Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6634772
-
Patent Number
6,634,772
-
Date Filed
Thursday, September 27, 200122 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, October 21, 200320 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- O'Shea; Sandra
- Lee; Guiyoung
Agents
- Haeberlin; Jeffrey A.
- Middleton Reutlinger
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 362 219
- 362 249
- 362 404
- 362 225
- 362 260
- 362 382
- 248 343
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
Disclosed is a suspension system for suspending linear fixtures from an overhead structure which permits temporary suspension of adjacent fixtures prior to final locking connection of the fixtures. The system has a hanger member comprising a bridge member, an elongated alignment member, and at least one clamping member supported from the bridge member for relative vertical movement therewith. Additionally, the clamping member has two spaced apart wings each adapted to be inserted loosely adjacent a corresponding one of a pair of adjacent clamping surfaces when tongue insert positions are inserted into alignment receiving slots. The clamping member may be moved vertically to bring the wing members into clamping engagement with the clamping surfaces and move end portions of the linear fixtures toward each other into locking engagement.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to joint and mounting assemblies for suspended linear structures, particularly to a suspension system for suspending and joining two adjacent lighting fixtures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Modular suspended linear fixtures are typically assembled in place by connecting and mounting individual modules. Typical linear fixtures are suspended from an overhead structure and include linear fluorescent lighting systems. Such lighting fixtures may radiate light upwardly against the ceiling or downwardly towards the work area. Imprecise interfitting of such a modular lighting systems results in an unsightly and unprofessional appearance and spaces between the completed assembly, through which light radiates when switched on.
Typically these assemblies are suspended at heights of 7 ft. or more from the floor. Mounted and joining prior art structures entails cumbersome, and sometimes dangerous, procedures.
One typical hanger mounting assembly is a disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,600 issued Feb. 1, 1994, to Weiss, et al. This patent discloses a U-shaped hanger adapted to be attached to a washer and a wire for suspension from an overhead structure. The hanger further includes two circular openings through which extend cylindrical type protrusions extending from joiners of adjacent lighting fixtures extend and into corresponding openings in the joiner system of the adjoining linear lighting fixture. Additional openings are provided to the joiners through which wires may be fed by an electrician for connection to ballast and lighting contained by lighting fixtures. Furthermore, screws are inserted through adjacent openings in the joiners to hold the joiners in abutting relationship. This assembly requires considerable labour above the ground to complete the installation. During the assembly, adjoining fixtures must be screwed together to prevent fixtures from disengaging.
The problem with such a hanger assembly is that it is not quickly adapted to meet the changing needs in present office layouts, which require easy and quick relocation of a lighting system as space requirements change.
There is a need for a linear fixture assembly system that provides for placement of the lighting fixtures relative to the hanger assembly prior to the complete alignment and installation of the hanger assemblies in abutting relationship. There is a need for a linear fixture assembly that can be readily adapted to the changing requirements in office layouts.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an improvement over the previous typical hanger suspension systems for the linear fixtures by temporarily suspending two adjacent linear fixtures extending generally along a longitudinal axis in a suspended manner from an overhead structure prior to electrical connections, final joining and alignment of the two lighting fixtures. Further the present invention permits for relocation of one or more fixtures by disconnecting the fixtures from adjacent fixtures without having to remove the adjacent fixtures.
The features of the present invention are provided by having joiner supports mounting at each of the end portions of the linear fixtures. The joiner supports each have a first receiving slot that extends rearwardly from the end portions and is parallel to longitudinal axis. The joiner supports each further include a least one adjacent clamping surface accessible from the end portions. The hanger member is suspended for the wire from the overhead structure and has a bridge member connected to this wire. The hanger member has an elongated alignment member supported by the bridge member having a pair of opposing tongues adapted to be mounted in the receiving slots. Preferably, the tongues are snap-fitted into these first receiving slots and are loosely connected therein to provide an initial mechanical connection that permits for relative vertical displacement of the linear fixtures relative to the hanger member and toward and away from each other over a limited distance.
Furthermore, the tongues preferably have a width less than the width of the first receiving slots permitting the fixtures to be moved transversely of the hanger member to permit the linear fixture to find its center of gravity relative to the hanger member. The hanger member further comprises at least one clamp supported from the bridge member and movable vertically relative to the bridge member. The clamp has two spaced apart wings that are inserted loosely adjacent, each corresponding one of the clamping surfaces in the joiner supports after the tongue has been inserted into the alignment receiving slots permitting the relative adjustment features of the fixture to the hanger member. The clamping member is adjustable, relative to the bridge member, vertically to bring the clamping wings into engagement with clamping surfaces and move the end portions of the linear fixtures along the longitudinal axis towards each other so as to lock the joiner supports to the hanger member and relative to each other. This feature of the present invention allows for a two stage assembly of the linear fixtures to the hanger member. One stage is a temporary stage where a mechanical connection is made to support the fixture from the hanger member and permit relative adjustment. The second stage is the secure connection of the fixture to the hanger member. Consequently, the installer does not have to continue to support the hanger or the linear fixture in place when one or two linear fixtures are suspended in the first stage of connection. The temporary connection is also a safety feature when the fixtures are being disassembled.
When the linear fixture is the last fixture in a lighting fixture layout, the present invention contemplates that this linear fixture has an end portion which is suspended from an overhead structure by the same hanger member as noted above. End caps are mounted by the hanger onto the end portion of the linear fixture by mounting the end cap onto a wing and a tongue of the hanger. The end cap is fitted with or made with a receiving slot to receive one of the tongue members and the end cap has at least one clamping surface to receive the wing. As the clamp member is vertically adjusted, it engages the clamping surfaces of the end cap and moves the end cap into engagement with the joiner support.
