BACKGROUND
The present disclosure relates generally to lighting fixtures, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for mounting a lighting device.
Lighting fixtures such as, for example, recessed lighting devices, are sometimes installed by mounting them into walls in order to position the lighting device to provide light. When a recessed lighting device is mounted unleveled at the time of installation, the light provided from the lighting device may be aesthetically unpleasing and visually incorrect. An installed unleveled recessed lighting device typically has to be cut out of the wall and reset so that it is visually correct, which is time consuming and very costly, particularly when the lighting device is mounted in a concrete wall.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a method and apparatus for mounting a lighting device absent the disadvantages found in the prior methods discussed above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
a is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a mounting sleeve.
FIG. 1
b is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the mounting sleeve of FIG. 1a.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a plate used with the mounting sleeve of FIGS. 1a and 1b.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a bracket used with the mounting sleeve of FIGS. 1a and 1b and the plate of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a resilient member used with the mounting sleeve of FIGS. 1a and 1b, the plate of FIG. 2, and the bracket of FIG. 3.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a housing used with the mounting sleeve of FIGS. 1a and 1b, the plate of FIG. 2, the bracket of FIG. 3, and the resilient member of FIG. 4.
FIG. 6
a is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a faceplate used with the mounting sleeve of FIGS. 1a and 1b, the plate of FIG. 2, the bracket of FIG. 3, the resilient member of FIG. 4, and the housing of FIG. 5.
FIG. 6
b is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the faceplate of FIG. 6a.
FIG. 7
a is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method for mounting a lighting device.
FIG. 7
b is a front perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a plurality of the resilient members of FIG. 4 coupled to the bracket of FIG. 3.
FIG. 7
c is a rear perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a plurality of the resilient members of FIG. 4 coupled to the bracket of FIG. 3.
FIG. 7
d is a front perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the mounting sleeve of FIGS. 1a and 1b coupled to the plurality of the resilient members and the bracket of FIG. 7b.
FIG. 7
e is a rear perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the mounting sleeve of FIGS. 1a and 1b coupled to the plurality of the resilient members and the bracket of FIG. 7c.
FIG. 7
f is a front perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the plate of FIG. 2 coupled to the mounting sleeve, the bracket, and the resilient members of FIG. 7d.
FIG. 7
g is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the plate of FIG. 2 coupled to the mounting sleeve, the bracket, and the resilient members of FIG. 7e.
FIG. 7
h is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the plate, the mounting sleeve, the bracket, and the resilient members of FIG. 7g.
FIG. 7
ha is an exploded view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the assembly of the plate, the mounting sleeve, the bracket, and the resilient members of FIG. 7g.
FIG. 7
i is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the plate, the mounting sleeve, the bracket, and the resilient members of FIG. 7g coupled to the housing of FIG. 5.
FIG. 7
j is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the plate, the mounting sleeve, the bracket, the resilient members, and the housing of FIG. 7i.
FIG. 7
k is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the plate, the mounting sleeve, the bracket, the resilient members, and the housing of FIG. 7i mounted in a wall.
FIG. 7
l is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the faceplate of FIG. 6 being coupled to the plate, the mounting sleeve, the bracket, the resilient members, and the housing which are mounted in the wall of FIG. 7k.
FIG. 7
m is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the faceplate of FIGS. 6a and 6b coupled the plate, the mounting sleeve, the bracket, the resilient members, and the housing of FIG. 7k.
FIG. 7
n is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the mounting sleeve of FIGS. 1a and 1b being disengaged from the resilient members of FIG. 4 in the housing of FIG. 7k.
FIG. 7
o is a partial perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the range of motion of the mounting sleeve of FIGS. 1a and 1b upon disengagement from the resilient members of FIG. 7g.
FIG. 7
p is a front view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the range of motion of the faceplate of FIGS. 6a and 6b upon disengagement of the mounting sleeve of FIGS. 1a and 1b from the resilient members of FIG. 7g.
FIG. 7
q is a cross sectional view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the mounting sleeve of FIGS. 1a and 1b securing the faceplate of FIGS. 6a and 6b to the housing mounted in the wall of FIG. 7k.
FIG. 8
a is a perspective view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a mounting sleeve stop used with the mounting sleeve of FIGS. 1a and 1b, the plate of FIG. 2, the bracket of FIG. 3, the resilient member of FIG. 4, the housing of FIG. 5, and the faceplate of FIGS. 6a and 6b.
