Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6461026
-
Patent Number
6,461,026
-
Date Filed
Tuesday, May 8, 200123 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, October 8, 200222 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
- O'Shea; Sandra
- Amarantides; John
Agents
- Bicks; Mark S.
- Hoffman; Tara L.
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 362 365
- 362 366
- 362 368
- 362 371
- 362 374
- 362 375
- 016 239
- 016 259
- 016 266
- 016 267
- 016 381
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A lighting fixture includes a housing, a frame, and a hinge assembly pivotally coupling the frame to the housing. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge part fixed to and extending from the housing and has first and second support arms and a pin extending between the support arms. A centering bar is located between the first and second support arms. The hinge assembly also includes a second hinge part extending from the frame and slidably engaged with the first hinge part. The second hinge part has a first arcuate lead arm and a first trap arm defining a receiving area between the lead arm and the trap arm. The pin of the first hinge part is received in the receiving area of the second hinge part. This allows the second hinge part to slide relative to the pin. Each of the lead and trap arms of the second hinge part is disposed near opposite sides of the centering bar of the first hinge part.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a centering hinge for a lighting fixture or luminaire. Specifically, the invention relates to a two part hinge for coupling a door frame and housing of a lighting fixture including a mechanism for centering the door frame onto the housing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conventional lighting fixtures or luminaires generally include a housing with a lamp assembly supported therein and a lens attached to and enclosing the housing. Additionally, the lens of a conventional fixture typically includes a frame. The lens and frame define a door for the fixture housing.
Standard hinges for conventional light fixtures typically do not provide a positioning mechanism. Therefore, upon closing the frame onto the lighting fixture housing, the frame is askew or off center from the housing. This reduces the aesthetic appeal of the fixture. Additionally, a gap can be created between the frame and housing thereby preventing a weather tight seal for the fixture. Thus, the operator would be required to readjust the position of the frame to create a seal.
Examples of conventional lighting fixture hinges are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 106,315 to Browne; U.S. Pat. No. 1,075,569 to Holtzhouser; U.S. Pat. No. 1,132,601 to Moynihan; U.S. Pat. No. 2,732,581 to Heck; U.S. Pat. No. 3,295,714 to Addario; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,349,120; 5,005,458 to Merrick; U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,976 to Bogdanovs; U.S. Pat. No. 5,864,922 to Kraft.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a hinge for a luminaire or lighting fixture that centers the frame onto the housing of the fixture.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a hinge for a luminaire or lighting fixture that assists in creating a seal between the fixture frame and housing.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a hinge for a luminaire or lighting fixture that immediately and automatically centers the frame with respect to the fixture housing.
The foregoing objects are basically attained by a lighting fixture comprising a housing, a frame, and a hinge assembly pivotally coupling the frame to the housing. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge part fixed to and extending from the housing and has first and second support arms and a pin extending between the support arms. A centering bar is located between the first and second support arms. The pin has a longitudinal axis. The hinge assembly also includes a second hinge part extending from the frame and slidably engaged with the first hinge part. The second hinge part has a first arcuate lead arm and a first trap arm defining a receiving area between the lead arm and the trap arm. The pin of the first hinge part is received in the receiving area of the second hinge part. This allows the second hinge part to slide relative to the pin along its longitudinal axis. Each of the lead and trap arms, respectively, of the second hinge part is disposed near opposite sides of the centering bar of the first hinge part.
The foregoing objects are also basically attained by a method of centering and pivotally connecting a frame on a housing having a first hinge part on the frame. The first hinge part includes first and second support arms with a pin extending therebetween along a longitudinal axis, and a centering bar located between the first and second support arms. A second hinge part on the housing includes a first lead arm and a first trap arm defining a receiving area therebetween. The method comprises the step of engaging the second hinge part with the first hinge part by sliding the second hinge part onto the first hinge part with the first support arm of the first hinge part moving between the first lead and trap arms of the second hinge part allowing the lead and trap arms of the second hinge part to slide onto the pin of the first hinge part along the longitudinal axis of the pin. The first lead arm of the second hinge part is slid past the centering bar of the first hinge part, and the second hinge part is rotated about the longitudinal axis of the pin of the first hinge part with the centering bar of the first hinge part being located between the first lead and trap arms of the second hinge part.
