other structure that encloses or partially encloses a growing area of the plants. For example, and as shown in FIG. 1 , the mounting brackets 104 are coupled to the support structure 190 and the collection of light fixtures 170 and structurally support the collection of light fixtures 170 via the support structure 190. For purposes of illustration, the support structure 190 may be a component, segment, or the like of the existing building infrastructure, for example, a mounting rail suspended from the ceiling infrastructure. In this regard, while FIG. 1 shows the support structure 190 as a substantially square and slotted metal tubing, it will be appreciated that the support structure 190 may be representative of any of the support elements or structural members described herein. Further, the support structure 190 may be a single element or a group of elements, as shown in FIG. 1 , based on the construction of the building.

[0045] In the example of FIG. 1 , the mounting brackets 104 include a first mounting bracket 104a, a second mounting bracket 104b, a third mounting bracket 104c, and a fourth mounting bracket 104d. While four mounting brackets of the present disclosure are shown for purposes of illustration, it will be appreciated that more or fewer mounting brackets may be used, including systems in which one, two, three, or more than four mounting brackets are used. Each of the mounting brackets 104a-104d are coupled to the support structure 190 parallel to each other at a same mounting point such that each of the mounting brackets 104a-104d extends a same distance laterally on each side of the support structure 190. For example, and with reference to the first mounting bracket 104a, a connection portion 128 of the first mounting bracket 104a may be releasably secured to the support structure 190 via a fastening structure 134. Broadly, the fastening structure 134 may include a variety of different screws, bolts, nuts, sleeves, washers, clamps, and so on, and combinations thereof. As described in the greater detail below, the fastening structure 134 may include a threaded shafted that operates to secure the first mounting bracket 104a and any associate light fixture to one another. The mounting brackets 104b-104d may be coupled to the support structure 190 substantially analogously.

[0046] The mounting brackets 104 may be configured to structurally support the collection of light fixtures 170. In the example of FIG. 1 , the collection of light fixtures 170 includes a first light fixture 170a, a second light fixture 170b, a third light fixture 170c, a fourth light fixture 170d, a fifth light fixture 170e, and a sixth light fixture 160f . While six light fixtures are shown for purposes of illustration, it will be appreciated that more or fewer light fixtures may be used. Each of the light fixtures 170a-170f are coupled to one or more of the mounting brackets 104. For example, the first light fixture 170a may be coupled to the first and second mounting brackets 104a, 104b at first locations along the mounting brackets 104a, 104b and laterally offset from the support structure 190. The second light fixture 170b may be coupled to the first and second mounting brackets 104a, 104b at second locations along the mounting brackets 104a, 104b and generally aligned with the support structure 190. The third light fixture 170c may be coupled to the first and second mounting bracket 104a, 104b at third locations along the mounting brackets 104a, 104b and laterally offset from the support structure 190, opposite the first light fixture 170a. The fourth, fifth, sixth light fixtures 170d-170f may be coupled to the third and fourth mounting brackets 104c, 104d substantially analogously.

[0047] The fourth, fifth, sixth light fixtures 170d-170f may generally be arranged in series with corresponding ones the first, second, third light fixtures 170a-170c. For example, the first light fixture 170a and the fourth light fixture 170d may be arranged end-to-end and establish an electrical connection 172 with one another. In this regard, current and control signals to the first light fixture 170a may be passed directly to the fourth light fixture 170d, or vice versa, via the electrical connection 172. The second light fixture 170b and the fifth light fixture 170e, and the third light fixture 170c and the sixth light fixture 170f may be electrically coupled to one another in a similar manner. The fourth light fixture 170d may be electrically coupled to the fifth light fixture 170e using a jumper or pigtail cable (not shown). Similarly, the second light fixture 170b may be electrically coupled to the third light fixture 170c using a second jumper or pigtail cable (not shown). In this configuration, a single electrical and control input at the free coupling end of the first light fixture 170a can be used to power and control the entire collection of light fixtures 170.

