GB2598357A

GB2598357A - A fixture housing for installation in a support surface

Info

Publication number: GB2598357A
Application number: GB2013504.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Vincent Boden Bernard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2020-08-28
Filing date: 2020-08-28
Publication date: 2022-03-02
Also published as: GB202110815D0; GB202013504D0; GB2599208A

Abstract

A fixture housing (201, Fig. 3) for installation in a support surface 1301, such as a ceiling, comprises a seating flange 202 for seating against a first face of the support surface, and a securing arrangement 203 comprising at least one securing element 204 that is movable from a first position, in which the securing element 204 allows the fixture housing 201 to be inserted into an aperture 1302 in the support surface 1301, to a second, retaining position in which the securing element 204 locates the fixture housing 201 within the support surface 1301, and the support surface 1301 is disposed between the seating flange 202 and the securing element 202. Also claimed are a method of installing the fixture housing in a support surface, an installation comprising a support surface and a fixture housing installed in the support surface, and a downlight comprising the fixture housing.

Description

A FIXTURE HOUSING FOR INSTALLATION IN A SUPPORT

SURFACE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a fixture housing for installation in a support surface, a method of installing a fixture housing in a support surface and an installation comprising a support surface and at least one fixture housing installed in the support surface. More specifically, the present invention relates to a fixture housing for installation of a downlight, smoke and/or carbon monoxide detector, or other fixture in a ceiling,

Background of the Invention

Fixtures in support surfaces include downlights in ceilings. Such fixtures often include a housing for the fixture. For example, a downlight often includes a lamp housing for housing a lamp (which may be removable and replaceable).

The use of downlights is commonplace in both domestic and commercial built environments. Recessed downlights are deployed in many different environments and on all floors of buildings. These light fittings are popular due to their aesthetics and the different ways they can be employed to create a variety of lighting effects.

In a domestic house having two floors, for example, downlights may be used in the ground floor rooms and also in the first-floor rooms. Typical first-floor rooms comprise bedrooms and bathrooms, but may, for example, comprise guestrooms and home-offices. Immediately above the first-floor rooms may be an attic void. In a property that has rooms on only one floor, such as ground-floor rooms of a single storey bungalow, there may be an attic void immediately above these.

Most houses are now provided with a heating system, for example by way of gas central heating, electric storage heating or wood-fire heating, and it is now also common practice to insulate rooms against heat loss. A frequent method of achieving insulation is to lag the floor of the attic void with a material, for example glass fibre matting, having thermal characteristics suitable for encouraging the retention of heat in the rooms below. However, a problem has been found to exist when rooms immediately beneath an attic void have been fitted with downlights. As a consequence of insulating the attic void, operation of the heating system usually results in the attic void becoming generally considerably colder than the rooms below. The installation of a downlight within a ceiling typically involves creating an aperture in the ceiling into which the downlight is inserted. Often though, there are gaps left around the fitted downlight that allow relatively warm air in the room below to flow up into the relatively cold air in the attic void above. This passage of air through the ceiling causes considerable loss of heat, especially where a number of downlights have been fitted.

It is known for attempts to be made to reduce the heat loss by employing additional means of insulation adjacent to the downlight but this approach does not provide a satisfactory solution to the problem.

Air permeability of a building has come into focus in recent years. HM Government, The Building Regulations 2010 Approved Document F, Ventilation, reads "Air permeability is the physical property used to measure the airtightness of the building fabric. It is defined as air leakage rate per hour per square metre of envelope area at a test reference pressure differential across the building envelope of 50 Pascal (50N/m2).