In accordance with the present invention, it is envisaged that the joiner supports and the end cap may further be provided with at least one socket in which is mounted a plug type connector. The plug type connector is an electrical connector that engages an adjacent plug type connector in the linear fixture when the clapping member of hanger member is vertically adjusted. This permits for the transfer of some of the electrical control signals and or power between linear fixtures to be supplied to the ballast located the linear fixture for use in association with fluorescent lamps carried by the linear fixture.
In accordance with the present invention, at least one of the tongues and the alignment slots has a resilient locking member adapted to engage the other of the alignment slots and tongues. Preferably, the locking member comprises a hook-shaped member on an end portion of the elongate alignment member and the first and second alignment receiving slots each has a depending finger adapted to have its tip engage the hook-shaped member.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there is a suspension system for suspending adjacent end portions of first and second linear fixtures extending generally along a longitudinal axis from an overhead structure. The system comprises joiner supports mounted to each of the adjacent end portions of the first and second linear fixtures. The joiner support has adjacent first alignment receiving slots extending inwardly from the end portions, and at least one pair of adjacent clamping surfaces accessible from each of the end portions. The system further comprises a hanger member suspended by a wire from the overhead structure for supporting the first and second linear fixtures from the overhead structure. The hanger member comprises a bridge member connected to the wire, and an elongated alignment member supported by the bridge member and having a pair of opposing tongue insert portions. Each of the tongue insert portions extends along a corresponding one of the adjacent alignment receiving slots of the joiner supports to loosely juxtaposition the end portions of the first and second linear fixtures with the hanger member. The hanger member further comprises at least one clamping member supported from the bridge member for relative vertical movement therewith. The clamping member has two spaced apart wings each adapted to be loosely inserted adjacent a corresponding one of the pair of clamping surfaces when the tongue insert portions are inserted into the alignment receiving slots. The clamping member is movable vertically to bring the wing members into clamping engagement with the clamping surfaces and move the end portions of the linear fixtures into locking engagement.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is a suspension system for suspending a first end portion of a linear fixture having a longitudinal axis from an overhead structure. The system comprises a joiner support mounted to the first end portion. The joiner support has a first alignment receiving slot extending inwardly from the first end portion, and at least one first clamping surface accessible from the first end portion. The system includes an end cap for capping the first end portion of the linear fixture. The end cap has an open end portion having a second alignment receiving slot extending inwardly of the open end portion, and adjacent the first alignment receiving slot. The cap has at least one second clamping surface accessible from the open end portion adjacent the first clamping surface. The system further comprises a hanger member suspended by a wire from the overhead structure for supporting the linear fixture and the end cap from the overhead structure. The hanger member comprises a bridge member connected to said wire and an elongated alignment member supported by the bridge member having a pair of opposing tongue insert portions. Each of the tongue insert portions extends along a corresponding one of the first and second alignment receiving slots of the joiner support and end cap to loosely juxtaposition the first end portion of the linear fixture with the open end portion of the end cap and the hanger member. The hanger member has at least one clamping member supported from the bridge member for relative vertical movement therewith. The clamping member has two spaced apart wings each adapted to loosely engage a corresponding one of the first and second clamping surfaces when the tongue insert portions are inserted into the alignment first and second receiving slots. The clamping member is moved vertically to bring the wing members into clamping engagement with the first and second clamping surfaces and move the first end portion of the linear fixture and the open end portion of the end cap into locking engagement with the hanger member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be better understood and its advantages will become more apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the following drawings in conjunction with the accompanying specification, in which:
FIG. 1
is a perspective view of a linear lighting fixture of the preferred embodiment;
FIG. 2
is an enlarged partial end view of the linear lighting fixture of
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 3
is a front end view of the housing support of the linear lighting fixture;
FIG. 4
is a rear end perspective view of the housing support of the linear lighting fixture;
FIG. 5
is a partial rear perspective view of the housing support of the linear lighting fixture;
FIG. 6
is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the linear lighting fixture showing the use of a riser extension;
FIG. 7
is an enlarged partial perspective view of the linear lighting fixture of
FIG. 6
;
FIG. 8
is an end view of the housing support and riser of the linear lighting fixture of
FIG. 6
;
FIG. 9
is a side elevational view showing the suspension system for suspending two linear lighting fixtures from an over-head structure;
FIGS. 10
to
12
show the stages of connecting and suspending the linear lighting fixtures prior to complete assembly as shown in
FIG. 9
;
FIG. 13
is a side view of the hanger member used to suspend the linear lighting fixtures;
FIG. 14
is a perspective view of the hanger member of
FIG. 13
;
FIGS. 15 and 16
are partial perspective views showing the insertion of the hanger member in a joiner support in accordance with the connection as shown in
FIG. 11
;
FIG. 17
is a perspective view showing the suspension of a linear lighting fixture and end cap from the preferred suspension system;
FIG. 18
is a perspective end view of the cap;
FIGS. 19 and 20
are perspective views showing the hanger member mounted in the end cap;
FIG. 21
is a perspective view showing the manner in which end caps are joined for a linear lighting fixture layout;
FIG. 22
is a partially exploded view of
FIG. 21
; and
FIG. 23
is a side elevational perspective of FIG.
21
.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to
FIGS. 1 and 2
, there is shown a linear lighting fixture
10
for suspension from an overhead structure. The linear lighting fixture
10
has fluorescent lamps
11
for the purposes of illuminating commercial, office, or home space. The fixture
10
has an elongated linear housing
12
that includes a bottom wall
14
and a top wall
16
. The top wall
16
has an elongated slot
18
extending longitudinally along the top wall
16
of the housing
12
. The elongated slot
18
extends the entire length of the lighting fixture
10
to divide the top wall
16
into two top wall surface portions
20
. The housing
12
comprises an extruded aluminum material and is formed at with a corner
22
between the top wall
16
and bottom wall
14
.