[0048] Additional light fixtures can be electrically coupled to the light fixtures 170 (and supported by additional mounting brackets) based on the needs of a growing operation. For example, a growing operation supported by the system 100 of FIG. 1 may generally have lighting along a length corresponding to approximately two lengths of a given light fixture. In some cases, the growing operation may use light along a length corresponding to a single length of a light fixture, and thus the light fixtures 170d-170f may be omitted. In yet other cases, the growing operation may require light along a length corresponding to a length of three, four, or more lengths of a light fixture, and thus additional light fixtures can be added, and electrically coupled at coupling ends 174, that are in turn support by additional mounting brackets via the support structure 190. In this regard, the system 100 may be a modular system in which components, e.g., light fixtures, mounting structures, fastening structures, and so on, can be added or removed as needed to provide a customized system to the needs of the growing operation. The system is further customizable to define a set, and consistent spacing between each of the collection of light fixtures 170, as described with respect to FIGS. 13-20.

[0049] For purposes of illustration, the first mounting bracket 104a of FIGS. 6-12 is described below. It will be appreciated that the second, third, fourth mounting brackets 104b-104d may be substantially similar, with changes in mounting location. With reference to FIG. 6, the first mounting bracket 104a may be formed from one or more pieces of material. The one or more pieces of material may be sufficiently strong and rigid to support one or more light fixtures. In some case, the first mounting bracket 104a may be formed as one-piece or monocoque structure. As shown in FIG. 6, the one or more pieces of material may form the first mounting bracket 104a including a body portion 106. The body portion 106 may have an elongated shape that extends along an axial direction between a body first end 107 and a body second end 108. The body portion 106 may further define a top side 109 and a bottom side 110. The bottom side 110 may oppose the top side 109, as shown in FIG. 6. The body portion 106 may include a plurality of channels 114. The plurality of channels 114 may be formed as notches, grooves, cuts, slots, and the like that extend depth-wise at least partially into a thickness of the body portion 106. Further, the plurality of channels 114 may extend length-wise substantially transverse from the axial direction defined by the body portion 106. One or more channels of the plurality of channels 114 may be configured to receive a mounting portion of a light fixture, as described herein.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the plurality of channels 114 may include separate or discrete channels that are disposed along the axial direction of the body portion 106. For example, the plurality of channels 114 may be defined by the body portion 106 within the bottom side 110. In the present example, the plurality of channels 114 may include a first channel 114a, a second channel 114b, a third channel 114c, a fourth channel 114d, a fifth channel 114e, a sixth channel 114f, a seventh channel 114g, an eighth channel 114h, a ninth channel 114i, a tenth channel 114j, an eleventh channel 114k, a twelfth channel 114I, a thirteenth channel 114m, a fourteenth channel 114n, a fifteenth channel 114o, a sixteenth channel 114p, and a seventeenth channel 114q. In other examples, the body portion 106 may define more or fewer channels.

[0051] Further and with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the body portion 106 may define a plurality of holes 124. The plurality of holes 124 may include any number of through holes extending through a thickness of the body portion 106. The plurality of holes 124 may extend through a thickness of the body portion 106 and into a corresponding channel of the plurality of channelsl 14. One or more holes of the plurality of holes 124 may be configured to receive a fastening structure, as described herein.