The design air permeability is the target value set at the design stage." and "Airtightness is a general descriptive term for the resistance of the building envelope to infiltration with ventilators closed. The greater the airtightness at a given pressure difference across the envelope, the lower the infiltration.' The level of airtightness achieved in a building is measured as air permeability: m3/h.m2 at 50 Pa. In other words, the quantity of air (in m3) that leaks into or out of the building per hour, divided by the internal area (in m2) of the building fabric at 50 Pa pressure difference. Where a lower value is achieved the dwelling is more airtight For example, a dwelling that achieves 5 m3/h.m2 at 50 Pa will have demonstrated a better standard of airtightness, than a dwelling that achieves 7 m3/h.m2 at 50 Pa. HM Government, The Building Regulations 2010 Approved Document LI A, Conservation of fuel and power in new dwellings sets a poorest acceptable standard level of airtightness of 10 m3/h.m2 at 50 Pa. The UK Energy Saving Trust mentions targets of 3 m3/h.m2 at 50 Pa (mechanically ventilated), and 1 m3/h.m2 at 50 Pa (PassivHaus).

It is an object of the invention to provide a fixture housing, which may be used in, but is not limited to use in, a downlight, that contributes to the prevention of heat loss through a support surface, such as a ceiling, into which it is fitted. It is a further objection of the invention to provide a fixture housing that is convenient to install.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect there is provided a fixture housing for installation in a support surface, such as a ceiling; the fixture housing for insertion into an aperture of the support surface, the fixture housing comprising: a seating flange for seating against a first face of the support surface, and a securing arrangement for maintaining the fixture housing in an installed condition within the support surface; the securing arrangement comprising at least one securing element, the securing element movable from: a first position, in which the securing element allows the fixture housing to be inserted into the aperture in the support surface, to a second, retaining position, in which the securing element locates the fixture housing within the support surface, with the support surface disposed between said seating flange and said securing element The fixture installation therefore comprises means for retaining the fixture installation within a support surface, such as a ceiling.

The securing element may be movable from the second, retaining position to the first position.

The fixture installation therefore comprises means for retaining the fixture installation within a support surface, such as a ceiling, that may also then subsequently allow the fixture installation to be released from the support surface. The movement from the second, retaining position to the first position may be the direct reverse of the movement from the first position to the second, retaining position.

The fixture housing may have an axial direction and a radial direction, the securing element may comprise a flange portion, and when the securing element is in the first position, the flange portion is in a first radial position, and when the securing element is in the second, retaining position, the flange portion is in a second radial position that is radially outward of the first radial position, whereby moving the securing element from the first position to the second, retaining position moves the flange portion radially outwards.

The securing element may be rotatable about an axis extending in the axial direction.

The securing element may be movable along an axis extending in the axial direction.

The securing arrangement may comprise a drive means operable to drive the securing element from the first position towards the second, retaining position.

Operating the drive means to move the securing element from the first position to the second, retaining position may move the flange portion radially outwards and moves the flange portion in the axial direction closer to the seating flange.

The flange portion may be moved radially outwards before the flange portion is moved in the axial direction closer to the seating flange.

The drive means may comprise a lead screw.

The securing arrangement comprises a plurality of said securing elements.

The securing elements of a plurality of securing elements may be arranged equidistantly around the fixture housing. They may be arranged at the same, similar or different positions in an axial direction and/or in a radial direction of the fixture housing.

The fixture housing may have a cross-sectional shape, in a transverse plane that is normal to a longitudinal axis of the fixture housing, that is circular or square.

According to a second aspect there is provided a method of installing a fixture housing in a support surface, the fixture housing according to the first aspect, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a fixture housing, the fixture housing according to the first aspect; inserting the received fixture housing in an aperture of a support surface such that the seating flange of the received fixture housing is seated against a first face of the support surface; and moving the at least one securing element from the first position to the second, retaining position to locate the fixture housing in the support surface with the support surface disposed between the seating flange of the fixture housing and the flange portion of the securing element According to a third aspect there is provided an installation comprising a support surface and at least one fixture housing installed in the support surface, the fixture housing according to the first aspect In another aspect, there is provided a downlight comprising the fixture housing of the first aspect. Preferably, the fixture housing forms an airtight hood for a lamp.