The linear lighting fixture
10
further includes a one-piece or molded piece plastic housing support
24
which is shown in
FIGS. 1
to
5
. Alternatively the support
24
may be formed and assembled from multiple pieces. The plastic housing supports
24
are shown mounted within the housing
12
located at opposing end portions
26
of the housing
12
. It should be understood that additional linear supports may be provided along the length of the housing
12
when the housings are of length to accommodate two or more fluorescent lamps
11
mounted through suitable connections in end to end relationship within one linear housing
10
. The use of the molded plastic support
24
results in a weight reduction to a fixture of less than 12 pounds. Current building codes for such a lightweight fixture do not require additional suspension.
The housing support
24
is matingly inserted into the housing
12
between the housing top wall
16
and housing bottom wall
14
. The housing support
24
has a peripheral flange
28
that abuts against edge or peripheral edges
30
of the housing bottom and top walls
14
,
16
at the end portions
26
. The abutment of the peripheral flange
28
against the peripheral edge
30
limits the insertion of the housing support
24
into the housing
12
and precludes or limits leakage of light from the end of the fixture
10
. Further, the peripheral flange
28
of the housing support
24
provides a peripheral surface which for the most part extends around the peripheral edge
30
of the housing support
24
to provide a relatively flat surface that abuts against other flat surfaces of housing support of other adjoining linear lighting fixtures to be mounted in linear adjacent relationship with the fixture
10
.
In
FIGS. 3 and 4
, the housing support
24
has bottom surface portions
32
and bottom surface ridges
33
. The housing supports
24
further include top surface portions
34
. The bottom surface portions
32
, bottom surface ridges
33
and the top surface portions
34
conform in shape respectively to the housing bottom wall
14
and the housing top wall
16
. Thus, the bottom surface portions
32
and the bottom surface ridges
33
act with the top surface portions
34
of the housing support to engage in mating slide fitting relationship the housing bottom walls or portions of these bottom walls
14
and portions of the top walls
16
. The angle at which the top wall portions
20
are bent about corners
22
with respect to the bottom housing walls
14
may be chosen such that this angle is slightly less than the angle between the bottom surface portions
32
and the top surface portions
34
of the housing support
24
. This will provide a tight fit for the housing support
24
when inserted into the housing
12
. Further, the housing support
24
acts to support or maintain the elongated housing bottom wall
14
in a fixed spaced apart relationship from the housing top wall
16
.
In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the elongated housing bottom wall
14
and the elongated housing top wall
16
have a cross-sectional shape in the form of an eyelet with the elongated housing bottom wall
14
and the elongated housing top wall
16
meet at the corners
22
of the eyelet. The elongated slot
18
extends along the entire length of the elongated housing top wall
16
so as to provide two spaced apart housing top wall portions
20
. Such an elongated slot
18
extending the entire length of the fixture
10
, permits for significant material reduction and less material wastage in the production of the housing
12
.
To provide additional strength to support the housing
12
, the housing support
24
has a raised bridge surface
36
that extends transversely across the elongated slot
18
at end portion
26
of the housing
12
. This raised bridge surface
36
provides a continuous or continuum in the surface across the end portions
26
between the elongated housing top wall surface portions
20
.
The housing support
24
further has a series of ridges
38
and struts
40
, which provide additional reinforcing strength in the housing support
24
. The housing support
24
is further adapted to be suspended from an overhead structure. This feature of the housing support
24
is disclosed in more detail hereinafter.
The linear lighting fixture
10
thus far described has the advantage that it is a light weight fixture of a relatively thin gauge of aluminum sheet material extruded or formed into shape and the housing supports
24
are of molded plastic. It should be understood that the light weight linear lighting fixture
10
has advantage in that it is more easily handled by installers during installation from suspended structures which are sometimes in the order of 7 feet or more above the ground. Further, the lighter the fixture
10
, the less support required from the overhead structure to support the fixture
10
.
Referring again to
FIGS. 1 through 5
, another feature of the end support
24
is shown as a plug type electrical connector
42
housed within the support
24
. The supports
24
further include a first socket or first connector recess
44
that extends through the housing support
24
. From the drawings it will be seen that the connector
42
is generally in the shape of a rectangular cross-section and the shape of the connector recess
44
also follows the shape
42
of the electrical connector. The electrical connector
42
is shown to be a plug type connector. In the particular drawing shown, four circular apertures are shown as female apertures for reception of a male connector. It should be understood that the connector
42
may be a male or a female connector or may be both in that it could be a coaxial type of connector. In accordance with the present invention, the type of connector used for transferring of electrical power or control signals between adjacent mounted linear lighting fixtures
10
is a plug type connector. That is for the purposes of the present invention, the connectors
42
of two adjacent linear lighting fixtures
10
are adapted to abut and matingly engage each other when the linear lighting fixtures
10
are mounted in side by side longitudinal abutting or adjoining relationship.
Because the shape of the first connector recess
44
conforms to the shape of the first electrical plug connector
42
, the first electrical plug connector
42
is seated in a partially mating relationship with the first connector recess. The first connector recess
44
has a pair of opposing support walls or side support walls
46
which engage the first plug connector
42
to seat the first plug connector in the first connector recess
44
. The first connector recess
44
further includes a pair of opposing converging cantilever walls
48
which further include in-turned hook members
50
which engage a rear surface of the connector
42
. In
FIG. 4
, the housing support
24
has a bottom wall portion
52
extending between the bottom surface ridges or ribs
33
and below the connector
42
. The bottom wall portion
52
has two upstanding ribs
54
that are further adapted to matingly engage or positively locate the electrical connector
42
seated within the first connector recess
44
. The hook members
50
engage the first electrical plug connector
42
to positively locate the travel of the first electrical plug connector
42
into and through the first connector recess
44
. The first electrical power connector
42
has a front face
56
having connection terminals
58
facing outwardly of the housing
10
and the end portions
26
of the housing
10
. The plug connector
42
has a rear surface
60
with electrical wiring (not shown) extending therefrom for connection with ballast or other circuitry housed within the linear lighting fixture
10
.