FIG. 8
b is an exploded view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the assembly of the plate, the mounting sleeve, the bracket, and the resilient members of FIG. 7g, with the mounting sleeve stop of FIG. 8a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Referring now to FIGS. 1a and 1b, a mounting sleeve 100 is illustrated. The mounting sleeve 100 includes a base 102 having a front surface 102a and a rear surface 102b located opposite the front surface 102a. A plurality of opposing recesses 104a and 104b are defined by the base 102, located on opposite sides of the base 102, and each include a stop surface 104aa and 104ba, respectively, extending from an edge of the recesses 104a and 104b, respectively. An annular groove 106 is defined by the base 102 and located about the circumference of the base 102 adjacent the rear surface 102b of the base 102 and between the stop surfaces 104aa and 104ba and the rear surface 102b of the base 102. A resilient ring 106a is positioned in the groove 106 adjacent the rear surface 102b of the base 102 and between the stop surfaces 104aa and 104ba and the rear surface 102b of the base 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the resilient ring 106a may be a variety of resilient devices known in the art such as, for example, an O-ring. A tubular sleeve member 108 extends from the front surface 102a of the base 102 and defines a threaded passageway 108a along its length which extends partially into the base 102, has a plurality of threads 108aa, includes a distal end 108b, and includes a rear wall 108c located in the base 102, adjacent the threaded passageway 108a, and opposite the distal end 108b. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting sleeve 100 is fabricated from an lightweight metal material. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting sleeve is fabricated from an aluminum material.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a plate 200 is illustrated. The plate 200 includes a substantially square base 202 having a front surface 202a, a rear surface 202b located opposite the front surface 202a, and a plurality of opposing side surface 202c and 202d extending between the front surface 202 and the rear surface 202b. A pair of housing coupling arms 204a and 204b extend from the sides surfaces 202c and 202b, respectively, on opposite sides of the base 202. The coupling arm 204a defines a coupling channel 204aa which is centrally located on the coupling arm 204a, and the coupling arm 204b defines a coupling channel 204ba which is centrally located on the coupling arm 204b. An arcuate slot 206 is defined by the base 202 and centrally located on the base 202 between the side surfaces 202c and 202d. A pair of coupling apertures 208a and 208b are defined by the base 202 and located on opposite sides of the slot 206 adjacent the coupling arms 204a and 204b, respectively.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a bracket 300 is illustrated. The bracket 300 includes a base 302 having a front surface 302a, a rear surface 302b located opposite the front surface 302a, and a pair of opposing side surfaces 302c and 302d. A pair of coupling arms 304a and 304b extend from the side surfaces 302c and 302d, respectively, each coupling arm 304a and 304b defining a coupling aperture 304aa and 304ba, respectively, and including a substantially 90-degree bend 304ac and 304bc, respectively, such that a plate coupling surface 304ad and 304bd on the coupling arms 304a and 304b, respectively, is substantially parallel to the front surface 302a of the base 302. A mounting sleeve aperture 306 is defined by the base 302, extends through the base 302 from the front surface 302a to the rear surface 302b, and is centrally located on the base 302 between the side surfaces 302c and 302d. A pair of coupling apertures 308a and 308b are defined by the base 302, extend through the base 302 from the front surface 302a to the rear surface 302b, and are located on opposite sides of the sleeve aperture 306 and approximately midway between the side surfaces 302c and 302d.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a resilient member 400 is illustrated. The resilient member 400 includes a base 402 having a plurality of opposing sides 402a and 402b, a distal end 402c which extends from the side 402a and is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the base 402, and defining a coupling aperture 404 which is substantially centrally located on the base 402 and between the sides 402a and 402b. A resilient arm 406 extends from the side 402b of the base 402 and is oriented substantially perpendicularly to the base 402. The resilient arm 406 includes a substantially V-shaped portion 406a which is centrally located on the arm 406 between the base 402 and a distal end 406b of the resilient arm 406. In an exemplary embodiment, the resilient arm 406 is operable to resiliently pivot about its connection to the side surface 402b.