Further particular and preferred aspects of the invention are set out in the accompanying dependent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be more particularly described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure I illustrates a downlight within a lighting installation, the lighting installation comprising a ceiling and a plurality of downlights installed in the ceiling; Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the downlight of Figure I, with a securing element of a fixture housing of the present invention in a first position; Figure 3 shows a side view of the downlight of Figure 1, with the securing element thereof in the first position; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the downlight of Figure I, with the securing element thereof in a second position; Figure 5 shows an enlarged view of region A of Figure 4; Figure 6 shows a side view of the downlight of Figure 1, with the securing element thereof in the second position; Figure 7 shows a section view along the line B-B of Figure 6; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the downlight of Figure 1 with the securing element thereof in the first position; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the downlight of Figure 1 with the securing element thereof in a position intermediate the first position and the second position; Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the downlight of Figure 1 with the securing element thereof in the second position; Figure I I shows a top view of the downlight of Figure I with the securing element thereof in the second position; Figure 12 shows a bottom view of the downlight of Figure 1 with the securing element thereof in the second position; Figure 13 illustrates the downlight of Figure I inserted in an aperture of a support surface until a seating flange thereof is in contact with a first side of the support surface; Figure 14 illustrates the downlight of Figure 13 after a securing element thereof has been moved until a flange portion of the securing element is in contact with a second, opposite side of the support surface; and Figure 15 shows steps in a method of installation of a fixture housing of the present invention in a support surface.

Description

Examples are described below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to implement the apparatus, systems and/or processes described herein. However, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise examples described and/or shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

In the following description, all orientational terms, such as upper, lower, radially and axially, are used in relation to the drawings and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings may have been exaggerated or simplified for illustrative purposes only.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. In addition, features referred to herein in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", "has" and/or "having" when used herein, specify the presence of the stated feature or features and do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

A fixture housing, for installation in a support surface, such as a ceiling, is disclosed. In a specific example, the fixture housing comprises a securing arrangement that can accommodate different thicknesses of support surface and/or variations in the thickness of the support surface. A method of installing the fixture housing in a support surface, such a ceiling, is also disclosed. An installation comprising a support surface, such as a ceiling, and at least one fixture housing installed in the support surface is further disclosed.

The fixture installation therefore comprises means for retaining the fixture installation within a support surface, such as a ceiling. The securing element may be movable from the second, retaining position to the first position. The means for retaining the fixture installation within a support surface, such as a ceiling, that may also then subsequently allow the fixture installation to be released from the support surface. The movement from the second, retaining position to the first position may be the direct reverse of the movement from the first position to the second, retaining position.

In an embodiment, the fixture housing is comprised by a downlight. In a specific embodiment, the fixture housing of the downlight forms an airtight hood for a lamp.

It is to be understood that the fixture housing disclosed herein may be used in a variety of different applications. For example, the fixture housing may be used to install one or more of the following in a support surface: * Lighting Devices -this category of fixture includes various apparatus, including (but not limited to) lamps (for example, halogen, or LED (light emitting diode) lamps), other light sources, for example integrated LED lighting components, and Human Centric Lighting.

* Sensor Devices -this category of fixture includes various apparatus, including (but not limited to) smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, motion sensors, humidity sensors, temperature sensors, cameras.

* Connectivity Devices -this category of fixture includes various apparatus, including (but not limited to) WI-F1 devices, LI-F1 devices, * Control Devices -this category of fixture includes various apparatus, including (but not limited to) data processing devices, alarm devices.

* Other Devices -this category of fixture includes various apparatus, including (but not limited to) loudspeakers.

It is to be appreciated that the support surface may be any suitable surface of a room, area or space of any kind of building, which may be used for residential, social or commercial purposes, or in another environment, such as within a form of transport, for example, a boat. A fixture housing as described herein may therefore be utilised in various different places, in various different types of installation.

A downlight 101 is illustrated in Figures 1 to 14.

The downlight 101 is shown within a lighting installation 102 that comprises a support surface 103 and at least one downlight 101 installed in the support surface 103. The shown example, the lighting installation 102 comprises 4 downlights, but may comprise any suitable alternative number of downlights, for example 6 or more.

