BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Many existing lighting systems set up in buildings have been designed for a set output using available lighting technology at the time of construction. The introduction of more energy efficient tubes means that replacement tubes may progressively changed to the more energy efficient form. In many cases this simply involves replacing the existing tubes with the new ones. While this is the easiest solution in some cases the original design may be compromised in output terms so there is either too much or not enough light or the light distribution may change.

Many times simple replacement does not give the optimum energy solution that would be available in a new up to date system. In other cases the whole lighting system may need replacingto getthe optimum energy saving. This is of course very expensive. To date there has not been a system so that an existing system may be renovated ratherthan changed so thatthe light is distributed to bestadvantage using the more efficient tubes. The applicant has found that in many cases lighting and energy consumption may be improved by the addition of an efficient reflector and rearranging the existing tubes so that the reflector distributes light

OUTLINE OF THE INVENTION In one preferred form the invention provides a method for renovating an existing lighting system of multiple spaced light boxes each employing multiple light tubes including the following elements :- renovating at least some of the existing light boxes according to the following ; inserting light tube connectors at a new position within each light box; adding a reflector to each light box to evenly distribute light emitted from each box; and rearranging lighttubes within the boxes so that the number of tubes within the box has been reduced by at least one tube.

Typically the method involves light measurements within the existing light system, examining the position of fittings within the existing light system, determining the costs of the current power consumption of the existing system and calculating the saving with the renovated system, moving remaining tubes to more central positions within the light box and custom fitting a reflector to the existing I i ght box.

Preferably, the reflector is elongate parabolic shaped in profile in rolled aluminium of 200 mm to 3000 mm long with a width variable from 79 mm to 160 mm.

Preferably, the reflector is of curved shape and made with almost indiscernable spaced strengthening ribs to reduce the tendency of the aluminium

material from waving or rippling during manufacture and also to provide extra strength to maintain the shape.

Preferably, the reflector is made from two half reflectors assembled together, each half reflector having a slot at each end, with each of these set at the same distance from each end of the half reflector to allow coupling together, so the two half reflectors that may be angled in various positions when used as a single unit.

Preferably, the reflector comprises reflectors forming an adjustable width reflector to suit different box sizes in existing lighting facilities.

Preferably, the reflector comprises two half reflectors overlaid and connected via the slots to provide an adjustable width reflector to suit different box sizes in existing lighting facilities.

Preferably, the reflector comprises reflectors that white powder coated using Dulux brand"pearl white"or equivalent.

Preferably, triphosphor tubes are used to further improve power consumption.

Preferably the method employs a retrofit lighting structure where existing boxes are reconfigured so that adjacent boxes utilise a common shared ballast, typically, a common shared electronic ballast is used to further improve efficiency.

In a preferred form the retrofit lighting structure is fitted into the existing boxes where the lighting structure is modular having a standard plug fitting so that the power supply can be provided with a simple plug and socket arrangement to simplify fitting.

In another preferred form there is provide a renovated elongate light box of the multiple elongate tube type changed from a first configuration to a second configuration, the second configuration having at least one less tube than the first configuration and includes an elongate curved reflector positioned within the box so as to have a generally medially positioned focal zone, the tube (s) being repositioned within the box relative to the reflector so a major portion of light generated by the tube (s) is located in the medial focal zone.

The renovated elongate light box typically employs one or more reflectors, the reflector being elongate parabolic shaped in profile in rolled aluminium of 200 mm to 3000 mm long with a width variable from 79 mm to 160 mm.

The renovated elongate light box typically employs one or more reflectors, the reflector is roll formed and made with almost indiscernable spaced strengthening ribs to reduce the tendency of the reflector from waving or rippling during manufacture and also to provide extra strength to maintain shape.

The renovated elongate light box typically employs one or more adjustable width reflectors, the reflector is preferably made from two half reflectors assembled together, each half reflector having a slot at each end, with each of these set at the same distance from each end of the half reflector to allow coupling together, so the two half reflectors that may be angled in various positions when used as a single unit. The two half reflectors are typically overlaid and connected via the slots to provide an adjustable width reflector to suit different box sizes in existing lighting facilities.

In a preferred form the renovated elongate light box has in combination a reflector made from two half reflectors assembled together, each half reflector having a slot at each end, with each of these set at the same distance from each end of the half reflector to allow coupling together, so the two half reflectors that may be angled in various positions when used as a single unit, each half reflector being roll formed and made with almost indiscernable spaced strengthening ribs to reduce the tendency of the reflector from waving or rippling during manufacture and also to provide extra strength to maintain shape.

Each tube may have its own reflector or multiple tubes may share a reflector.

The preferred arrangement is that the tube location be media of the reflector so the light is predominantly in a focal region of the reflector.

Preferably reflector adjustment slots double as tube locators by reason of fasteners also having tube clips to this end preferably the reflector has spaced adjustment slots to enable the width of the reflector to be varied and tube holder clips retained in the adjustment slots to automatically locate atube in a medial focal zone of the reflector.

The applicant has unexpectedly found that reflectors that are white powder coated using Dulux brand"pearl white"as a high reflective white is just as effective from a practical point of view as other more expensive reflectors available in the market. While more expensive reflectors have only marginally better reflectivity, the present white reflectors are more durable.

While the present invention provides the ability to improve lighting power consumption using the renovated existing facilities by reducing the number of tubes

and employing a reflector in the existing box structure, the use of triphosphor tubes can be used to further improve power consumption.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order that the present invention can be more readily understood and be put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and wherein:- Figure 1 is a part perspective view of a half reflector that can be utilised in a renovated lighting system according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a view from above illustrating layout of three separate lights utilised in a simple renovated fighting system according to the present invention; Figures 3A and 3B are respective above and below views of a typical light fitting; Figures 4,5,6 and 7 are further drawings illustrating various connection methods whereby a reflector and lamp clip can be fitted to a light box as part of a renovated lighting system according to the present invention.

METHOD OF PERFORMANCE Referringto the drawings and initiallyto Figure 1, there is illustrated one end of a half reflector 10 which is formed as a parabolic section having ribs 11 (exaggerated in the Figure) and a slot 12 so that two of the reflectors can be overlaid as illustrated in Figures 2,3A, 3B through Figure 7 so that by sliding the half reflectors the width of the reflector can be adjusted so that the renovated light arrangement illustrated can be fitted into the various boxes that are already in existence. Ribs 11 are almost indiscernible so as to prevent reflective interference.

Boxes are not shown in the drawings. Multiple reflectors may be used in a single box each reflector being used with a corresponding single tube as shown or a single reflector may be used with multiple tubes repositioned so that the overall tube output is in a focal zone of the reflector.

Figure 2 illustrates how three light fittings share a common ballast 14, the light fittings being numbered 15,16 and 17, the light fitting 16 being the master with two slaves 15 and 17. The tubes 18,19 and 20 are typically held in place utilising the clip structures of Figures 4,5,6, and 7 with the hook structures of Figures 6 and 7 being utilised to facilitate simple unhooking of the structure for maintenance. Power is supplied via a standard plug and socket so that the assembly is effectively pre-wired and need only be plugged in. Sockets can be provided at spaced intervals along a cable in a services cavity in a roof. The ballast is housed separately from the lights if needed or can be within the master box.

It will be appreciated that the whole structure utilises the slotted reflector and common faster ateach end to provide simplicity in the structure and alongwith the simple plug fitting a very simple to fit assembly.

Whilst the above has been given by way of illustrative example of the present invention many variations and modifications thereto will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the broad ambit and scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims.