Retrofit with a fluorescent based lighting assembly

Abstract

Retrofitting lighting fixtures (e.g., HID based lighting fixtures) using a pin mounted PL style fluorescent based energy efficient light assembly and methods of installing retrofitting lighting fixtures are disclosed.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . An apparatus for retrofitting an existing light fixture to accommodate a pin-mounted fluorescent lamp having pins extending from a base thereof, said apparatus comprising:
 a light reflector;   a backing plate configured to be disposed between said light reflector and said existing light fixture, said backing plate being configured for mounting inside said existing light fixture; and   a lamp socket configured to receive said pins extending from said base of said pin-mounted fluorescent lamp along a direction having a component parallel to said backing plate, and to support said pin-mounted fluorescent lamp below said light reflector.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising an arm extending from said backing plate for supporting said socket. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said arm transitions between a first state, in which said arm is parallel with said backing plate, and a second state, in which said arm extends along a direction having a component perpendicular to said backing plate. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said arm extends along a direction perpendicular to said backing plate. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said arm and said backing plate are fashioned from the same material. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said backing plate is a universal backing plate. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , further comprising means for mounting said reflector to said backing plate in a manner independent of the size and shape of said backing plate. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein said reflector comprises a surface having a slope that varies with position along said surface. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein said reflector has a first radius and a second radius defined relative to a center thereof, and wherein a slope of said surface at said first radius is greater than a slope of said surface at said second radius. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , wherein said first radius is smaller than said second radius. 
     
     
         12 . An apparatus for retrofitting an existing light fixture having an adapter plate, said apparatus being configured to accommodate a pin-mounted fluorescent lamp having pins extending from a base thereof, said apparatus comprising:
 a light reflector mounted below said adapter plate; and   a lamp socket configured to receive said pins extending from said base of said pin-mounted fluorescent lamp along a direction having a component parallel to said adapter plate, and to support said pin-mounted fluorescent lamp below said light reflector.   
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , further comprising means for mounting said reflector to said adapter plate in a manner independent of the size and shape of said adapter plate. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein said socket is connected to said adapter plate by an arm extending from said adapter plate. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein said socket is connected to said adapter plate by an arm extending perpendicularly from said adapter plate. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein said socket is connected to said adapter plate by an arm extending in a direction having a component perpendicular to said adapter plate. 
     
     
         17 . A lighting retro-fit system for mounting a pin mounted fluorescent lamp within an external housing of a lamp assembly, said pin mounted fluorescent lamp having pins extending from a base thereof, said retrofit system comprising:
 a light reflector;   an adapter plate configured to mount said light reflector within said external housing of said lamp assembly;   an arm extending from said adapter plate, said arm having a longitudinal axis; and   a lamp socket disposed on said arm and extending substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of said arm, said socket configured to receive corresponding pins extending from said base of said pin mounted fluorescent lamp,   wherein said reflector is positioned within said external housing and between said lamp socket and said adapter plate.   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , further comprising means for mounting said adapter plate to said external housing of said lamp assembly in a manner independent of size and shape of said adapter plate. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein said arm is configured such that said longitudinal axis of said arm extends in a direction having a component perpendicular to said adapter plate. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein said arm is configured to transition between a first position, in which said longitudinal axis is parallel to said adapter plate, and a second position, in which said longitudinal axis extends along a direction having a component perpendicular to said adapter plate. 
     
     
         21 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein said arm and said adapter plate are made of the same material.