The electrical connector
42
is readily inserted into the end support
24
by threading the wire through the open recess or first connector recess
44
and then fitting the first electrical connector
42
in sliding mating relationship into the first connector recess
44
until the converging cantilever side walls
48
and the hook members
50
engage the connector
42
. This provides for easy assembly of the electrical connector
42
within the end support
24
. This also provides for the housing support or end support
24
to be readily inserted into the housing
12
in a plant facility with the wiring or wires
62
connected at the manufacturing facility to a ballast. Consequently, no additional wiring in the field is required during installation for the fixture.
The housing supports
24
located at each end portion
26
of the housing
12
have two additional second electrical control plug connectors that are seated in second connector recesses
66
. The second plug connectors
64
have a front face
68
having a connection terminal facing outwardly of the housing for connection with a control source. The second plug connectors
64
have a rear face (not shown) with electrical control wiring extending from the second plug connector
64
through the housing support
24
and into the linear housing
10
. The construction of the support walls of the second connector recess
66
are similar to that for the first connector recess
42
. That is to say, the connector recess
66
includes second supporting opposing support walls or side walls
72
which engage the second plug connector
64
to seat the second plug connector
64
in the second connector recess
66
. The second connector recess
66
further includes rearwardly extending opposing cantilevered walls
74
that converge and are provided with in-turned hook members
76
which are mounted to the cantilevered walls
74
. The in-turned hook members
76
are in-turned to engage the second electric plug connector
64
and to positively locate the travel of the second electrical plug connector
64
into and through the second connector recess
66
.
Referring to
FIG. 4
, there is shown on the bridge surface
36
of the support
24
a pair of opposing locking tabs
78
and a pair of spring tab hooks
80
below bridge surface
36
. Also provided on the support
24
are rearwardly or inwardly facing ears
81
having openings
82
through which locking screws
84
(
FIG. 7
) pass. The purpose of the locking tabs
78
, hooks
80
, and ears
81
is to provide for a riser support or member
92
for supporting a lamp fixture
11
as shown in
FIGS. 6
,
7
, and
8
. In these figures, the lamp
11
is located at a raised elevation relative to the housing
10
and the housing support
24
. This type of fixture is provided to have a different lighting effect. In the fixture shown in
FIGS. 6 and 7
, two elongated housing side walls
86
extend the length of the adjacent respective top wall portions
20
. The two elongated housing side walls
86
are secured relative to the top housing wall
18
and the bottom housing wall
14
by means of locking screws
84
extending through the opening
82
and ears
81
to positively locate one side surface of the side walls
86
in force abutting relationship against the in-turned edge
88
of the housing top wall portion
20
. The side walls
86
are further mounted in place in abutting relation at their end against flanges
90
which form part of a riser member
92
. The riser members
92
are mounted by sliding edge portions thereof over the hook
78
and are also provided with
20
openings
94
to hook members
80
of the housing support
24
extend. The riser member
92
is further provided with a socket
96
adapted to receive the lamp
11
. This feature of being able to modify the construction of the linear lighting fixture
10
to include the riser support
92
and the additional or alternative lamp
11
allows for the manufacture of a more flexible linear lighting fixture
10
.
Thus far in the description of the preferred lighting fixture
10
of the present invention, the description has been limited to the construction of the fixture
10
itself to include a housing
12
and a housing support
24
. Further modification to the housing
12
has been provided by the addition of housing side walls
86
and a riser member
92
. As is stated previously, the housing support
24
may be further adapted to support the linear lighting fixture
10
from an overhead structure. The housing support
24
is also previously described to include a peripheral flange
28
which was adapted to lie flush in mating engagement or abutting relationship with another end support
24
and the linear lighting fixture
10
. To explain this feature of the linear lighting fixture and in particular the housing support
24
, reference is made to
FIGS. 9 through 20
for which a linear lighting fixture suspension system is shown.
Referring to
FIGS. 9 through 12
, there is shown a suspension system
98
for suspending adjacent end portions
26
of the first linear lighting fixture
100
and a second linear lighting fixture
102
that extend generally along longitudinal axis
103
. The suspension system suspends the linear lighting fixtures
100
,
102
from overhead structure
108
in a manner to be hereinafter described.
Previously, reference had been made to housing supports
24
. For the purposes hereinafter described, these housing supports
24
are referred to as joiner supports
24
. All similar features and numbers will be used for the joiner supports
24
as have been used previously for the housing supports
24
. The term joiner supports
24
is used in this aspect of the present invention to further exemplify that the supports
24
have a function that goes beyond the supporting the housing of the linear lighting fixture to that of supporting adjoining linear lighting fixtures
100
and
102
. The joiner supports
24
are shown as before mounted to each of the adjacent end portions
26
of the first and second linear lighting fixtures
100
,
102
. The jointer supports
24
have their peripheral flanges
28
shown in abutting relationship in FIG.
9
. These flanges
28
are brought into abutment during the assembly of the fixtures
100
,
102
on the suspension system
98
. The joiner supports
24
have a pair of spaced apart inclined clamping walls
114
which are shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3
mounted from or suspended from the bridge surface
36
of the joiner support
24
. The inclined clamping walls
114
are further shown in the cross-section of
FIGS. 11 and 12
. Each of the inclined clamping walls
114
is accessible from a respective end portion of the joiner support
24
which is labeled numeral
116
showing the view into the end of the joiner support
24
of FIG.