[0052] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the plurality of holes 124 may include separate or discrete openings that are disposed along the axial direction of the body portion 106. For example, the plurality of holes 124 may be defined by the body portion 106 within the top side 109 and extending through to open within a corresponding channel in the bottom side 110. In the present example, the plurality holes 124 may include a first hole 124a, a second hole 124b, a third hole 124c, a fourth hole 124d, a fifth hole 124e, a sixth hole 124f, a seventh hole 124g, an eighth hole 124h, a ninth hole 124i, a tenth hole 124j, an eleventh hole 124k, a twelfth hole 1241, a thirteenth hole 124m, a fourteenth hole 124n, a fifteenth hole 124o, a sixteenth hole 124p, and a seventeenth hole 124q. In other examples, the body portion 106 may define more or fewer holes that may or may not all be positioned within a corresponding channel 114. [0053] The first mounting bracket 104a may be coupled to any of the light fixtures described herein at a channel of the plurality of channels 114. For example, the light fixture may include a mounting portion that is received by the channel of the plurality of channels 114. The mounting portion may have a complimentary shape that slides into or otherwise engages one or more surfaces of the channel. The corresponding hole of the plurality of holes 124 may extend into the one channel and direct a fastening structure to the mounting portion received therein. The fastening structure may engage the mounting portion and be manipulated to positionally fix the light fixture relative to the first mounting structure 104a and the support structure 190.

[0054] This relationship is illustrated with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. As shown in the detail view of FIG. 2, the first mounting bracket 104a is illustrated in the system 100 coupled to the support structure 190 and the second light fixture 170b. For purposes of illustration, the second light fixture 170b and the relationship of the second light fixture 170a to the first mounting bracket 104a is described below. It will be appreciated that the first light fixture 170a and third, fourth, fifth, sixth light fixtures 170c-170f may be substantially similar, with changes in mounting location. For example, the second light fixture 170b is shown as including an outer housing 176, an inner housing 177, an illuminating element 178, a frame 179, and a lamp cover or diffuser 175. The outer and inner housings 176, 177 may cooperate to define structural components of the second light fixture 170b that house electrical components of the light fixture 170b. The illuminating element 178 (e.g., an LED array) may be arranged relative to one or both of the housings 176, 177 and is configured to emit light from the light fixture 170b through the diffuser 175, which is held by the frame 179. The illuminating element 178 may be or include or be associated with any appropriate component that allows the second light fixture 170b to deliver energy to plants, such as a thermal and ultraviolet energy. In this regard, the illuminating element 178 may be used to deliver full spectrum wavelength across a range of input power. It will be appreciated that a variety of different internal light fixture components may be used without departing from the scope of present disclosure.

[0055] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the second light fixture 170b may also include a mounting portion 180. The mounting portion 180 may be an elongated mounting portion that extends along an axial direction of the linear light fixture. Broadly, the mounting portion 180 may be any appropriate structure that is adapted to be received by, or otherwise engage, a channel of the plurality of channels 114 for securement therein. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the mounting portion 180 includes a track 181 . The track 181 may include two substantially L-shaped members that run along at least a portion of the length of the second light fixture 170b. The two-L-shaped members of the track 181 may cooperate to define a pocket 182 and a receiving slot 183 extending into the pocket 182. The receiving slot 183 may be narrower in width than the pocket 182, as defined by the L-shaped members. An axial end 185, shown in FIG. 2, may be open or manipulable to define an opening into the pocket 182. In this regard, the pocket 182 may be configured to receive a fastening structure 134 or feature at the axial end 185 that includes a feature with a width greater than that defined by the receiving slot 183 configured to fit within the pocket 182. The fastening structure 134 can in turn be advanced down the axial length of the mounting portion 180 and prevented from separation from the mounting portion 180 in one direction by the track 181 , as the fastening structure 134 has at least one width greater than that of the receiving slot 183.

[0056] To illustrate the foregoing and with continued reference to FIG. 3, the fastening structure 134 is shown in a configuration in which the fastening structure 134 operates to secure the second light fixture 170b, the first mounting bracket 104a, and the support structure 190 to one another. As illustrated, the fastening structure 134 includes a shaft 135, a head 136, a receiving end 137, a nut 138, washer 139, a sleeve 140, and an alignment block 141. The shaft 135 may be an elongated structure that includes exterior threads (e.g., a bolt). The head 136 may be a nut, cap or other structure that is screwed onto or permanently affixed to, or a unitary part of a first end of the shaft 135. In some cases, the shaft 135 and the head 136 can be portion of a single unitary structure, such as a bolt. The shaft 135 may include a receiving end 137 opposite the head 136. In the example of FIG. 3, the shaft 135 may have a length sufficient to extend through the mounting portion 180, the first mounting bracket 104a, and the support structure 190, such that the receiving end 137 protrudes from the support structure 190 opposite the second light fixture 170b.

