GB2642471A - A spotlight assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

The spotlight assembly 10 comprises a housing including a back part 13 (e.g., cylindrical) for fitting behind a surface and a front part for fitting on or in front of the surface. The front part may be a collar or facia, and in embodiments comprises a front disk 24 and a back disk 22. The housing contains a lightbulb holder 20 and is secured with respect to the surface by one or more threaded fasteners 16. The fasteners may pass through holes 18 in the front part, which may be countersunk. The assembly may further comprise a decorative cover 34 removably mounted over the front part, optionally by a bayonet or screw-type fitting, and/or a junction box 30 electrically connected to the lightbulb holder and including one or more tool-less or lever-operated cable connectors 32, optionally using a sprung mechanism or over-centre cam arrangement.

Description

[0001] A SPOTLIGHT ASSEMBLY

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of lighting fixtures, and more specifically to a spotlight assembly that is at least partially recessed into a surface, such as those designed for residential and/or commercial use.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Spotlights are a popular choice for providing focused illumination in both residential and commercial settings. They are widely used in a variety of applications, including general room lighting, accent lighting, task lighting, and for highlighting specific architectural features or artwork.

[0006] Many of these spotlights are designed with a spotlight assembly that is configured to be part surface mounted on a wall or ceiling, or some other such surface -for example within a piece of furniture or a cabinet, and with at least a part thereof recessed into that surface. As such, these spotlight assemblies are usually designed such that a majority of the spotlight assembly is recessed into the wall or ceiling, i.e. such that the majority of the device is behind the plane of the surface thereof.

[0007] Despite their widespread use, such existing spotlight assemblies often present several challenges that can hinder the user experience -particularly the ease of installation thereof, or the ease by which a room's decor can be updated or changed, while matching of the appearance of the visible parts of the spotlight assembly to other fittings in the room.

[0008] Another limitation of current spotlight assemblies is the accessibility to the components of the product if repair or replacement of any part thereof is required. Traditional spotlight assemblies are typically secured, for example to the ceiling, with mounting springs that take the form of outwardly extending, spring-loaded, arms, which bias a housing of the spotlight into and behind the surface. Extracting the housing from the ceiling (or wall or other surface) can thus be difficult, and it may damage the ceiling -particularly when made of plasterboard, as the retention force of the sprung arms can be difficult to overcome. Yet further, accessing the wiring to connect these spotlight assemblies to power can be difficult as it is all behind the surface-through a hole therein into which the housing will be installed That hole thus creates an especially tight or awkward space to work within.

[0009] The risk of damaging the ceiling or the fixture itself during installation or repair, or if it needs to be removed is thus significant.

[0010] The present invention seeks to mitigate at least one of these challenges, or at least to provide a spotlight assembly that is simple to install, or simple to connect to power, or simple to extract from its installed condition, thus providing one or more of a simplified removal, a simplified installation or making maintenance, replacement or reconfiguration of the spotlight assembly less cumbersome and more user-friendly, for example if updating the aesthetics of the spotlight assembly such that it integrates well with the rest of the interior design within the room..

[0011] STATEMENTS OF INVENTION

[0012] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a spotlight assembly comprising: a housing configured to be mounted to a surface, the housing comprising a back part for fitting behind the surface and a front part for fitting on or in front of the surface. and a lightbulb holder disposed within the housing; wherein the housing is secured with respect to the surface by one or more threaded fasteners.

[0013] The threaded fasteners can provide a simple mode of attachment for the spotlight assembly to the surface. The threaded fasteners replace the more standardised spring clips found in traditional spotlight assemblies.

[0014] In some embodiments, the lightbulb holder is configured to receive or hold a lightbulb, or the electrical terminals of the lightbulb. The lightbulb may be a spotlight, a down-lighter, an MR16 halogen or LED bulb or a GU10 halogen or LED bulb. In another embodiment, the lightbulb holder is further configured to connect the lightbulb to an electrical source, for example, via a terminal connector.

[0015] In some embodiments, the surface is a ceiling or wall, or a false ceiling or wall, or within a piece of furniture, such as a kitchen cabinet.

[0016] In some embodiments, the spotlight assembly is installed into the wall or ceiling to allow a spotlight, provided by the lightbulb once installed into the lightbulb fitting, and once electrical power is connected thereto, to be countersunk or recessed into the surface for providing a substantially flush or minimally protruding light fitting to a room.