By fashioning and using the hinge assembly in this manner, the frame is immediately and automatically centered with respect to the fixture housing upon closing the frame onto the housing.
Other objects, advantages and salient features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring to the drawings which form a part of this disclosure:
FIG. 1
is a perspective view of the luminaire and centering hinge in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, showing a frame and a housing of the luminaire in an open position and just prior to being engaged;
FIG. 2
is an enlarged partial front perspective view of the centering hinge, frame, and housing of the centering hinge illustrated in
FIG. 1
, showing first and second hinge parts just prior to be engaged;
FIG. 3
is an enlarged partial front perspective view of the centering hinge, frame, and housing illustrated in
FIG. 2
, showing the first and second hinge parts engaged;
FIG. 4
is a partial side elevational view in section of the centering hinge, frame, and housing illustrated in
FIG. 3
, showing the frame pivoting to a closed position;
FIG. 5
is an enlarged partial top perspective view of the centering hinge, frame, and housing illustrated in
FIG. 3
, showing the frame closed onto the housing; and
FIG. 6
is an enlarged partial bottom perspective view of the centering hinge, frame, and housing illustrated in FIG.
5
.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to
FIGS. 1-6
, a luminaire or lighting fixture centering or positioning hinge assembly
12
in accordance with the present invention pivotally couples a frame
14
and a housing
16
of a luminaire
10
. Centering or positioning hinge assembly
12
centers frame
14
with respect to housing
16
immediately and automatically upon coupling frame
14
and housing
16
via hinge assembly
12
.
Luminaire
10
generally includes frame
14
, such as a door, pivotally coupled to housing
16
by centering or positioning hinge assembly
12
and a second hinge assembly
18
. Luminaire
10
is opened and closed by pivoting frame
14
. Latches
20
provide a mechanism for latching and unlatching frame
14
and housing
16
. The latches
12
are described in my concurrently filed, co-pending and commonly assigned application Ser. No. 09/850,409 entitled Luminaire Latch, the subject matter of which is herein incorporated by reference. Luminaire housing
16
includes an inner receiving area
22
for holding lighting components (not shown), such as lamp and socket assemblies, a reflecting member, or a ballast unit, as is well known in the art and shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,182,848 entitled Luminaire Housing With Universal Dual Surface Cantilever Hinge, the subject matter of which is herein incorporated by reference.
Supported by frame
14
is refractor or lens
24
, such as a glass panel, with a gasket
26
applied to the perimeter of lens
24
on a surface opposite frame
14
. Gasket
26
provides a seal when luminaire
10
is closed, thereby protecting the inner components enclosed within inner receiving area
22
of luminaire housing
16
from environmental contaminants. Gasket
26
is preferably made of a plastic or rubber or similar material.
Frame
14
particularly includes a frame wall
28
and a shoulder wall
30
joined at frame edge
32
forming a generally L-shaped frame in section, as seen in
FIGS. 1 and 2
. Frame wall
28
includes inner and outer generally planar surfaces
34
and
36
, respectively, and an inner edge
38
defining the border of a center opening
40
. Shoulder wall
30
includes inner and outer generally flat surfaces
42
and
44
, respectively, with inner surface
42
providing support for lens
24
. Clips
46
attached to shoulder
30
secure lens
24
to inner frame wall surface
34
. Shoulder wall
30
also includes a free edge
48
opposite frame edge
32
where frame wall
28
and shoulder wall
30
meet. Free edge
48
has a cutout portion
50
.
Housing
16
is formed of four side walls
52
and an end wall
54
, defining inner receiving area
22
and an outer housing surface
56
with an access opening or open end
58
opposite end wall
50
. A shoulder
60
extends along the free edges of side walls
52
at open end
58
. The surface
62
of shoulder
60
remote from side walls
52
is substantially rounded.
Lens
24
is supported by frame
14
with its first substantially planar surface
64
abutting inner frame wall surface
34
. A second planar surface
66
, opposite first surface
64
, abuts gasket
26
. The surface
68
of gasket
26
remote from lens
24
abuts housing shoulder surface
62
when luminaire
10
is closed, as seen in FIG.
5
. Lens
24
extends across central opening
40
allowing light of the lamp assembly enclosed within luminaire housing
16
to shine therethrough.