[0057] In this regard, the shaft 135 and the head 136 may facilitate the coupling of the second light fixture 170b to the first mounting structure 104a and the support structure 190. As shown in FIG. 3, the head 136 may be positioned in the pocket 182 of the mounting portion 180. For example, the head 136 may be introduced to the mounting portion 180 at the axial end 185 and slid along the track 181 as appropriate. The shaft 135 may extend from the head 136 and through the receiving slot 183. While the shaft 135 and head 136 may slide along the track 181 , the receiving slot 183 may prevent separation or exit of the fastening structure 134 in at least one direction away from the mounting portion 180.

[0058] The mounting portion 180 may in turn be received by a channel of the plurality of channels 114 described herein. In the example of FIG. 3, the mounting portion 180 is received by the ninth channeM 14i. The mounting portion 180 may be received by the ninth channel 114i in a manner that generally aligns the protruding shaft 135 with the ninth hole 124i, which is disposed in the ninth channel 114i. Accordingly, the mounting portion 180 may be received in the ninth channel 114i and the shaft 135 may be received by, and extend through, the ninth hole 124i. [0059] The fastening structure 134 is operable in FIG. 3 to couple the second light fixture 170b and the first mounting bracket 104a to the support structure 190. In this regard, the shaft 135 may be further arranged to extend into and through the support structure 190. For example, and as shown in FIG. 3, the support structure 190 may include a tubular body 192 that defines a tube volume 194, a bottom opening slot 195, and top openings 196. The bottom opening slot 195 may be an opening extending into the tube volume and extend generally along the entire axial length of the support structure 190. The top openings 196 may include discrete openings disposed along the axial length of the support structure 190. The shaft 135 of the fastening structure 134 may be arranged to extend through the bottom opening slot 195 and tube volume 194 and exit the tube volume 194 through one of the top openings 196 such that the receiving end 137 protrudes from the support structure 190 opposite the first mounting bracket 104a. Within the tube volume 194, the shaft 135 may extend through an alignment block 141 and a sleeve 140 and/or other any other component that may facilitate maintaining the shaft 135 in a generally perpendicular orientation within the tube volume 194. The washer 139, nut 138, and/or other appropriate component may be advanced and threaded onto the shaft 135 at the receiving end 137. The nut 138 may be tightened to secure the second light fixture 170b in the ninth channel 114i. For example, by advancing the nut 138, a portion of the track 181 , the first mounting bracket 104a, the alignment block 141 , the sleeve 140, a portion of the support structure 190, and the washer 139 may be compressed between the nut 138 and the head 136 to secure the second light fixture 170b, the first mounting bracket 104a, and the support structure 190.

[0060] The first mounting bracket 104a, and the other mounting brackets described herein, may also be configured to couple with a light fixture that is arranged laterally offset from the support structure 190. With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the first mounting bracket 104a is shown coupled with the third light fixture 170c. The third light fixture 170c may be substantially analogous to the second light fixture 170b described above and include a mounting portion 180c, a track 181c, a pocket 182c, and a receiving slot 183c. The mounting portion 180c may be received within a channel of the plurality of channels 114.