In this specific illustrated example, the support surface 103 is a ceiling of a room of a house, with an array of downlights 101, 104-106 installed therein. According to the illustrated scenario, the room of the house is located on a storey immediately beneath an attic void, and the downlights have been installed within the ceiling to replace lighting of a different type.

A problem is known to exist with prior art downlights that have been installed in the ceiling of a room that is directly beneath an attic void. When the attic void is insulated, heating the room causes the air temperature in the room to be raised higher than the air temperature in the attic void. When fitting downlights, it is usual to create an aperture in the ceiling into which the downlight is then inserted. However, it is often the case that the aperture is formed roughly, with the result that gaps exist around the fitted downlight. These gaps undesirably provide a route for relatively warm air in the room to pass through the ceiling up into the cooler air of the attic void above, with the outcome that heat is lost from the room. It has been found that downlights in the ceiling of a room immediately beneath an attic void can reduce the effectiveness of loft insulation by as much as 30%, owing to gaps in the insulation around the downlights. Also, attic condensation, especially during the winter, can decrease the effectiveness of the loft insulation and, over time, can cause significant damage to structural elements in the attic such as rafters or trusses.

Figures 2 & 3 shows a perspective and a side view respectively of downlight 101.

Downlight 101 comprises a fixture housing 201 for insertion into an aperture of a support surface (not shown in these Figures, but see, for example, the aperture of the support surface shown in Figures 13 & 14), such as a ceiling.

In accordance with an object of the invention, to provide a fixture housing that contributes to the prevention of heat loss through a support surface, such as a ceiling, into which it is fitted, the fixture housing 201 of the present example incorporates a design for maintaining the integrity of the support surface.

The fixture housing 201 of this specific embodiment is designed to form an airtight hood for a lamp (not shown in these Figures, but see, for example, the lamp shown in Figures 8 & 9 & 10). In an example, the fixture housing 201 is designed to achieve a level of airtightness of less than or equal to 1 rn3h.m2 at 50 Pa. However, in other examples, the fixture housing 201 is designed to achieve a level of airtightness of less than 10 m3'h.m2 at 50 Pa, preferably less than 5 m3'h.m2 at 50 Pa, more preferably less than 3 m31h.m2 at 50 Pa.

The fixture housing 201 comprises a seating flange 202 for seating against a first face of the support surface (not shown in these Figures, but see, for example, the first face of the support surface shown in Figures 13 & 14).

The fixture housing 201 further comprises a securing arrangement 203 for maintaining the fixture housing 201 in an installed condition within the support surface.

The securing arrangement 203 comprises at least one securing element, such as the securing element 204 of Figure 2. As will be described in further detail, the securing element 204 is movable from: a first position, in which the securing element 204 allows the fixture housing 201 to be inserted into the aperture in the support surface, to a second, retaining position, in which the securing element 204 locates the fixture housing 201 within the support surface, with the support surface disposed between the seating flange 202 and the securing element 204.

Preferably, and as featured in fixture housing 201, the securing element 204 is movable from the second, retaining position to the first position. This feature facilitates removal of fixture housing 201 from an installed condition, if required.

In Figures 2 & 3, the securing element 204 is shown the first position.

As indicated in Figure 3, the fixture housing 201 has a first, lower end 301 and a second, opposite, upper end 302. The first end 301 is an "open" end, and the second end 302 is a "closed" end. In this illustrated example, a lamp may be inserted through the "open end" 301 for fitting into the downlight 101 The securing element 204 is shown in the second, retaining position in Figure 4. An enlarged view of the region A of Figure 4, showing features of the securing arrangement 203 comprising the securing element 204, is shown in Figure 5.

As illustrated in Figure 4, the fixture housing 201 has an axial direction AD and a radial direction RD.

The securing element 204 comprises a flange portion 401. When the securing element 204 is in the first position, the flange portion 401 is in a first radial position, and when the securing element 204 is in the second, retaining position, the flange portion 401 is in a second radial position that is radially outward of the first radial position. Thus, moving the securing element 204 from the first position to the second, retaining position moves the flange portion 401 radially outwards.