[0017] In some embodiments, the threaded fasteners are screws.

[0018] In some embodiments, the back part is in the form of a cylindrical body and the front part comprises a facia or a front collar, or both. The front part may be a ring around the front end of the cylindrical body -it can be in the form of an annular flange extending radially outward from the front end of the cylindrical body.

[0019] In some embodiments, the or each threaded fastener is configured to fasten the housing to the surface through holes in the front part.

[0020] A Rawlplug 0, a wall plug or an anchor may be used in the surface into which the threaded fastener is screwed for providing a better attachment of the spotlight assembly to the surface -for example if the surface is made of plaster, brick or stone.

[0021] In another embodiment, the threaded fastener may comprise an anchor fitting with a bolt or threaded element and an incorporated anchor device.

[0022] In some embodiments, the holes in the front part are countersunk. This may allow a head of the threaded fastener to fit substantially flush with the front part -if provided with a countersink head.

[0023] In some embodiments, the spotlight assembly, or the light bulb, comprises a cooling mechanism integrated within the housing to dissipate heat generated by the lightbulb.

[0024] In some embodiments, the spotlight assembly, or a wiring circuit connected thereto, comprises a control mechanism accessible from the exterior of the housing for adjusting the intensity and/or direction of a light output from the lightbulb.

[0025] In some embodiments, the spotlight assembly further comprises a junction box electrically connected to the lightbulb holder. The junction box may be within the housing, but more commonly it will be a separate box to the housing that is also to be installed into the wall or ceiling, i.e. behind the surface.

[0026] In some embodiments, the junction box connects to, or is connected to, an electrical power source by wiring located behind the surface, thus providing electrical power for the lightbulb.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a spotlight assembly comprising: a housing configured to be mounted to a surface, the housing comprising a back part for fitting behind the surface and a front part for fitting on or in front of the surface, a lightbulb holder disposed within the housing; and a decorative cover for the front part of the housing; wherein the decorative cover is configured to be removably mounted over the front part of the housing to enhance the aesthetic appearance.

[0028] By being configured to be removably mounted over the front part, it can be mountable thereover, and then subsequently removed and replaced by a different decorative cover, or reinstated if preferred. This allows the aesthetic of the external part of the spotlight assembly to be easily changed or updated with a different decorative cover.

[0029] In some embodiments the decorative cover is provided to conceal mounting hardware, i.e. any hardware used to mount the housing to the surface, including a threaded fastener if provided for installing the spotlight assembly in line with the first aspect of the present invention.

[0030] In some embodiments the back part is a cylindrical body, and it will be disposed behind the surface, for example within an interior region created by a false-ceiling.

[0031] In each aspect of the present invention, a reference to "behind the surface" is referring to being behind the plane of, or a continuous imaginary surface defined by, that surface.

[0032] In some embodiments the front part is a collar or annular flange that is disposed upon the surface.

[0033] In some embodiments, a junction box may be electrically connected to the lightbulb holder, as per the first aspect, for example for providing electrical power either from a mains supply or from a battery.

[0034] The second aspect of the present invention may be in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention.

[0035] In some embodiments, the lightbulb holder of either aspect is provided behind a lens assembly or glass or transparent/frosted plastic cover that will be positioned in front of the lightbulb to focus and direct emitted light.

[0036] In some embodiments, the decorative cover is retained over the front part by an engagement 5 mechanism In some embodiments, the engagement mechanism comprises a bayonet-or screw-type fitting. For example, it may comprise a protrusion disposed upon an inner surface of the decorative cover that is configured to fit into an opening or slot in the front part, or vice versa.

[0037] In some embodiments, the fitting comprises a stem portion having a first diameter and a head portion of relatively larger diameter. The head portion may be a generally flat head portion.

[0038] In some embodiments, the decorative cover is rotatably engaged to the front part and can be screwed or engaged thereon, and unscrewed or disengaged therefrom.

[0039] In some embodiments, the opening comprises at least two portions that are interconnected and of different widths or sizes, such that the head portion of the decorative cover fits through the larger or largest portion of the opening, but not through the smaller or smallest portion of the opening.

[0040] In some embodiments the head portion is configured to rest on an inner surface of the front part when the decorative cover is rotatably engaged therewith.

[0041] In some embodiments, the spotlight assembly is provided with two interchangeable decorative covers, each having a different colour or finish or pattern on its visible-in-use surface thereof.