3
. Each of the clamping walls
114
slopes upwardly of the longitudinal access
103
and inwardly of the respective end portion
116
or the end portion defined by the peripheral flange
28
of the joiner support
24
.
The adjacent joiner supports
24
of the fixtures
100
and
102
have first adjacent alignment receiving slots
118
. The alignment receiving slots
118
each have a depending finger
120
that extends rearwardly of the bridge
36
of the joiner support
24
. The depending finger
120
has a transverse rib
122
.
Mounted within the lighting fixtures
100
and
102
is a reflector support
124
which is located by a locating screw
126
. The locating screw
126
serves another purpose which is discussed hereinafter.
The suspension system further includes a hanger member generally designated
104
and shown as a component part in
FIGS. 13 and 14
. The hanger member
104
is suspended from the overhead structure
108
by wire
106
. The purpose of the hanger member
104
is to support the first and second linear lighting fixtures
100
and
102
from the overhead structure
108
.
The hanger member
104
has a bridge member
128
adapted to extend transversely of the longitudinal axis
103
. The bridge member
128
has an opening
131
through which the wire
106
passes to a washer
130
mounted within a socket
132
. The washer
130
mounted within socket
132
permits for relative floating of the bridge member
128
with respect to the wire
106
so that the bridge member
128
may be suspended in a plum fashion from the overhead structure
108
.
The bridge member
128
has an elongate alignment member
134
which in turn has an opening
136
therein to allow for the wire
106
and washer
130
assembly to be mounted to the bridge structure
128
. The elongate alignment member
134
has side walls
138
which are seated within guide walls
140
of the bridge member so as to positively locate the alignment member
134
to the bridge member
128
. The alignment member
128
has a pair of opposing tongues
142
. The pair of opposing tongues
142
or tongue insert portions
142
are adapted to extend along one of the adjacent alignment receiving slots
118
. The tongue portions
142
are terminated in an upwardly directed resilient hook member
144
. The tongue portions
142
have a width less than the width of the receiving slots
118
to permit relative lateral movement therewith.
The bridge member
128
has two downwardly depending ribs or side wall supports
146
. Suspended between the ribs
146
from each side of the bridge
128
is a generally V-shaped wing member
148
having two spaced apart wings
150
and a central interconnecting member
152
. The ends of the wings
150
are shown with a series of reinforcing fingers
154
and the central portions of the interconnecting member
152
are shown with a series of reinforcing ribs
156
. A vertically adjustment screw
160
passes through the bridge member
128
between side supporting walls or ribs
146
to support or hold the interconnecting member
152
in a depending fashion from the bridge member
128
.
The assembly of the two linear lighting fixtures
100
and
102
as shown in
FIG. 9
, is described with reference to
FIGS. 10
to
12
.
In
FIG. 10
, the hanger member
104
is suspended from the overhead structure
108
by wire
106
. Next, the linear lighting fixtures
100
and
102
are positioned adjacent to the hanger member
104
. It should be understood that for the purposes of this drawing, the two linear lighting fixtures are shown positioned along a longitudinal axis
103
. However, in practice, one linear lighting fixture would be orientated along linear axis
103
for temporary connection to the hanger assembly
104
and then the second linear lighting fixture
102
is also temporarily connected to the hanger assembly
104
prior to secure connection. By temporary connection it is meant that the loose connection of the linear lighting fixtures
100
and
102
as shown in FIG.
11
.
In
FIG. 11
, the elongate alignment member
134
has been inserted into the alignment receiving slot
118
of the joiner support
24
. The alignment member
134
has its corresponding tongue portion
142
inserted into alignment receiving slot
118
until the hook
144
passes the tongue
120
and is locked in place relative to the depending rib structure
122
. Once either fixture
100
or fixture
102
is so connected, the other fixture
100
or
102
may also be so connected. It should also be noted from
FIG. 11
that the wing-shaped clamping member or clamp comprising the interconnecting member
150
and the wings
152
are positioned adjacent and in loose relationship with the ramp or clamping inclined walls
114
of the joiner support
24
. This permits for a loose mechanical connection of the linear lighting fixtures
100
and/or
102
relative to the hanger member
104
for relative longitudinal and lateral adjustment. Once so connected, the linear lighting fixtures
100
and
102
do not have to be physically supported by an installer. Furthermore, the assembly of the elongate support member
134
within the first alignment receiving slot
118
is a loose connection which provides for some relative movement between the linear lighting fixtures
100
and
102
and hanger number
104
.
Referring to
FIG. 10
, the connectors
42
of each of the end portions
26
is shown with a male connector on the linear lighting fixture
102
and the female connector on the linear lighting fixture
100
. These plug connections
42
are partially or temporarily made during the assembly of the hanger member
104
as shown in FIG.
11
. To complete the assembly and insure a proper mechanical and electrical interconnection between the linear lighting fixtures
100
and
102
, the adjustment screws
160
are rotated to draw up the interconnecting member
150
of the wing shaped clamps
152
so as to bring the wings
152
up into sliding clamping engagement with the inclined walls
114
of the joiner supports
24
as shown in FIG.
12
. This tightly locks the two linear lighting fixtures
100
and
102
in abutting and adjoining relationship with the hanger member
104
whereby the peripheral flanges
28
of the joiner supports
24
abut one another. It also brings the plug connectors
42
into tight electrical contact with each other.