For example, and as shown in FIG. 5, the mounting portion 180c may be received in the fourteenth channel 114n. The fastener 144 may be used to secure the mounting portion 180c in the fourteenth channel 114n. For example, the fastener 144 may be substantially analogous to the fastening structure 134 and include a shaft 145, a head 146, a receiving end 147, a nut 148, and a washer 149. Like the examples described above, the head 146 may be received in the pocket 182c and the shaft 145 may extend through the receiving slot 183c and the fourteenth hole 124n such that the receiving end 147 protrudes from the top side 109 of the first mounting bracket 104a. The washer 149 and the nut 148 may be advanced onto the shaft 145 at the receiving end 147. The nut 148 may be tightened to compress a portion of the mounting portion 180c, the first mounting bracket 104a, and the washer 149 between the nut 148 and the head 146, thereby securing and positionally fixing the third light fixture 170c relative to the first mounting bracket 104a.

[0061] The mounting brackets of the present disclosure may be used to define a set, consistent, and/or even spacing between light fixtures held by the mounting bracket. For example, the plurality of channels 114 can be disposed at increments along the axial length of the first mounting bracket 104a such that a subset of the channels 114 can be used to mount light fixtures at a predetermined set spacing. The set spacing may be based on the total number of light fixtures mounted to the mounting bracket 104a. The set spacing may also be based on the length of size of the growing tray that is illuminated by the light fixtures. [0062] To illustrate the foregoing, FIGS. 13-16 illustrate the first mounting bracket 104a coupled to various numbers of light fixtures that illuminate a growing tray of a first size, such as a growing tray of four feet in width. The first mounting bracket 104a may be configured to define a predetermined spacing between light fixtures for arrangements of two light fixtures, three light fixtures, four light fixtures, and five light fixtures at constant and even spacings, based in part on the position of the plurality of channels 114 along the axial direction of the first mounting bracket 104a.

[0063] For example, and with reference to FIG. 13, a growing environment 1300 is shown. The growing environment 1300 may include an environment in which a first light fixture 1304a and a second light fixture 1304b are used to provide energy to a four-foot wide growing tray. The first mounting bracket 104a is shown in the growing environment 1300 coupled with the light fixtures 1304a, 1304b. For example, the first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the first light fixture 1304a at the sixth channel 114f. The first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the second light fixture 1304b at the twelfth channel 1141. With the first light fixture 1304a coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the sixth channel 114f and the second light fixture 1304b coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the twelfth channel 1141, the first mounting bracket 104a may define a two-light spacing 1301 between the first and second light fixtures 1304a, 1304b. In this regard, the sixth channel 114f and the twelfth channel 1141 may be a first subset of channels of the plurality of channels 114 that define the two-light spacing 1301 , or otherwise define a constant spacing between the first and second light fixtures 1304a, 1304b that is configured to provide appropriate and even illumination across and along the four-foot tray with two light fixtures, e.g., such as by reducing zones of the tray receiving a suboptimal amount of energy and preventing areas of excess intensity.

[0064] For example, and with reference to FIG. 14, a growing environment 1400 is shown. The growing environment 1400 may include an environment in which a first light fixture 1404a, a second light fixture 1404b, and a third light fixture 1404c are used to provide energy to a four-foot wide growing tray. The first mounting bracket 104a is shown in the growing environment 1400 coupled with the light fixtures 1404a-1404c. For example, the first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the first light fixture 1404a at the fourth channel 114d. The first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the second light fixture 1404b at the ninth channel 114i. The first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the third light fixture 1404c at the fourteenth channel 114n. With the first light fixture 1404a coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the fourth channel 114d, the second light fixture 1404b coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the ninth channel 114i, and the third light fixture 1404c coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the fourteenth channel 114n, the first mounting bracket 104a may define a three-light spacing 1401 between the first and second light fixtures 1404a, 1404b and the second and third light fixtures 1404b, 1404c. In this regard, the fourth channel 114d, the ninth channel 114i, and the fourteenth channel 114n may be a second subset of channels of the plurality of channels 114 that define the three-light spacing 1401 , or otherwise define a constant and even spacing between the light fixtures 1404a-1404c that is configured to provide appropriate and even illumination for the four-foot tray with three light fixtures, e.g., such as by reducing zones of the tray receiving a suboptimal amount of energy and preventing areas of excess intensity.