[0042] There may be more than two such different and interchangeable decorative covers provided with the spotlight assembly, for selective installation of one thereof during the installation of the spotlight assembly.

[0043] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a spotlight assembly comprising: a housing configured to be mounted to a surface, the housing comprising a back part for fitting behind the surface and a front part for fitting on or in front of the surface a lightbulb holder disposed within the housing; and a junction box for fitting behind the surface, the junction box being electrically connected to the lightbulb holder; wherein the junction box comprises one or more tool-less or lever operated cable connectors.

[0044] Tool-less or lever operated cable connectors are simple to operate in confined locations. As spotlight assemblies are often installed with its electrics connected behind the surface to which it is mounted, or with only short tails on the cables if the cables are extracted through a hole in the surface through which the back part of the housing will be installed, conventional spotlight assemblies are difficult to install as these conditions create confined spaces. Having a simple mechanism for attachment of the power cables to the spotlight assembly is helpful for the installer. It can also make the installation quicker. In particular, when a light fitting is installed in a multi-way circuit, multiple wires may be needed to be connected in various terminal holes, and having a tool-less or lever operated cable connector for these cables or wires can greatly facilitate those connections in those confined spaces -especially in conditions where tools such as screwdrivers would be difficult to manoeuvre.

[0045] In some embodiments, the tool-less or lever operated cable connectors provide a wire retention mechanism that has a sprung mechanism that is configured to hold a wire in place by applying a pressure against the wire until the lever or a button is depressed or lifted.

[0046] In some embodiments, the tool-less or lever operated cable connectors provide a wire retention mechanism that uses an over-centre cam arrangement that is operated by its lever or a button, whereby pressing, lifting or releasing the lever or button takes the wire retention mechanism over its centre, and thus allows the mechanism to retain the wire in place by the bias of the wire retention mechanism in that over-centre state.

[0047] In some embodiments, the tool-less or lever operated cable connectors or the wire retention mechanism, further comprises an electrically conductive region configured to contact the electrically conductive region of a wire to electrically connect the wire to the lightbulb holder and thus the lightbulb once installed therein.

[0048] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of mounting a spotlight assembly as defined above, the method comprising: connecting a power connection (such as a power supply cable) to the spotlight assembly, mounting the housing to the surface by fitting the back part through the surface and fitting the front part on or in front of the surface; and securing the housing with respect to the surface with the one or more threaded fasteners.

[0049] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of mounting a spotlight assembly as defined above, the method comprising: mounting the housing to the surface by fitting the back part through the surface and fitting the front part on or in front of the surface; and mounting a decorative cover over the front part of the housing; wherein the decorative cover is configured to be removably mountable over the front part of the housing and to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the spotlight assembly.

[0050] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of mounting a spotlight assembly as defined above, the method comprising: mounting the housing to the surface by fitting the back part through the surface and fitting the front part on or in front of the surface, with a junction box also being positioned behind the surface, the junction box being electrically connected to a lightbulb holder of the spotlight assembly and a power connection; wherein the junction box comprises one or more tool-less or lever operated cable connectors for connecting the spotlight assembly to one or more wires of the power connection.

[0051] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit-of-parts comprising: a housing configured to be mounted to a surface, the housing comprising a back part for fitting behind the surface and a front part for fitting on or in front of the surface, a lightbulb holder configured to be disposed within the housing; and at least two different decorative covers for the front part of the housing, the two different decorative covers each being for a different aesthetic appearance of the spotlight assembly.

[0052] Each aspect of the present invention may be provided along with the features of any one or more of the other aspects of the present invention.

[0053] The present invention will now be defined in further detail, purely by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] Figure 1 is an isometric view of a housing of a spotlight assembly in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is an exploded view of a spotlight assembly in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3 is an isometric view of the spotlight assembly of Figure 2 in assembled form; Figure 4 is a second exploded view of the spotlight assembly of Figure 2.

[0056] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0057] The following example embodiment will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the invention may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey implementations to those skilled in the art.

[0058] As used herein, the terrn "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. In addition, it will be understood that when a first element is referred to as being "connected to" a second element, the first element can be directly connected to the second element or an intervening third element may be present therebetween such that the first element and the second element are indirectly connected to each other.