The securing element 204 is shown the second, retaining position in Figure 6. A section view along the line B-B of Figure 6 is shown in Figure 7.

In this illustrated example, the fixture housing 201 has a cross-sectional shape, in a transverse plane that is normal to a longitudinal axis of the fixture housing 201, that is circular. In alternative examples, the fixture housing 201 has an alternative cross-sectional shape, in that same plane, that is a different shape, for example square.

In this example also, the seating flange 202 is generally annular, more specifically circular annular, and has a generally planar upper surface 501.

Also, in this example, the flange portion 401 of the securing element 204 has a complementary shape to that of the seating flange 202 and has a generally planar lower surface 502. It is to be appreciated that the lower surface 502 may have any suitable surface profile, for example, a surface profile arranged for providing grip. The lower surface 502 of the flange portion 401 of the securing element 204 is spaced in the axial direction AD from the upper surface 501 of the seating flange 202, is arranged to extend generally parallel to the upper surface 501 of the seating flange 202.

In this illustrated example, when in the second, retaining position, the lower surface 502 of the flange portion 401 of the securing element 204 is aligned in the radial direction RD to at least overlap, or otherwise coincide with the upper surface 501 of the seating flange 202.

In the present example, the securing element 204 is rotatable about an axis 503 extending in the axial direction AD.

In the present example also, the securing element 204 is movable along an axis 503 extending in the axial direction AD.

More specifically, in this illustrated example, the securing element 204 is rotatable around, and movable along, the axis 503 extending in the axial direction AD.

Even more specifically, in this illustrated example, the securing element 204 rotates around, and moves along, the axis 503 extending in the axial direction AD as the securing element 204 moves from the first position to the second, retaining position.

The securing arrangement 203 comprises a drive means 504 operable to drive the securing element 204 from the first position towards the second, retaining position. Operating the drive means 504 to move the securing element 204 from the first position to the second, retaining position moves the flange portion 401 radially outwards and also moves the flange portion 401 in the axial direction AD closer to the seating flange 202.

The drive means 504 may comprise any suitable arrangement.

In this illustrated example, the drive means 504 comprises a lead screw 505. In the shown arrangement, the lead screw 505 is rotatable about the axis 503.

S

Further in this illustrated example, the securing arrangement 203 comprises an engaging element 506, that operatively connects the securing element 204 to the lead screw 505.

Also, in this illustrated example, the securing arrangement 203 comprises a first, lower barrier 507, which has an upper end 508, a second, upper barrier 509, and a third, side barrier 510. Further, in the present example, the fixture housing 201 defines a recess 511.

Referring now to Figure 7, the lead screw 505 has a drive end 701 that is operable to cause the lead screw 505 to rotate. The drive end 701 may be operated using a suitable tool 702. According to the shown arrangement, the drive end 701 is accessible via the first, "open" end 301 of the lamp housing 201.

In Figure 7, a distance D, in the axial direction AD, between the lower surface 501 of the flange portion 401 of the securing element 204 and the upper surface 502 of the seating flange 202. The distance D is adjustable, so that different thicknesses of support surface can be accommodated. The drive means 504 is operable to bring the lower surface 501 of the flange portion 401 of the securing element 204 closer to the upper surface 502 of the seating flange 202 until the fixture housing 201 is suitably located. The drive means 504 is operable to drive the flange portion 401 of the securing element 204 towards the seating flange 202 until the support surface is clamped between the securing element 204 and the seating flange 202. This advantageously ensures that an "air tight" fit of the fixture housing 201 in the support surface is achieved.

Movement of the securing element 204 from the first to the second position will now be described further with reference to Figures 8, 9 & 10. In Figure 8 the securing element 204 is shown in the first position, in Figure 10 the securing element 204 is shown in the second position, and in Figure 9 the securing element 204 is shown in a position intermediate the first position and the second position.

Starting with Figure 8, a central axis 801 of the fixture housing 101 is shown. A lamp 802 is shown fitted within a lamp holder (not shown in Figure) of the downlight 101. The lamp 802 may be a lamp of any suitable type, for example a halogen-based lamp or an LED (light emitting diode)-based lamp of any suitable wattage, and having any desired, colour temperature, diffusion level or other aesthetic characteristic.

