Lighting fixture with diffuser for light and air

Abstract

A fixture for a fluorescent lamp includes a diffuser panel. The diffuser panel has a frame and longitudinal elements supported by the frame and spaced apart from one another. At least some of the elements are constructed of a material to allow diffusion of impinging light. Preferred materials are translucent or transparent, such as glass or plastic. The diffuser panel also functions as an air diffuser. Provision of a nozzle in the base of the fixture allows air to flow through the panel by a sucking effect created by high velocity forced air flowing through the nozzle. This results in fixture cleaning and temperature equalization. The fixture is particularly adapted to be mounted in a moving vehicle. For this purpose, the panel is designed to be tamper-resistant and to provide easy maintenance. The diffuser panel, when a latch is opened, may be lowered by rotation to provide access to the lamp and ballast. When the fixture is installed in a public vehicle, a handrail is provided which forms part of the panel lowering mechanism. Other arrangements provide a fixture having a diffuser with a central open portion and a pair of side panels extending across the ceiling of a vehicle. A pair of nozzle elements are disposed above each side panel. Again, high velocity air directed through one portion in of a nozzle element will cause air to be drawn through the open central portion of the fixture. Either the entire diffuser or the side panels may be lowered to clean the fixture or replace the lamps.