[0059] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context cleady indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprise or include" and/or "comprising or including," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0060] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various members, elements, regions, layers and/or sections, these members, elements, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one member, element, region, layer and/or section from another. Thus, for example, a first member, a first element, a first region, a first layer and/or a first section discussed below could be termed a second member, a second element, a second region, a second layer and/or a second section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0061] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the element or feature in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "on" or "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. As used herein, the term "or" is not an exclusive term, e.g., "A or B" would include A, B, or A and B.-Referring to the Figures, there is shown an embodiment of spotlight assembly 10 in assembled and exploded views. The spotlight assembly 10 comprises a housing 12, a lightbulb holder 20, 25, a junction box 30 and a decorative cover 34.

[0062] The housing 12 comprises a front part 14 and a back part 13.

[0063] The front part 14, is configured with a substantially flat back so that it can be fitted on or in front of a surface, such as a ceiling or a wall, or a false ceiling or wall, or on a surface within a piece of furniture, such as a kitchen cabinet, such that the front part 14 is visible in a room or space where the surface is disposed. In this embodiment the front part forms an annular flange around the front end of the back part, and as such is generally circular. However, the front part may take other shapes or forms, as appropriate for a target aesthetic for the installed spotlight assembly 10.

[0064] The back part 13 in this embodiment is in the form of a cylindrical body which is configured to be passed through or into a hole in the surface such that it is recessed into or disposed behind the surface when the spotlight assembly 10 is mounted to the surface.

[0065] As shown in Figure 2, the front part 14 of the housing 12 comprises holes 18 through which threaded fasteners 16 can be used to mount the spotlight assembly 10 to the surface. In this embodiment there are three holes 18 and three threaded fasteners 16, which are screws in this embodiment. Other threaded fasteners such as bolts or anchor fittings can instead be used.

[0066] The lightbulb holder 20, 25 is shown in Figures 2 and 4. The lightbulb holder 20, 25 comprises a bayonet mount 25 and a shroud 20, and these may be fixed within the housing by any conventional fixing mechanism, for example a set screw. Alternatively, the lightbulb holder 20 may be rotatably engaged with the housing 12 via threads. It is for attachment of a lightbulb 26 within the spotlight assembly, as known in the art. The present invention is not limited by the mechanism used to arrange the lightbulb holder 20 or the lightbulb 26 within the housing 12, and any conventional or known arrangement can be used.

[0067] The front part 14 of the housing 12 consists of a front collar or flange for fitting over the surface, although in some embodiments the front part may itself be sunken into the surface for a more flush installation.

[0068] In some embodiments, the front collar may provide an integrated fascia or decorative cover, whereby the separate decorative cover 34 is not required. The threaded fasteners 16 in the holes 18 in the front collar, are then also extending through the facia, and will be visible after installation. They may then be part of the aesthetic. However, as illustrated, it is preferred that the separate decorative cover 34 is provided for providing a final aesthetic appearance over the front part, whereby the holes and threaded fasteners can be covered by the decorative cover 34 (the decorative cover 34 thus providing the fascia. The fascia 34 is then to cover over the front collar, and is installed after the threaded fasteners 16 have secured the housing to the surface.

[0069] The lightbulb holder 20 is disposed within the housing 12. The lightbulb holder 20 is configured to receive or hold a lightbulb 26, i.e. by the electrical terminals of the lightbulb 26, via the bayonet fitting 25. As a variety of different forms of lightbulb connection are possible, the bayonet fitting 25 can be replaced by any alternative appropriate adapter when manufacturing the spotlight assembly, as well known in the art. The lightbulb may be, for example, a spotlight, a down-lighter, an MR16 halogen or LED bulb or a GU10 halogen or LED bulb, and the appropriate adapter is then used for, or instead of, the bayonet fitting 25.

[0070] For some forms of lightbulb, such as MR16 and GU10 lightbulbs, the lightbulb is retained within the housing using a clip 28 with a sprung pair of arms, as known in the art. This clip may be used to retain the lightbulb 26 in place within the housing, such that the electrical terminals of the lightbulb is correctly positioned within the housing and so that the spotlight assembly can maintain connectivity between the lightbulb and the electricity source, and so that the lightbulb can be easily removed from the spotlight assembly for bulb-replacement in the event of a bulb failure. As known in the art, the clip 28 may comprise a sprung arm mechanism that is configured to hold the lightbulb 16 in place around a front rim of the lightbulb 26, with a front lens of the lightbulb 26 resting against a main body of the clip 28. The main body can be removably mounted within the housing to facilitate removal of the lightbulb for replacement thereof.