By providing such a system of suspension and connection between two linear lighting fixtures
100
and
102
extending along the same longitudinal access
103
, it is possible to have a temporary supported connection and then have this connection firmly made or disengaged. Furthermore, the linear lighting fixtures
100
and
102
may be readily disassembled by releasing the screws
160
to drop the wing shaped clamp members
152
out of engagement with the inclined clamping walls
114
and then lifting the tab
120
so as to release it from hook
144
so that the elongate member
134
may be removed from the alignment receiving slot
118
. This provides for a flexible linear lighting fixture assembly which may be readily assembled and disassembled to accommodate for different changes in lighting fixture patterns.
Referring to
FIGS. 17 through 20
, there is shown an end cap
153
which is adapted to close off the end portion
26
of the fixture
100
. The end caps
153
are utilized in the present invention where the linear extension of the lighting fixtures comes to an end. The end caps
153
provide for a cosmetic and esthetically pleasing cover for the linear lighting fixture
100
, while at the same time providing for a source of power
157
(
FIG. 20
) through opening
170
into the male plug connector
42
a
(FIG.
20
).
The end cap
153
has an end wall
155
, a top wall
159
, a bottom wall
161
and edge
162
where the top and bottom walls
158
and
160
meet. The general shape of the end cap
153
is in that of an eyelet and conforms to the shape of the end portion
26
of the fixture
100
. The end cap
153
has an alignment receiving slot
118
and a pair of inclined ramp walls
114
similar to those disclosed previously. The end cap
153
has a power receiving slot
170
adapted to receive wire
157
(
FIG. 20
, the connection not shown to simplify the drawing). Wire
157
is connected to connector
42
a.
Typically, the hanger
104
is inserted into the end cap
153
in a manner identical to that previously described for fixture
102
relative to fixture
100
. The hook members
144
pass through an opening
164
in the top wall
159
of the end cap
153
. The end cap may have a plastic insert that is snap fitted into place to provide for the ramping surfaces
114
and the completion of the alignment receiving slot
118
. The end cap
153
is assembled to a joiner support
24
in much the same manner as two joiner supports
24
are assembled.
Referring to
FIGS. 21 through 23
, there is shown a method of joining end caps
153
in a non-linear fashion. That is to say, the end caps
170
are joined to a fixture in the same manner as shown in
FIGS. 17
to
22
. These end caps
153
, however, are for linear lighting fixtures that do not extend along the same longitudinal axis previously referred to as
103
.
For the sake of simplicity, the end caps shown in
FIGS. 21 and 22
do not show the insert required completing the first alignment slot in
118
. In the inclined ramps
114
, however, the insert has been inserted into FIG.
23
and can be seen at
114
and
118
. It should be also understood that between the inclined ramp walls
114
is located the electrical plug connector for connection to a corresponding connector located in joiner support
24
of the linear lighting fixture.
The end caps shown in
FIGS. 21 through 23
are shown as able to be joined together at an angle of 90°. Each of the end caps
153
has a side
172
connected to an interconnecting member
174
. Interconnecting member
174
has spaced or spread apart legs
176
and
178
that are adapted to be mounted to the sides or respective sides
172
of the two end caps
153
.
The linear lighting fixtures are shown by ghost lines
100
and
102
to have respective longitudinal axes
103
and
103
a
. These axes are offset by the predetermined angle alpha (α) which is 90°. The linear lighting fixtures
100
and
102
comprise the same construction as hereinbefore described.
Each of the sides
172
of the end caps
153
has an open or truncated side, which has a slot
180
. Each of the end caps
153
has inner surface walls
182
extending adjacent the slot opening
180
. The legs
176
and
178
of the interconnecting member
174
have two elongated flanges
186
and
188
that are co-extensive with and are spaced from the opposing sides
182
of each of the respective legs
176
and
178
. These flanges
186
and
188
slide along the inner surface walls
182
to maintain the surface of the leg members
176
and
178
locked in place. The surface of the legs
176
and
178
provide a continuous surface along the side
172
of the end cap
170
. In the cross-section shown in
FIG. 23
, the leg member exemplified by legs
176
of the interconnecting member
174
has a generally U-shaped configuration where each of the arms of the U are represented by the continuing surface or flange
188
and an arm
190
positioned adjacent flange
182
and adapted to engage an inner side wall surface
182
of the end cap
170
. It should be noted that this inner side wall surface
182
of the end cap is engaged in sliding relationship by the arm
190
of the leg
176
. Further the flange
182
of the leg
176
is located along the inside surfaces
182
between the top and bottom walls of the end cap
153
adjacent or tucked in position at the corner where the top and bottom walls meet.
The interconnecting member
174
co-operating with the slot in the sides
172
of the end cap
153
has the advantage of providing a quick connection between the end cap so that a continuous connection between the end cap and no visual space is seen between the linear lighting fixture which extends along different predetermined axis. Hence the end portions
26
of the linear lighting fixtures
100
and
102
do not abut one another, however the end cap
153
abut adjacent side
172
where the interconnecting member
174
is located. The angle of spread between legs
176
and
178
of interconnecting member
174
is equivalent to the angle a between axis
103
and
103
a.
It should be understood that the foregoing description with respect to the drawings has been for preferred embodiments of the present invention and that alternate embodiments may be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art.
Claims
- 1. A suspension system for suspending adjacent end portions of first and second linear fixtures extending generally along a longitudinal axis from an overhead structure, comprising:joiner supports mounted to each of the adjacent end portions of the first and second linear fixtures, the joiner support having adjacent first alignment receiving slots extending inwardly from the end portions, and at least one pair of adjacent clamping surfaces accessible from each of the end portions; a hanger member suspended by a wire from the overhead structure for supporting the first and second linear fixtures from the overhead structure, the hanger member comprising: a bridge member connected to said wire; an elongated alignment member supported by the bridge member and having a pair of opposing tongue insert portions, each of the tongue insert portions extending along a corresponding one of the adjacent alignment receiving slots of the joiner supports to loosely juxtaposition the end portions of the first and second linear fixtures with the hanger member; at least one clamping member supported from the bridge member for relative vertical movement therewith, and the clamping member having two spaced apart wings each adapted to be inserted loosely adjacent a corresponding one of the pair of adjacent clamping surfaces when the tongue insert portions are inserted into the alignment receiving slots and the clamping member being moved vertically to bring the wing members into clamping engagement with the clamping surfaces and move the end portions of the linear fixtures towards each other into locking engagement.