A circumferential direction CD of the fixture housing 201 is also indicated.

The securing element 204 is shown in the first position.

The securing element 204 is pivotable about axis 503, to swing radially outwardly from the first position. When the securing element 204 is in the shown first position the flange portion 401 is in a radially innermost position. As illustrated, when in the shown first position, the securing element 204 is located within recess 511, with a portion thereof disposed, in the axial direction AD, between the first barrier 507 and the second barrier 509. Further, in the circumferential direction CD of the fixture housing 201, the securing element 204 extends over the upper end 508 of the barrier 507 and the flange portion 401 is located to one side 803 of the barrier 507.

Moving from Figure 8 to Figure 9 now, as the securing element 204 is initially rotated from the first position towards the second position, its position in the axial direction AD is restrained by means of the first barrier 507 but the flange portion 401 can move into a radially outermost position.

In the intermediate position shown in Figure 9, the distance, in the axial direction AD, between the lower surface 501 of the flange portion 401 of the securing element 204 and the upper surface 502 of the seating flange 202 is indicated as DI. According to the present example, DI represents the widest that the lower surface 501 of the flange portion 401 of the securing element 204 and the upper surface 502 of the seating flange 202 can be apart. Also, in the circumferential direction CD of the lamp housing 201, the securing element 204 no longer extends over the upper end 508 of the barrier 507 and the flange portion 401 is located to other side 901 of the barrier 507.

Moving now from Figure 9 to Figure 10, continued driving of the securing element 204 from the intermediate position towards the second position moves the flange portion 401, in the axial direction AD, closer to the seating flange 202. During this movement, the position of the securing element 204 in the circumferential direction CD is restrained by means of the third barrier 510.

In the second position shown in Figure 10, the distance, in the axial direction AD, between the lower surface 501 of the flange portion 401 of the securing element 204 and the upper surface 502 of the seating flange 202 is indicated as D2. The magnitude of the distance D2 is less than the magnitude of the distance DI. The magnitude of this distance D is adjustable, so that the fixture housing 201 can be used with different thicknesses of support surface. Further, the drive means 504 of this present example is designed to maintain a set distance D between the flange portion 401 of the securing element 204 and the seating flange 202. The distance D, in the axial direction AD, between the lower surface 501 of the flange portion 401 of the securing element 204 and the upper surface 502 of the seating flange 202 can be reduced to apply a clamping force on the support surface in which the fixture housing 201 is being installed, which will be maintained until an adjustment is actively made to the positioning of the flange portion 401 of the securing element 204 relative to the upper surface 502 of the seating flange 202.

Thus, the flange portion 401 of the securing element 204 may be moved radially outwards before being moved in the axial direction closer to the seating flange 202. In some arrangements, the flange portion of the securing element may be moved in the axial direction closer to the seating flange before being moved radially outwards. In some arrangements, the flange portion of the securing element may be moved in the axial direction closer to the seating flange at the same time as being moved radially outwards. It is to be appreciated that the flange portion of the securing element may be moved in a radial direction and in an axial direction simultaneously or in distinct stages.

In a preferred example, the lower surface 501 of the flange portion 401 of the securing element 204 is provided with a first gasket (not shown) and the upper surface 502 of the seating flange 202 is provided with a second gasket (not shown), which can be brought into contact with the upper and lower surfaces respectively of a support surface, such as a ceiling. An advantage provided by such gaskets is the minimisation of air movement between an upstairs room and a downstairs room, for example between a room immediately below an attic void and the attic void. A further provided by such gaskets is the minimisation of movement of the fixture housing 201 relative to the support surface during installation.

A top view of the downlight 101, with the securing element 204 in the second position, is shown in Figure 1 1, which therefore shows the "closed" end 302 of the fixture housing 201. A bottom view of the downlight 101, with the securing element 204 in the second position, is shown in Figure 12, which therefore shows the "open" end 301 of the fixture housing 201.