As best seen in
FIGS. 2-6
, positioning hinge assembly
12
includes cooperating first and second parts
70
and
72
. First part
70
extends outwardly from housing
16
and a second part
72
extends from frame
14
. Second part
72
rotates about first part
70
thereby moving frame
14
between open and closed positions with respect to housing
16
. The first and second parts could be reversed.
First part
70
generally has first and second support arms
74
and
76
with a pin
78
extending therebetween, and a centering bar
80
located between said first and second support arms
74
and
76
, as best seen in FIG.
2
. First part
70
particularly extends from a housing side wall
52
just below shoulder
60
. Preferably, first part
70
is unitary with housing side wall
52
but can be formed separately and integrally attached thereto.
Support arms
74
and
76
, and centering bar
80
are generally perpendicular to housing outer surface
56
. Pin
78
extends between and generally perpendicular to supports arms
74
and
76
, and centering bar
80
, at a location remote from housing outer surface
56
. Each support arm
74
and
76
is generally elongated with upper and lower planar surfaces
82
and
84
as seen in
FIGS. 2 and 6
. The free ends
86
and
88
of first and second support arms
74
and
76
, respectively, are generally rounded.
Centering bar
80
also includes upper and lower generally planar surfaces
90
and
92
. However, centering bar upper surface
90
can be rounded to facilitate engagement with second hinge part
72
. Pin
78
is a cylindrical member having a first end
94
forming the free end
86
of first arm
74
and a second end
96
meeting the free end
88
of second support arm
76
and defining a longitudinal axis
98
. First support arm
74
and centering bar
80
are narrower than second support arm
76
in the vertical direction of FIG.
1
. This allows second hinge part
72
to slide onto pin
78
at its first end
94
and also prevents it from sliding off of the second pin end
96
by second support arm inner stopping surface
100
.
Second part
72
extends from frame shoulder wall
30
. Second part
72
includes a trough member
102
and first and second trap arms
104
and
106
, defining a receiving area
108
therebetween for receiving first hinge part
70
, as best seen in
FIGS. 4 and 5
, forming a substantially C-shaped member.
Trough member
102
particularly includes first and second arcuate lead arms
110
and
112
defining a slot
114
therebetween for receiving centering bar
80
of first hinge part
70
. Slot
114
is slightly wider than centering bar
80
. Lead arms
110
and
112
extend outwardly in a direction away from free edge
48
of shoulder wall
30
and generally perpendicular to frame wall
28
. Lead arms
110
and
112
also extend from a main portion
116
of trough member
102
, that is preferably unitary with shoulder wall
30
. Lead arms
110
and
112
have distal ends
118
and
120
, respectively, forming hooking members for engaging pin
78
of first hinge part
70
. Either of first and second lead arms
110
and
112
can include a slightly sloped surface
122
at their respective ends
118
and
120
, as seen in
FIG. 5
, to facilitate engagement with centering bar
80
.
First and second trap arms
104
and
106
are spaced from lead arms
110
and
112
and extend outwardly from shoulder wall outer surface
30
, generally parallel with frame wall
28
and proximate to frame edge
32
. Each trap arm
104
and
106
includes a generally flat surface
124
that faces lead arms
110
and
112
and an opposite sloped surface
126
so that each trap arm
104
and
106
is generally triangular in cross-section. Although trap arms
104
and
106
are preferably triangular in section, they can be any shape, as long as surface
124
is only slightly spaced from pin
78
when first and second hinge parts
70
and
72
are engaged, as seen in
FIGS. 4 and 6
.
Designation of upper or lower for elements of luminaire
10
and hinge
12
are used merely to facilitate description thereof and is therefore not limited to a hinge or luminaire of any particular orientation.
As seen in
FIG. 1
, second hinge assembly
18
is spaced from positioning hinge assembly
12
. Second hinge assembly
18
is a conventional hinge having first and second parts
128
and
130
. First part
128
extends from housing side wall
52
and includes first and second arms
132
and
134
with a pin
136
extending therebetween. Second part
130
extends from frame shoulder wall
30
, similar to second part
72
of positioning hinge
12
. Second part
130
of second hinge
18
includes a hooking member
138
that engages and pivots about pin
136
. Like positioning hinge
12
, first arm
132
of first part
128
is narrower than second arm
134
, thereby allowing second part
130
to slide onto pin
136
.
Second hinge
18
can include first and second trap arms similar to positioning hinge
12
. Also, second hinge pin
18
can be a second substantially identical positioning hinge to hinge
12
instead of a conventional hinge.