- 2. The suspension system of claim 1 wherein the elongate alignment member extends transversely across the bridge member and has an opening therein through which the wire passes, and the elongate alignment member is positioned to bisect the bridge member, and the joiner supports further comprising two pairs of adjacent clamping surfaces and two clamping members supported by the bridge member on opposing sides of the elongate support member.
- 3. The suspension system of claim 1 wherein at least one of the elongate alignment member and the first alignment receiving slot has a locking member adapted to engage the other of the elongate alignment member and the first alignment receiving slot.
- 4. The suspension system of claim 3 where the locking member is resilient and comprises a hook shaped member on an end portion of the elongate alignment member and the first alignment receiving slot has a depending finger adapted to have its tip engage the hook shaped member.
- 5. The suspension system of claim 1 wherein each of the joiner supports has at least one socket and an electrical power plug connector seated in the socket, the electrical power plug connector having a plug end facing outwardly of the linear fixture for connection with a corresponding plug connector in an adjacent joiner support, said plug connector and corresponding plug connector mating during vertical movement of the clamping member.
- 6. The suspension system of claim 3 wherein the elongate alignment member has a width less than that of the first alignment receiving slot permitting lateral displacement of the fixture relative to the hanger member.
- 7. A suspension system for suspending adjacent end portions of first and second linear fixtures extending generally along a longitudinal axis from an overhead structure, comprising:joiner supports mounted to each of the adjacent end portions of the first and second linear fixtures, the joiner support having adjacent first alignment receiving slots extending inwardly from the end portions and parallel to the longitudinal axis, and at least one pair of adjacent inclined clamping walls accessible from a respective end portion sloping upwardly of the longitudinal axis and inwardly of the respective end portion; a hanger member suspended by a wire from the overhead structure for supporting the first and second linear fixtures from the overhead structure, the hanger member comprising: a bridge member adapted to extend transversely of the longitudinal axis of the linear fixtures and having an opening therethrough, a washer supported on an undersurface of the bridge member, said washer being connected to said wire passing through the opening; an elongated alignment member supported by the bridge member and extending transversely of the bridge member to present a pair of opposing tongue insert portions, each of the tongue insert portions extending along a corresponding one of the adjacent alignment receiving slots of the joiner supports in loose locking engagement therewith to loosely juxtaposition the end portions of the first and second linear fixtures relative to each other with limited longitudinal and lateral movement relative to the hanger member; at least one generally V-shaped wing member having two spaced apart wings and a central interconnecting member, each of the wings generally extending parallel to one of the tongue insert portions and adapted to be loosely inserted adjacent a corresponding one of the pair of adjacent clamp walls when the tongue insert portions are inserted into the alignment receiving slots; and, a vertically adjustment screw passing through the bridge member and the central interconnecting member of the V-shaped wing member to adjustably support the wing member from the bridge member; and the adjustment screw being adjusted to vertically raise the central portions and wings such that the wings clamp against the clamp walls and move the end portions of the linear fixtures towards each other to lock the joiner supports to the hanger member.
- 8. The suspension system of claim 7 wherein the elongate alignment member has an opening therein through which the wire passes and the elongate alignment member is positioned to bisect the bridge member, and further two comprising two generally V-shaped wing members supported by the bridge member on opposing sides of the elongate support member.
- 9. The suspension system of claim 7 wherein the bridge member has two ribs extending outwardly thereof to engage sides of the central interconnecting member of the wing member to prevent the wing member from rotating with the vertical adjustment screw during adjustment of the screw.
- 10. The suspension system of claim 7 wherein at least one of the elongate alignment member and the first alignment receiving slot has a locking member adapted to engage the other of the elongate alignment member and the first alignment receiving slot.
- 11. The suspension system of claim 8 where the locking member is resilient and comprises a hook shaped member on an end portion of the elongate alignment member and the first alignment receiving slot has a depending finger adapted to have its tip engage the hook shaped member.
- 12. The suspension system of claim 7 wherein each of the joiner supports has at least one socket and an electrical power plug connector seated in the socket, the electrical power plug connector having a plug end facing outwardly of the linear fixture for connection with a corresponding plug connector in an adjacent joiner support, said plug connector and corresponding plug connector mating during vertical movement of the clamping member.
- 13. The suspension system of claim 7 wherein the elongate alignment member has a width less than that of the first alignment receiving slot permitting lateral displacement of the fixture relative to the hanger member.
- 14. A suspension system for suspending a first end portion of a linear fixture having a longitudinal axis from an overhead structure, comprising:a joiner support mounted to the first end portion, the joiner support having a first alignment receiving slot extending inwardly from the first end portion, and at least one first clamping surface accessible from the first end portion; an end cap for capping the first end portion of the linear fixture, the end cap having an open end portion having a second alignment receiving slot extending inwardly of the open end portion, and adjacent the first alignment receiving slot, and at least one second clamping surface accessible from the open end portion adjacent the first clamping surface; a hanger member suspended by a wire from the overhead structure for supporting the linear fixture and the end cap from the overhead structure, the hanger member comprising: a bridge member connected to said wire; an elongated alignment member supported by the bridge member and having a pair of opposing tongue insert portions, each of the tongue insert portions extending along a corresponding one of the first and second alignment receiving slots of the joiner support and end cap to loosely juxtaposition the first end portion of the linear fixture with the open end portion of the end cap and the hanger member; and, at least one clamping member supported from the bridge member for relative vertical movement therewith, and the clamping member having two spaced apart wings each adapted to be inserted loosely adjacent a corresponding one of the first and second clamping surfaces when the tongue insert portions are inserted into the alignment first and second receiving slots and the clamping member being moved vertically to bring the wing members into clamping engagement with the first and second clamping surfaces and move the first end portion of the linear fixture and the open end portion of the end cap into locking engagement with the hanger member.