As can be seen best in Figures 11 & 12, in the present example, the securing arrangement 203 of the fixture housing 201 comprises a plurality of securing elements 204. In this specific illustrated example, the fixture housing 201 comprises three securing elements 204, 204B and 204C. Further, in this present example, the securing elements 204, 204B and 204C of are arranged equidistantly, in the circumferential direction, around the fixture housing 201. In this specific illustrated example, an individual drive means is provided for each of the plurality of security elements.

It is to be appreciated that the securing arrangement of a fixture housing as described herein may have any suitable number of securing elements, of any suitable type, in any

suitable formation.

In Figures 13 & 14, the downlight 101 is shown located within a support surface 1301. In Figure 13, the fixture housing 201 is shown after having been inserted into an aperture 1302 of the support surface 1301, in the insertion direction indicated by arrow 1303 and with the "closed" end 302 of the fixture housing 201 leading, until the upper surface 502 of the seating flange 202 is in contact with a first side 1304 of the support surface 1301. In this illustrated scenario, the support surface 1301 is a ceiling and the first side 1304 is the underside of the ceiling.

The aperture 1302 of the support surface 1301 has a diameter 1305. The seating flange 202 of the fixture housing 201 has a diameter 1306. The diameter 1306 of the seating flange 202 is greater than the diameter of the aperture 1302.

When each securing element 204 of the fixture housing 201 is in the first position, the portion 1307 of the fixture housing 201 above the seating flange 202 has a maximum diameter MD I that is less than the diameter 1305 of the aperture 1302. This allows the downlight 101 to be inserted into the aperture 1302 without interference by or hindrance of the securing arrangement 203. Thus, it is possible to insert the fixture housing 201 into the aperture 1302 of the support surface 1301 until further insertion is stopped by the seating flange 202.

In Figure 14, the downlight 101 is shown after the fixture housing 201 has been located within the support surface as illustrated in Figure 13, and after each securing element 204 of the fixture housing 201 has been moved from the first position to the second position. As shown in Figure 14, each securing element 204 has been moved until the flange portion 401 thereof is in contact with a second, opposite side 1401 of the support surface 1301.

Following activation of the securing arrangement 203, so that each securing element 204 of the fixture housing 201 is in the second position, the portion 1307 of the fixture housing 201 above the seating flange 202 has a maximum diameter MD2 that is now greater than the diameter 1305 of the aperture 1302. This allows the fixture housing 201 to be retained within the aperture 1302.

Steps in a method 1501 of installing the fixture housing 201 in a support surface, such as a ceiling, are illustrated in Figure 15.

At step 1502, the fixture housing 201 is received. Then, at step 1503, the fixture housing 201 is inserted into an aperture of a support surface until the seating flange 202 is in contact with a first side of the support surface. Thereafter, as step 1504, the or each securing element 204 is moved until the flange portion 401 therefore is in contact with the second, opposite side of the support surface.

A fixture housing as described herein may be fabricated from any suitable material or materials, may be manufactured using any suitable process or processes, may have any suitable shape and dimensions, and may have any suitable appearance.

One or more components and/or accessories not described herein may be used with the fixture housing. By way of a specific example, a bezel may be used with the fixture housing. The bezel may be of any suitable type and may be mountable to the seating flange in any suitable way. The bezel may support one or more components. The bezel may include an arrangement for providing ventilation, for example, an array of openings, for cooling any other heat-generating components used with the fixture housing and/or bezel.

The fixture housing described herein is usable in both new build and existing properties, and therefore may be installed as an original or retrofit fitting within a ceiling. Preferably, the fixture housing described herein is designed to maintain, or in a retrofit application, reinstate the original integrity of a ceiling, and hence configured to prevent the escape of heat from a lower storey space to an upper storey space. An installation may comprise any suitable number of the fixture housing, in any suitable distribution within the support surface.

By way of a specific example, the fixture housing may comprise metal components that are connected in such a way that should there be a fire, and the fixture housing is fitted within a ceiling, there is a relatively high probability that these parts will keep the integrity of a ceiling in place.