[0065] For example, and with reference to FIG. 15, a growing environment 1500 is shown. The growing environment 1500 may include an environment in which a first light fixture 1504a, a second light fixture 1504b, a third light fixture 1504c, and a fourth light fixture 1504d are used to provide energy to a four-foot wide growing tray. The first mounting bracket 104a is shown in the growing environment 1500 coupled with the light fixtures 1504a-1504d. For example, the first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the first light fixture 1504a at the third channel 114c. The first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the second light fixture 1504b at the eighth channel 114h. The first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the third light fixture 1504c at the tenth channel 114j. The first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the fourth light fixture 1504d at the fifteenth channel 114o. With the first light fixture 1504a coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the third channel 114c, the second light fixture 1504b coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the eighth channel 114h, the third light fixture 1504c coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the tenth channel 114j, and the fourth light fixture 104d coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the fifteenth channel 114o, the first mounting bracket 104a may define a four-light spacing 1501 between the first and second light fixtures 1504a, 1504b, the second and third light fixtures 1504b, 1504c, and the third and fourth light fixtures 1504c, 1504d. In this regard, the third channel 114c, the eighth channel 114h, the tenth channel 114j, and the fifteenth channel 114o, may be a third subset of channels of the plurality of channels 114 that define the four-light spacing 1501 , or otherwise define a constant and even spacing between the light fixtures 1504a-1504d that is configured to provide appropriate and even illumination for the four- foot tray with four light fixtures, e.g., such as by reducing zones of the tray receiving a suboptimal amount of energy and preventing areas of excess intensity.

[0066] For example, and with reference to FIG. 16, a growing environment 1600 is shown. The growing environment 1600 may include an environment in which a first light fixture 1604a, a second light fixture 1604b, a third light fixture 1604c, a fourth light fixture 1604d, and a fifth light fixture 1604e are used to provide energy to a four foot tray. The first mounting bracket 104a is shown in the growing environment 1600 coupled with the light fixtures 1604a-1604e. For example, the first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the first light fixture 1604a at the third channel 114c. The first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the second light fixture 1604b at the seventh channel 114g.

The first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the third light fixture 1604c at the ninth channel 114i. The first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the fourth light fixture 1604d at the eleventh channel 114k. The first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the fifth light fixture 1604e at the fifteenth channel 114o. With the first light fixture 1604a coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the third channel 114c, the second light fixture 1604b coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the seventh channel 114g, the third light fixture 1604c coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the ninth channel 114i, the fourth light fixture 1604d coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the eleventh channel 114k, and the fifth light fixture 1604e coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the fifteenth channel 114o, the first mounting bracket 104a may define a five-light spacing 1601 between each of the light fixtures 1604a-1604e. In this regard, the third channel 114c, the seventh channel 114g, the ninth channel 114i, the eleventh channel 114k, and the fifteenth channel 114o may be a fourth subset of channels of the plurality of channels 114 that define the five-light spacing 1601 , or otherwise define a constant and even spacing between the light fixtures 1604a-1604e that is configured to provide appropriate and even illumination for the four-foot tray with five light fixtures, e.g., such as by reducing zones of the tray receiving a suboptimal amount of energy and preventing areas of excess intensity.

[0067] Turning to FIGS. 17-20, the first mounting bracket 104a is shown coupled to various numbers of light fixtures that illuminate a growing tray of a second size, such as a growing tray of five feet in width. The first mounting bracket 104a may be configured to define a predetermined spacing between light fixtures for arrangements of two light fixtures, three light fixture, four light fixtures, and five light fixtures at constant and even spacings, based in part on the position of the plurality of channels 114 along the axial direction of the first mounting bracket 104a.