Operation
As seen in
FIGS. 1-6
, frame
14
and housing
16
are coupled by axially sliding each second hinge part
72
and
130
of positioning and second hinges
12
and
18
, respectively, onto their corresponding first hinge parts
70
and
128
, respectively. In this position, frame
14
is inverted and in an open position with its shoulder wall outer surface
44
facing housing
16
, such that the receiving area
108
between the lead and trap arm is aligned with and can receive support arm
74
and centering bar
80
. Each second hinge part
72
and
130
is slid in a direction toward their respective second support arms
76
and
134
, indicated by an arrow in
FIGS. 1 and 2
, until each part engages their respective pins
78
and
136
.
Specifically turning to positioning hinge assembly
12
, as seen in
FIGS. 2-4
, second hinge part
72
slides over first support arm
74
along axis
98
so that trough member
102
engages pin
78
at its first end
94
and until second lead arm
112
clears centering bar
80
. Pin
78
will then be disposed in receiving area
108
between trough member
102
and trap arms
104
and
106
. As such, first hinge part
70
is substantially prevented from being disengaged from second hinge part
74
since pin
78
is trapped between trough member
102
and trap arms
104
and
106
.
Hinge
12
centers frame
14
with respect to housing
16
immediately upon engagement of centering bar
80
of first hinge part
70
and trough member
102
of second hinge part
72
as seen in FIG.
3
. In particular, centering bar
80
is received in slot
114
between lead arms
110
and
112
of trough member
102
upon pivoting of the frame towards its closed position, thereby generally preventing axial movement of second hinge part
72
and frame
14
with respect to first hinge part
70
and housing
16
. Second trap arm
106
also assists in preventing axial movement by abutting against second supporting arm
76
. Cutout portion
50
of frame shoulder wall
30
, provides clearance for second support arm
76
when sliding first hinge part
70
onto second hinge part
72
. Also, upon initial engagement of trough member
102
and centering bar
80
, sloped surface
122
of second lead arm
112
will abut upper surface
90
of centering bar
80
. A rounded upper surface
90
of centering bar
80
and slope surface
122
of lead arm
112
provides a smoother, camming engagement of the two members. However, sloped surface
122
and rounded surface
90
are not necessary for the engagement of trough member
102
and centering bar
80
.
Once first and second hinge parts
70
and
72
are engaged, second hinge part
72
and frame
14
can be rotated to a closed position about pin
78
of first hinge part
70
. Likewise, with respect to second hinge assembly
18
, hooking member
138
can rotate about pin
136
.
As seen in
FIGS. 4-6
, positioning hinge
12
second part
72
pivots about pin
78
of first hinge part
70
thereby pivoting frame
14
onto the free edges of housing side walls
52
. Surface
68
of gasket
26
abuts housing shoulder rounded surface
60
, as seen in
FIG. 5
, thereby creating a weather tight seal. Centering bar
80
maintains engagement with slot
114
of trough member
102
while frame
14
pivots so that once frame
14
is closed onto housing
16
, it is centered thereon.
While a particular embodiment has been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
- 1. A lighting fixture, comprising:a housing; a frame; and a hinge assembly pivotally coupling said frame to said housing including, a first hinge part fixed to and extending from said housing and having first and second support arms, a pin extending between said support arms, and a centering bar located between said first and second support arms, said pin having a longitudinal axis, and a second hinge part extending from said frame and slidably engaged with said first hinge part, said second hinge part having a first arcuate lead arm and a first trap arm defining a receiving area between said lead arm and said trap arm, said pin of said first hinge part being received in said receiving area of said second hinge part allowing said second hinge part to slide relative to said pin along said longitudinal axis, each of said lead and trap arms, respectively, of said second hinge part being disposed near opposite sides of said centering bar of said first hinge part.
- 2. A lighting fixture according to claim 1, whereinsaid second hinge part includes a second arcuate lead arm disposed proximate said first lead arm with a slot defined therebetween that receives said centering bar of said first hinge part.
- 3. A lighting fixture according to claim 2, whereinsaid second hinge part includes a second trap arm separated from said first trap arm by a space; and said space between said first and second trap arms being substantially larger that said slot between said first and second lead arms.