[0071] In some embodiments, the lightbulb 26 may instead be, or may also be, rotatably engaged with the lightbulb holder 20 via threads or a bayonet fitting The present invention is not limited by the mechanism used to attach a lightbulb within the spotlight assembly, and any conventional spotlight lightbulb mounting system can be used.

[0072] The spotlight assembly further 10 further comprises a junction box 30. The junction box 30 is configured to be fitted behind the surface, like the back part of the housing, and is typically connected, electrically -usually by a power cable -to the housing, and specifically to the lightbulb holder within the housing. The junction box 30 is electrically connected to the lightbulb holder 20 so that electricity can be provided to a lightbulb 26 that is disposed within the lightbulb holder 20. That electricity may be supplied from a mains circuit to the lightbulb 26 via the junction box 30.

[0073] The junction box 30 further comprises one or more tool-free cable connectors 32. These tool free cable connectors may be button-or lever-operated cable connectors 32 and they may comprise a sprung mechanism that is configured to hold a wire in place by applying a pressure against the wire. This pressure may be provided in some embodiments until the lever is depressed to release that pressure, or until the lever is lifted to release that pressure. Alternatively, the mechanism might be button operated.

[0074] The tool-less cable connectors 32 may comprise an over-center cam arrangement, whereby pressing a button or pressing or lifting a lever may actuate or release the over-center mechanism, which allows the mechanism to loco (or release° the wire. Examples of suitable tool-free cable connectors include spring-lever type connectors sold under the brands "Wago"®, "HellermanTyton"0, "Yushre, "Flintronic"0, IdeaRD and generic equivalents thereof.. See, for example, Figure 5 for an example of a typical 5 way Wago® 222 Series Lever Connector and Figures 6 and 7 for examples of typical 2-and 3-way Wago® 221 Series Connectors. In Figure 2, a 7-way tool-less cable connector is shown within the junction box, comprising a middle 3-way Wago® connector, flanked by two 2-way Wago® connectors at its sides, giving a total of 7 connection ports. In those connection ports, there are three wires of the power cable extending from the cable connectors 32 to the lightbulb holder 20, 25, through the back of the housing. The outer two of these three wires are connected to respective outer end terminals of the 7-way connector (the actual connection thereof in the Wago® connectors is not shown), and a middle wire is connected to a central port of the 3-way connector in the middle of the 7-way tool-less cable connector, with the other four ports or terminals of the 7-way tool-less cable connector being available for the electrician's use when wiring up, for example, a multi-way circuit for the lighting.

[0075] Conventionally, cable connectors in prior art junction boxes of spotlight assemblies are screw operated cable connectors. However, the present inventors have realised that access within a surface cavity (into which the back part of the housing, and the junction box, are inserted) is restricted even before the spotlight assembly has been mounted to the surface, as the hole in the surface is relatively small. Furthermore, it is commonly the case that first-fix cabling within a building -to which the spotlight assembly will be connected -can be provided with only relatively short length tails of cabling in the cavity -for example extending 30cm or less beyond the hole.

[0076] The difficulty with access within the holes, if no tails are left, or due to the short tails of 30cm or less, if tails are left, results in a common awkwardness in trying to connect pre-existing screw-operated cable connectors to the ends of the wires, especially if there are multiple wires to be connected for a multi-way circuit. Coupled with the fact that this is often done in a ceiling, and thus on a ladder, or in a cabinet, this makes the installation of conventional spotlight assemblies using screw operated cable connectors (which require a screwdriver to operate) very frustrating. By instead providing tool-less cable connectors 32, the connection of the wires to the junction box is much simplified as no tools need to be inserted into the hole or cavity in the surface, or behind the housing and inside the junction box, to turn the screws for tightening the connectors. A simple actuation of the respective lever for each required port is instead all that is required once the wires have been cut to length and stripped for insertion into the ports of the tool-less cable connectors.

[0077] The spotlight assembly 10 further comprises the decorative cover 34, and in this example, a bayonet-type fitting 36, 38 for it for connecting it to the front part of the housing.

[0078] Referring to Figure 3, the decorative cover 34 is for covering the front part 14 of the housing 12.