[0068] For example, and with reference to FIG. 17, a growing environment 1700 is shown. The growing environment 1700 may include an environment in which a first light fixture 1704a and a second light fixture 1704b are used to provide energy to a five-foot wide growing tray. The first mounting bracket 104a is shown in the growing environment 1700 coupled with the light fixtures 1704a, 1704b. For example, the first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the first light fixture 1704a at the fifth channel 114e. The first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the second light fixture 1704b at the thirteenth channel 114m. With the first light fixture 1704a coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the fifth channel 114e and the second light fixture 1704b coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the thirteenth channel 114m, the first mounting bracket 104a may define a two-light spacing 1701 between the first and second light fixtures 1704a, 1704b. In this regard, the fifth channel 114e and the thirteenth channel 114m may be another first subset of channels of the plurality of channels 114 that define the two-light spacing 1701 , or otherwise define a constant and even spacing between the first and second light fixtures 1704a, 1704b that is configured to provide appropriate and even illumination for the five-foot tray with two light fixtures, e.g., such as by reducing zones of the tray receiving a suboptimal amount of energy and preventing areas of excess intensity.

[0069] For example, and with reference to FIG. 18, a growing environment 1800 is shown. The growing environment 1800 may include an environment in which a first light fixture 1804a, a second light fixture 1804b, and a third light fixture 1804c are used to provide energy to a five-foot wide growing tray. The first mounting bracket 104a is shown in the growing environment 1800 coupled with the light fixtures 1804a-1804c. For example, the first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the first light fixture 1804a at the third channel 114c. The first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the second light fixture 1804b at the ninth channel 114i. The first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the third light fixture 1804c at the fifteenth channel 114o. With the first light fixture 1804a coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the third channel 114c, the second light fixture 1804b coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the ninth channel 114i, and the third light fixture 1804c coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the fifteenth channel 114o, the first mounting bracket 104a may define a three-light spacing 1801 between the first and second light fixtures 1804a, 1804b and the second and third light fixtures 1804b, 1804c. In this regard, the third channel 114c, the ninth channel 114i, and the fifteenth channel 114o may be another second subset of channels of the plurality of channels 114 that define the three-light spacing 1801 , or otherwise define a constant and even spacing between the light fixtures 1804a-1804c that is configured to provide appropriate and even illumination for the five-foot tray with three light fixtures, e.g., such as by reducing zones of the tray receiving a suboptimal amount of energy and preventing areas of excess intensity.

[0070] For example, and with reference to FIG. 19, a growing environment 1900 is shown. The growing environment 1900 may include an environment in which a first light fixture 1904a, a second light fixture 1904b, a third light fixture 1904c, and a fourth light fixture 1904d are used to provide energy to a five-foot wide growing tray. The first mounting bracket 104a is shown in the growing environment 1900 coupled with the light fixtures 1904a-1904d. For example, the first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the first light fixture 1904a at the second channel 114b. The first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the second light fixture 1904b at the eighth channel 114h. The first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the third light fixture 1904c at the tenth channel 114j. The first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the fourth light fixture 1904d at the sixteenth channel 114p. With the first light fixture 1904a coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the second channel 114b, the second light fixture 1904b coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the eighth channel 114h, the third light fixture 1904c coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the tenth channel 114j, and the fourth light fixture 104d coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the sixteenth channel 114p, the first mounting bracket 104a may define a four-light spacing 1901 between the first and second light fixtures 1904a, 1904b, the second and third light fixtures 1904b, 1904c, and the third and fourth light fixtures 1904c, 1904d. In this regard, the second channel 114b, the eighth channel 114h, the tenth channel 114j, and the sixteenth channel 114p, may be another third subset of channels of the plurality of channels 114 that define the four-light spacing 1901 , or otherwise define a constant and even spacing between the light fixtures 1904a-1904d that is configured to provide appropriate and even illumination for the five-foot tray with four light fixtures, e.g., such as by reducing zones of the tray receiving a suboptimal amount of energy and preventing areas of excess intensity.

