# US 7,077,545 B2 · Weather resistant lighting fixture shelter method and apparatus > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 7,077,545 B2 - Document ID: US7077545B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 10/834,057 - Filed: 2004-04-29 - Published: 2005-11-03 - Granted: 2006-07-18 - Earliest claimed: 2004-04-29 - Inventors: Bruce C. Levin - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7077545B2 ## CPC - F21V 29/83: the elements having apertures, ducts or channels, e.g. heat radiation holes - F21V 15/00: Protecting lighting devices from damage (protection from thermal damage F21V29/00; gas-tight or water-tight arrangements F21V31/00) - F21V 29/507: of means for protecting lighting devices from damage, e.g. housings - F21V: FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR ## Abstract The weather-resistant shelter for a lighting fixture is primarily designed for use in outdoor environments. The shelter comprises upper and lower hood segments attached to a backing plate. A horizontal gap between the hood segments allows cooling air to circulate around electrical components within the shelter while protecting the electrical components from moisture. A second embodiment comprises a backing plate sized and dimensioned to house certain electrical components. In an additional embodiment, the backing plate is divided into independent upper and lower halves for increased flexibility. The device may be specifically configured to accommodate a bulb of 60 watts or more. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A shelter to protect electrical components of a lighting fixture comprising: at least one electrical component; at least one vertical backing plate adapted to be disposed along one vertical side wall; a first hood attached to said at least one vertical backing plate, said first hood having a generally downwardly sloping shape that extends parallel to said at least one vertical backing plate; a second hood attached to said at least one vertical backing plate, said second hood comprising a first segment and a second segment extending parallel to said at least one vertical backing plate, said first segment partially overlapping and received within said first hood; said first hood forming a horizontal gap between said first hood and said first segment of said second hood, such that air can circulate through said gap. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The shelter described in claim 1, wherein said second segment of said second hood has a radius substantially equal to a radius of said first hood. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The shelter described in claim 1, wherein said first segment of said second hood is connected to said second segment of said second hood, by an upward sloping section of said second hood. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The shelter as described in claim 1, wherein said first and second hoods are comprised of at least one of a translucent, transparent, and opaque material. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The shelter as described in claim 1, wherein said backing plate is metal, an upper portion of said backing plate having an arcuate shape that is parallel to the shape of said first hood. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The shelter as described in claim 1, wherein said backing plate is sized and dimensioned to enclose some electrical components associated with said lighting fixture. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said first and second hoods are sealed to said at least one backing plate by silicone sealant. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said shelter is adapted to receive a light bulb that is rated at more than 60 watts. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said backing plate and said first and second hoods are collectively formed of a single piece of molded plastic. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) The apparatus as described in claim 1, wherein said backing plate is formed as part of said electrical component such that said first and second hoods are attached to said electrical component. ### Claim 11 A shelter to protect electrical components of a lighting fixture comprising: at least one electrical component; at least one backing plate; a first hood attached to said backing plate, said first hood having a generally downwardly sloping shape; a second hood attached to said at least one backing plate, said second hood comprising a first and second segment, said first segment partially overlapping and received within said first hood; said first hood forming a horizontal gap between said first hood and said first segment of said second hood, such that air can circulate through said gap, wherein said at least one backing plate is separated into independently movable first and second backing plate sections, said first and second backing plate sections being movable to customize said fixture, as required by specific cooling and lighting applications. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The apparatus as described in claim 11, wherein said first hood is attached to said first backing plate section, and said second hood is attached to said second backing plate section. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The apparatus as described in claim 11, wherein said first and second backing plate sections are metal, an upper portion of said first backing plate section having an arcuate shape that is parallel to the shape of said first hood. ### Claim 14 (depends on 11) The apparatus as described in claim 11, wherein said first and second hoods are sealed to said first and second backing plate sections by silicone sealant. ### Claim 15 (depends on 12) The apparatus as described in claim 12, wherein said shelter is adapted to receive a light bulb that is rated at more than 60 watts. ### Claim 16 A method of sheltering a light fixture from moisture comprising: attaching at least one first hood to at least one vertical backing plate, said first hood having a generally downwardly curving shape that extends parallel to said at least one vertical backing plate; attaching at least one second hood to said at least one vertical backing plate, said second hood comprising a first segment that overlaps with and is received within said first hood, said first segment extending parallel to said at least one vertical backing plate, wherein a horizontal gap is provided between said first hood and said first segment of said second hood; allowing air to pass through said gap to cool electrical components that are at least partially enclosed by said fixture. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The method as described in claim 16, wherein said first and second hoods are comprised of at least one of a translucent, transparent, and opaque material. ### Claim 18 (depends on 16) The method as described in claim 16, wherein said at least one backing plate is separated into independently movable first and second backing plate sections, said first and second backing plate sections are movable to customize said fixture, as required by specific cooling and lighting applications. ### Claim 19 (depends on 16) The method as described in claim 16, further comprising the step of sealing said first and second hoods to said first and second backing plate sections.