- 15. The suspension system of claim 14 wherein the elongate alignment member extends transversely across the bridge member and has an opening therein through which the wire passes, and the elongate alignment member is positioned to bisect the bridge member, and the joiner support further comprising two first clamping surfaces, the end cap having two second clamping surfaces, and two clamping members supported by the bridge member on opposing sides of the elongate support member.
- 16. The suspension system of claim 14 wherein at least one of the elongate alignment member, and the first and second alignment receiving slots, has a locking member adapted to engage the other of the elongate alignment member, and the first and second alignment receiving slots.
- 17. The suspension system of claim 16 wherein the locking member is resilient and comprises a hook shaped member on an end portion of the elongate alignment member and the first and second alignment receiving slots each has a depending finger adapted to have its tip engage the hook shaped member.
- 18. The suspension system of claim 14 wherein each of the joiner support and end cap each has at least one socket and an electrical power plug connector seated in the socket, the electrical power plug connector of the linear fixture having a plug end facing outwardly of the linear fixture for mating connection with a corresponding plug connector in the end cap during vertical movement of the clamping member.
- 19. The suspension system of claim 14 wherein the elongate alignment member has a width less than that of the first alignment receiving slot permitting lateral displacement of the fixture relative to the hanger member.
- 20. A suspension system for suspending a first end portion of a linear fixture having a longitudinal axis from an overhead structure, comprising:a joiner support mounted to the first end portion, the joiner support having a first alignment receiving slot extending inwardly from the first end portion and parallel to the longitudinal axis, and at least one inclined ramp clamping wall accessible from the first end portion sloping upwardly of the longitudinal axis and inwardly of the first end portion; an end cap for capping the first end portion of the linear fixture, the end cap having open end portion and a cap joiner support mounted thereto, the cap joiner support having a second alignment receiving slot extending inwardly of the open end portion, parallel to the longitudinal axis and adjacent the first alignment receiving slot, and at least one second inclined ramp clamping wall accessible from the open end portion adjacent the first clamping surface sloping upwardly of the longitudinal axis and inwardly of the open end portion; a hanger member suspended by a wire from the overhead structure for supporting the linear fixture and the end cap from the overhead structure, the hanger member comprising: a bridge member adapted to extend transversely of the longitudinal axis of the linear fixture and having an opening therethrough, a washer supported on an undersurface of the bridge member, said washer being connected to said wire passing through the opening; an elongated alignment member supported by the bridge member and extending transversely of the bridge member to present a pair of opposing tongue insert portions, each of the tongue insert portions extending along a corresponding one of the first and second alignment receiving slots of the joiner supports in loose locking engagement therewith to loosely juxtaposition the first end portion of the linear relative to the open end portion of the end cap with limited longitudinal and lateral movement relative to the hanger member; at least one generally V-shaped wing member having two spaced apart wings and a central interconnecting member, each of the wings extending parallel to one of the tongue insert portions and adapted to be inserted loosely adjacent a corresponding one of the first and second ramp clamp walls when the tongue insert portions are inserted into the first and second alignment receiving slots; and, a vertically adjustment screw passing through the bridge member and the central interconnecting member of the V-shaped wing member to adjustably support the wing member from the bridge member; and the adjustment screw being adjusted to vertically raise the central portions and wings such that the wings clamp against the first and second ramp clamping walls and move the first end portion of the linear fixture and closed end portion of end cap towards each other locking the end cap and linear fixture to the hanger member.
- 21. The suspension system of claim 20 wherein the elongate alignment member has an opening therein through which the wire passes and the elongate alignment member is positioned to bisect the bridge member, and further comprising two first and two second clamp walls, and two generally V-shaped wing members supported by the bridge member on opposing sides of the elongate support member.
- 22. The suspension system of claim 21 wherein the bridge member has two ribs extending outwardly thereof to engage sides of the central interconnecting member of the wing member to prevent the wing member from rotating with the vertical adjustment screw during adjustment of the screw.
- 23. The suspension system of claim 20 wherein at least one of the elongate alignment member, and the first and second alignment receiving slots, has a locking member adapted to engage the other of the elongate alignment member and the first and second alignment receiving slots.
- 24. The suspension system of claim 23 where the locking member is resilient and comprises a hook shaped member on an end portion of the elongate alignment member and the first and second alignment receiving slot has a depending finger adapted to have its tip engage the hook shaped member.
- 25. The suspension system of claim 20 wherein the cap joiner support has a pair of arms with hooks that snap fit into corresponding abutments in the end cap.
- 26. The suspension system of claim 20 wherein each of the joiner support and end cap each has at least one socket and an electrical power plug connector seated in the socket, the electrical power plug connector of the linear fixture having a plug end facing outwardly of the linear fixture for mating connection with a corresponding plug connector in the end cap during vertical movement of the clamping member.
Priority Claims (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
Kind |
2321343 |
Sep 2000 |
CA |
|
US Referenced Citations (1)
Number |
Name |
Date |
Kind |
4726781 |
Bernhart et al. |
Feb 1988 |
A |