[0071] For example, and with reference to FIG. 20, a growing environment 2000 is shown. The growing environment 2000 may include an environment in which a first light fixture 2004a, a second light fixture 2004b, a third light fixture 2004c, a fourth light fixture 2004d, and a fifth light fixture 2004e are used to provide energy to a five-foot wide growing tray. The first mounting bracket 104a is shown in the growing environment 2000 coupled with the light fixtures 2004a-2004e. For example, the first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the first light fixture 2004a at the first channel 114a. The first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the second light fixture 2004b at the sixth channel 114f. The first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the third light fixture 2004c at the ninth channel 114i. The first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the fourth light fixture 2004d at the twelfth channel 1141. The first mounting bracket 104a may receive and couple with the fifth light fixture 2004e at the seventeenth channel 114q. With the first light fixture 2004a coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the first channel 114a, the second light fixture 2004b coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the sixth channel 114f, the third light fixture 2004c coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the ninth channel 114i, the fourth light fixture 2004d coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the twelfth channel 1141, and the fifth light fixture 2004e coupled to the first mounting bracket 104a at the seventeenth channel 114q, the first mounting bracket 104a may define a five-light spacing 2001 between each of the light fixtures 2004a-2004e.

In this regard, the first channel 114a, the sixth channel 114f , the ninth channel 114i, the twelfth channel 1141, and the seventeenth channel 114q may be another fourth subset of channels of the plurality of channels 114 that define the five-light spacing 2001 , or otherwise define a constant and even spacing between the light fixtures 2004a2004e that is configured to provide appropriate and even illumination for the five-foot tray with five light fixtures, e.g., such as by reducing zones of the tray receiving a suboptimal amount of energy and preventing areas of excess intensity.

[0072] To facilitate the reader’s understanding of the various functionalities of the embodiments discussed herein, reference is now made to the flow diagram in FIG. 21 , which illustrates process 2100. While specific steps (and orders of steps) of the methods presented herein have been illustrated and will be discussed, other methods (including more, fewer, or different steps than those illustrated) consistent with the teachings presented herein are also envisioned and encompassed with the present disclosure.

[0073] At operation 2104, a first light fixture is connected to a first elongated mounting bracket. For example, and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6, the first light fixture 170a may be connected to the first mounting bracket 104a. In one implementation, the mounting portion 180 of the first light fixture 170a can be received in a channel of the plurality of channels 114 of the mounting bracket. Further, a fastening structure may be advanced through a hole corresponding to the channel and used to secure the first light fixture 170a to the first mounting bracket 104a.

[0074] At operation 2108, the first light fixture is connected to a second elongated mounting bracket. For example, and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6, the first light fixture 170a may be connected to the second mounting bracket 104b. In one implementation, the mounting portion 180 of the first light fixture 170a can be received in a channel of the plurality of channels 114 of the mounting bracket. Further, a fastening structure may be advanced through a hole corresponding to the channel and used to secure the first light fixture 170a to the second mounting bracket 104b. [0075] At operation 2112, a second light fixture is connected to the first elongated mounting bracket. For example, and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6, the second light fixture 170a may be connected to the first mounting bracket 104a. In one implementation, the mounting portion 180 of the second light fixture 170b can be received in a channel of the plurality of channels 114 of the mounting bracket. Further, a fastening structure may be advanced through a hole corresponding to the channel and used to secure the second light fixture 170b to the first mounting bracket 104a.

[0076] At operation 2116, the second light fixture is connected to the second elongated mounting bracket. For example, and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6, the second light fixture 170b may be connected to the second mounting bracket 104b. In one implementation, the mounting portion 180 of the second light fixture 170b can be received in a channel of the plurality of channels 114 of the mounting bracket. Further, a fastening structure may be advanced through a hole corresponding to the channel and used to secure the second light fixture 170a to the second mounting bracket 104b.

[0077] All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader’s understanding of the structures disclosed herein, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of such structures. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. The exemplary drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.

[0078] Other examples and implementations are within the scope of the disclosure and appended claims. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific examples described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not targeted to be exhaustive or to limit the examples to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.