As already mentioned, the fixture housing can be used with support surfaces of different thicknesses and/or with a varying thickness. For example, the thickness of ceiling panels or boards varies, typically in the range from 10 mm to 35 mm, but could be up to 50 mm. However, although it is envisaged that the support surface will be substantially planar, it is possible that the side on which the securing arrangement will contact may have a surface profile that includes raised or dipped areas and, as such, the thickness of the support surface varies. In such a scenario, with a fixture housing in which the securing arrangement comprises a plurality of the securing elements, the flange portion of one or more securing elements may be positioned, in the axial direction, closer to the seating flange than another.

One or more electronic items may be utilised on or within the fixture housing. By way of example, electronic items such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, motion sensors, such as PR (passive infrared) sensors, microphones and/or security cameras may be provided. Wireless technology may be utilised to power and/or enable communication to/from the or each electronic item.

Other items such as intumescent seals for fire rating and/or acoustic baffles may alternatively or additionally be used with the fixture housing.

Although illustrative embodiments and examples of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiment and examples shown and/or described and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims I. A fixture housing for installation in a support surface, such as a ceiling; the fixture housing for insertion into an aperture of the support surface, the fixture housing comprising: a seating flange for seating against a first face of the support surface, and a securing arrangement for maintaining the fixture housing in an installed condition within the support surface; the securing arrangement comprising at least one securing element, the securing element movable from: a first position, in which the securing element allows the fixture housing to be inserted into the aperture in the support surface, to a second, retaining position, in which the securing element locates the fixture housing within the support surface, with the support surface disposed between said seating flange and said securing element.
2. A fixture housing as claimed in claim I, wherein the securing element is movable from the second, retaining position to the first position.
3. A fixture housing as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the fixture housing has an axial direction and a radial direction, the securing element comprises a flange portion, when the securing element is in the first position, the flange portion is in a first radial position, and when the securing element is in the second, retaining position, the flange portion is in a second radial position that is radially outward of the first radial position, whereby moving the securing element from the first position to the second, retaining position moves the flange portion radially outwards.
4. A fixture housing as claimed in claim 3, wherein the securing element is rotatable about an axis extending in the axial direction.
5. A fixture housing as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the securing element is movable along an axis extending in the axial direction.
6. A fixture housing as claimed in claims 3 to 5, wherein the securing arrangement comprises a drive means operable to drive the securing element from the first position towards the second, retaining position, whereby operating the drive means to move the securing element from the first position to the second, retaining position moves the flange portion radially outwards and moves the flange portion in the axial direction closer to the seating flange.
7. A fixture housing as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the drive means comprises a lead screw.
8. A fixture housing as claimed in any of claims I to 7, wherein the securing arrangement comprises a plurality of said securing elements.
9. A fixture housing as claimed in claim 8, wherein the securing elements of said plurality of securing elements are arranged equidistantly around the fixture housing.
10. A fixture housing as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the plurality of securing elements comprises 3 securing elements.
1 I. A fixture housing as claimed in any of claims I to 10, wherein the fixture housing has a cross-sectional shape, in a transverse plane that is normal to a longitudinal axis of the fixture housing, that is one of: circular; square.
12. A method of installing a fixture housing in a support surface, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a fixture housing, the fixture housing as claimed in any of claims I to I I; inserting the received fixture housing in an aperture of a support surface such that the seating flange of the received fixture housing is seated against a first face of the support surface; and moving the at least one securing element from the first position to the second, retaining position to locate the fixture housing in the support surface with the support surface disposed between the seating flange of the fixture housing and the flange portion of the securing element
13. An installation comprising a support surface and at least one fixture housing installed in the support surface, the fixture housing as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12.
14. A method as claimed in claim 12 or an installation as claimed in claim 13, wherein the support surface is a ceiling.
15. A downlight comprising the fixture housing of any of claims 1 to 11.
16. A downlight as claimed in claim 15, wherein the fixture housing forms an airtight hood for a lamp.