[0079] The decorative cover 32 is configured to be removably mounted over the front part 14 of the housing 12 to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the installed spotlight assembly. The design and aesthetics of the decorative cover may integrate well with modern interior designs, and can be any one of many different designs, such as chrome, gold, brass, copper, patterned or coloured. Since it is removably mounted, this decorative cover 32 is a user-replaceable component of the spotlight assembly 10. In the event of a desire to change the aesthetics of a room or space where the spotlight assembly 10 is installed, for example if redecorating or changing the door furniture, the decorative cover 32 can be removed and replaced with an alternative decorative cover 32 that matches the new door furniture. It can also simply be removed when redecorating so that paint does not get on it when painting around the spotlight assembly.

[0080] There may be multiple differently designed decorative covers available for the spotlight assembly, each with a different appearance For example, there can be gloss coloured decorative covers, matt coloured decorative covers, satin coloured decorative covers, or metallic or transparent decorative covers. For example, they may be chromed, gold, silver, nickel or copper coloured, in gloss or mat or satin. Patterned covers can also be provided, or the covers can mimic other surface types such as wooden or stone patterns.

[0081] This aspect of the present invention allows the spotlight assembly to be customised to match existing door furniture in the room, or other fittings or decorations in the room, simply by affixing the appropriate decorative cover 32 to the front part 14 of the housing 12.

[0082] Referring now to Figures 2 and 4, the exploded views of the spotlight assembly 10show the decorative cover 34 separated from the front part 14 of the housing 12. It is configured to be retained over the front part 14 by an engagement mechanism 36, 38, 40. The engagement mechanism comprises a bayonet-type fitting, including a projection 36, 38 disposed on an inner surface of the decorative cover 34 and a hole 40 provided on the front part 14 that can be engaged with one another. In this example, there are three projections and three holes, although there may be more such projections and holes or less projections and holes. Alternative modes of connection are also possible.

[0083] In this embodiment, each projection 36, 38 is configured to engage with its corresponding hole or opening 40 disposed on the front part 14 of the housing 12. The projection comprises a stem portion 36 having a first diameter and a head portion 38 of relatively larger diameter. The head portion 38 may be a generally flat head portion. The hole or opening 40 comprises at least two portions that are interconnected and of different widths or sizes, such that the head portion 38 of the decorative cover 34 fits through the larger or largest portion of the opening 40, but not through the smaller or smallest portion of the opening 40, while the stem portion fits through both or all portions. In order to engage the bayonet-type fitting, the head portion 38 of the decorative cover 34 is passed through the larger or largest portion of the hole or opening 40. The decorative cover 34 is then rotated such that the stem portion 36 passes into the smaller or smallest portion, whereupon the head portion 38 locates and rests on or over the smaller or smaller portion of the opening 40. For this purpose the back of the smaller or smallest portion may be open to the other side of the front part, or there may be a rebated area behind the smaller or smallest portion into which the head portion can fit. To achieve this, the front part may be two elements -a front disk 24 with the holes or openings 40 for the decorative cover to engage with, plus also the holes 18 for the threaded fasteners, and a back disk 22 with just the holes 18 for the threaded fasteners.

[0084] With this arrangement, the decorative cover can be removably affixed to the front part of the housing.

[0085] Alternatively, the stem portion 36 is engaged with the smaller or smallest portion of the opening 40 such that it fits into the smaller or smallest portion of the opening 40 in a manner that allows the decorative cover 34 to be held in place by friction between the stem portion 36 and the smaller or smallest portion of the opening 40.

[0086] Other forms of removable attachment of the decorative cover to the front part are also within the scope of the present invention, such as screw-threaded attachments or snap-fit or press-fit attachments.

[0087] The present invention has thus been described above, purely by way of example. Modifications in detail may be made to the present invention within the scope of the claims as appended hereto.

[0088] List of Reference Signs Spotlight Assembly 12 Housing 13 Back Part 14 Front Part 16 Threaded Fasteners 18 Holes Lightbulb Holder 22 Back disk 24 Front disk Adapter 26 Lightbulb 28 Clip Junction Box 32 Tool-free Cable connectors 34 Decorative cover 36 Stem 38 Head Hole or Opening

Claims (6)

1. CLAIMS1. A spotlight assembly comprising: a housing configured to be mounted to a surface, the housing comprising a back part for fitting behind the surface and a front part for fitting on or in front of the surface; and a lightbulb holder disposed within the housing; wherein the housing is secured with respect to the surface by one or more threaded fasteners.