- 4. A light fixture according to claim 1, whereinsaid second hinge part rotates about said longitudinal axis of said pin of said first hinge part between an open position with said frame spaced from said housing and a closed position with said frame engaged with said housing.
- 5. A light fixture according to claim 1, whereinsaid first support arm of said first hinge part fits between said lead and trap arms of said second hinge part, thereby allowing said second hinge part to slide onto said pin of said first hinge part at said first support arm.
- 6. A light fixture according to claim 1, whereinsaid second support arm of said first hinge part engages said lead and trap arms of said second hinge part preventing sliding thereof along said pin of said first hinge part past said second support arm.
- 7. A light fixture according to claim 1, whereineach of said lead and trap arms of said second hinge part have an inner surface; said lead arm is located above said trap arm with said inner surface of said lead arm facing said inner surface of said trap arm so that said second hinge part has a substantially C-shape.
- 8. A light fixture according to claim 1, whereineach of said first and second support arms and said centering bar of said first hinge part are substantially parallel; and said pin of said first hinge part is substantially perpendicular to said first and second support arms and said centering bar.
- 9. A light fixture according to claim 1, whereineach of said first and second hinge parts are unitary one-piece members.
- 10. A lighting fixture, comprising:a housing; a frame; and a hinge assembly pivotally coupling said frame to said housing including, a first hinge part extending from said housing and having first and second support arms with a pin extending therebetween, said pin having a longitudinal axis, and a centering bar located between said first and second support arms, and a second hinge part extending from said frame and slidably engaged with said first hinge part, said second hinge part having first and second arcuate lead arms defining a slot therebetween, and a first trap arm defining a receiving area between said first and second leads arms and said first trap arm, said pin of said first hinge part being received in said receiving area of said second hinge part allowing said second hinge part to slide relative to said pin along said longitudinal axis, said centering bar of said first hinge part being received in said slot of said second hinge part.
- 11. A lighting fixture according to claim 10, whereinsaid second hinge part rotates with respect to said longitudinal axis of said pin of said first hinge part between an open position with said frame spaced from said housing and a closed position with said frame engaged with said housing.
- 12. A lighting fixture according to claim 10, whereinsaid second hinge part includes a second trap arm spaced from said first trap arm.
- 13. A lighting fixture according to claim 10, whereinsaid first and second lead arms of said second hinge part are aligned with one another; and each of said first and second lead arms extend towards said first trap arm.
- 14. A lighting fixture according to claim 13, whereinsaid first and second lead arms and said first trap arm of said second hinge part form a substantially C-shaped member.
- 15. A lighting fixture according to claim 10, whereineach of said first and second support arms and said centering bar of said first hinge part are substantially parallel; and said pin of said first hinge part is substantially perpendicular to said first and second support arms and said centering bar.
- 16. A lighting fixture according to claim 10, whereineach of said first and second hinge parts are unitary one-piece members.
- 17. A lighting fixture according to claim 10, whereineach of said first and second hinge parts are metal.
- 18. A method of centering and pivotally connecting a frame on a housing having a first hinge part on the frame, including first and second support arms with a pin extending therebetween along a longitudinal axis, and a centering bar located between the first and second support arms, and having a second hinge part on the housing, including a first arcuate lead arm and a first trap arm defining a receiving area therebetween, comprising the steps of:engaging the second hinge part with the first hinge part by sliding the second hinge part onto the first hinge part with the first support arm of the first hinge part moving between the first lead and trap arms of the second hinge part allowing the lead and trap arms of the second hinge part to slide onto the pin of the first hinge part along the longitudinal axis of the pin; sliding the first lead arm of the second hinge part past the centering bar of the first hinge part; and rotating the second hinge part about the longitudinal axis of the pin of the first hinge part with the centering bar of the first hinge part being located between the first lead and. trap arms of the second hinge part.
- 19. A method of centering a frame on a housing according to claim 18, further comprising the step ofthe frame is rotated between an open position with the frame spaced from the housing and a closed position with the frame engaged with the housing.
- 20. A method of centering a frame on a housing according to claim 18, whereinthe second hinge part includes a second arcuate lead arm forming a slot between the first and second lead arms; the second hinge part includes a second trap arm separated from the first trap arm by a space; the centering bar of the first hinge part is received in the slot of the second hinge part; and the space between the first and second trap arms is substantially larger that the slot between the first and second lead arms.
US Referenced Citations (13)