2. 2 The spotlight assembly of claim 1, wherein the back part is in the form of a cylindrical body and the front part comprises a facia or a front collar, or both.

3. 3 The spotlight assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the or each threaded fastener is configured to fasten the housing to the surface through holes in the front part.

4. The spotlight assembly of claim 3, wherein the holes in the front part are countersunk.

5. A spotlight assembly, comprising: a housing configured to be mounted to a surface, the housing comprising a back part for fitting behind the surface and a front part for fitting on or in front of the surface, a lightbulb holder disposed within the housing; and a decorative cover for the front part of the housing; wherein the decorative cover is configured to be removably mounted over the front part of the housing to enhance the aesthetic appearance.

6. The spotlight assembly of claim 5, wherein the housing is retained on the surface by one or more threaded fasteners 7 The spotlight assembly of claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the decorative cover is retained over the front part by an engagement mechanism.The spotlight assembly of claim 7, wherein the engagement mechanism comprises a bayonet-or screw-type fitting.9. The spotlight assembly of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the engagement mechanism comprises a protrusion disposed upon one of an inner surface of the decorative cover and an outer surface of the front part, that is configured to fit into an opening or slot in the other of the inner surface of the decorative cover and the outer surface of the front part, the protrusion comprising a stem portion having a first diameter and a head portion of relatively larger diameter.10. The spotlight assembly of claim 9, wherein the head portion has a generally flat head portion.11. The spotlight assembly of claim 1 9 or claim 10, wherein the opening comprises at least two portions that are interconnected and of different widths or sizes, such that the head portion of the decorative cover fits through the larger or largest portion of the opening, but not through the smaller or smallest portion of the opening.12. The spotlight assembly of any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the spotlight assembly is also in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 4.13. The spotlight assembly of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a junction box electrically connected to the lightbulb holder.14. A spotlight assembly, comprising: a housing configured to be mounted to a surface, the housing comprising a back part for fitting behind the surface and a front part for fitting on or in front of the surface a lightbulb holder disposed within the housing; and a junction box for fitting behind the surface, the junction box being electrically connected to the lightbulb holder; wherein the junction box comprises one or more tool-less or lever operated cable connectors.15. The spotlight assembly of claim 14, wherein the tool-less or lever operated cable connectors provide a wire retention mechanism that has a sprung mechanism that is configured to hold a wire in place by applying a pressure against the wire until the lever or a button is depressed or lifted.16. The spotlight assembly of claim 14, wherein the tool-less or lever operated cable connectors provide a wire retention mechanism that uses an over-centre cam arrangement that is operated by its lever or a button, whereby pressing, lifting or releasing the lever or button takes the wire retention mechanism over its centre, and thus allows the mechanism to retain the wire in place by the bias of the wire retention mechanism in that over-centre state.17. The spotlight assembly of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the spotlight assembly is also in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 13 18. A method of mounting a spotlight assembly, the method comprising: connecting a power connection to the spotlight assembly, mounting the housing to the surface, by: fitting the back part through the surface and fitting the front part on or in front of the surface; and mounting a decorative cover over front part of the housing; wherein the decorative cover is configured to be removably mountable over the front part of the housing and to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the spotlight assembly.19. A method of mounting a spotlight assembly, the method comprising: connecting a power connection to the spotlight assembly, mounting the housing to the surface, by: fitting the back part through the surface and fitting the front part on or in front of the surface; and securing the housing with respect to the surface with the one or more threaded fasteners.20. A method of mounting a spotlight assembly, the method comprising: mounting the housing to the surface, by: fitting the back part through the surface and fitting the front part on or in front of the surface, with a junction box also being positioned behind the surface, the junction box being electrically connected to a lightbulb holder of the spotlight assembly and a power connection; wherein the junction box comprises one or more tool-less or lever operated cable connectors for connecting the spotlight assembly to one or more wires of the power connection.21. The method of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the spotlight assembly is in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 17.22. A kit-of-parts comprising: a housing configured to be mounted to a surface, the housing comprising a back part for fitting behind the surface and a front part for fitting on or in front of the surface, a lightbulb holder configured to be disposed within the housing; and at least two different decorative covers for the front part of the housing, the two different decorative covers each being for a different aesthetic appearance of the spotlight assembly.23. The kit of parts of claim 22, wherein the spotlight assembly is in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 17