Referring now to FIG. 5, a housing 500 is illustrated. The housing 500 includes a circular base 502 having a tubular wall 504 extending substantially perpendicularly about the circumference of the base 502. The tubular wall 504 includes an edge 504a which is located opposite the base 502 on the distal end of the tubular wall 504. The base 502 and the tubular wall 504 define a cylindrical volume 506 located within the tubular wall 504 from the base 502 to the edge 504a of the tubular wall 504. The cylindrical volume 506 includes an axis 506a with runs through the center of the cylindrical volume 506. The base 502 includes pair of sleeve mounting members 508 which are located in a spaced apart orientation on the base 502. Each sleeve mounting member 508 includes a pair of spaced apart plate mounting beams 508a and 508b. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 500 includes a conventional power tray having a lighting device and mounted to the housing 500 in the cylindrical volume 506, which has not been illustrated for clarity. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 500 includes conventional wiring and connections for coupling a conventional removable power tray having a lighting device to the housing 500, which has not been illustrated for clarity.
Referring now to FIGS. 6a and 6b, a faceplate 600 is illustrated. The faceplate 600 includes a circular base 602 having a front surface 602a and a rear surface 602b located opposite the front surface 602a. A housing coupler 604 extends from the rear surface 602b of the base 602, includes a pair of tubular mounting sleeve coupling arms 604a extending from the housing coupler 604, and defines a light passageway 604b in the housing coupler 604 adjacent the tubular mounting sleeve coupling arms 604a. Each tubular mounting sleeve coupling arm 604a defines a coupler passageway 604aa which extends along the length of the mounting sleeve coupling arm 604a and through the housing coupler 604 to the light passageway 604b. Each tubular mounting sleeve coupling arm 604a also includes an internal flange 604ab which extends from the tubular mounting sleeve coupling arms 604a and into the coupler passageway 604aa. In an exemplary embodiment, the faceplate 600 may includes a substantially transparent cover which is positioned in the light passageway 604b in order to protect a lighting device which is positioned adjacent the faceplate 600. In an exemplary embodiment, the faceplate 600 may includes a lens which is positioned in the light passageway 604b in order to direct light from a lighting device which is positioned adjacent the faceplate 600.
Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4, 7a, 7b, and 7c, a method 700 for mounting a lighting device is illustrated. The method 700 begins at step 702 where a plurality of the resilient members 400, described above with reference to FIG. 4, are coupled to the bracket 300, described above with reference to FIG. 3. A resilient member 400 is positioned adjacent the bracket 300 such that the base 402 of the resilient member 400 engages the front surface 302a of the bracket 300 and the coupling aperture 404 is aligned with coupling aperture 308a. The resilient member 400 may then be coupled to the bracket 300 using methods known in the art such as, for example, a rivet through the coupling apertures 404 and 308a. With the resilient member 400 coupled to the bracket 300, the arm 406 on the clip 400 extends through the sleeve aperture 306 and out past the rear surface 302b of the bracket 300. A resilient member 400 is then coupled to the bracket 300 adjacent the coupling aperture 308b in substantially the same manner as described above for the coupling of the resilient member 400 adjacent the coupling aperture 308a, as illustrated in FIGS. 7b and 7c.
Referring now to FIGS. 1a, 1b, 3, 4, 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, and 7e, the method 700 proceeds to step 704 where the mounting sleeve 100 is coupled to the bracket 300. The base 102 of the mounting sleeve 100 is moved through the sleeve aperture 306 on the bracket 300 such that the rear surface 102b of the base engages the V-shaped portion 406a of the resilient members 400. The resilient members 400 deflect resiliently about the base 102 of the mounting sleeve 100 such that the V-shaped portions 406a of the clips 400 become positioned in the groove 106 and in engagement with the resilient ring 106a, as illustrated in FIG. 7d, coupling the mounting sleeve 100 to the bracket 300. With the mounting sleeve 100 coupled to the bracket 300, the base 102 and the sleeve member 108 on the mounting sleeve 100 extend through the sleeve aperture 306 and past the front surface 302a on the bracket 300, as illustrated in FIG. 7e.
Referring now to FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2, 3, 4, 7a, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, and 7ha, the method 700 proceeds to step 706 where the bracket 300 is coupled to the plate 200. The bracket 300 is positioned adjacent the plate 200 such that the coupling arms 304a and 304b engage the rear surface 202b of the plate 200 and the coupling apertures 304aa and 304bb on coupling arms 304a and 304b, respectively, are aligned with the coupling apertures 208a and 208b, respectively, on the plate 200. The bracket 300 may then be coupled to the plate 200 using conventional methods known in the art such as, for example, a rivet through the coupling apertures 208a and 304aa and 208b and 304ba. With the bracket 300 coupled to the plate 200, recesses 104a and 104b on mounting sleeve 100 engage the slot 206 on the plate 200 and the sleeve member 108 extends through the slot 206, as illustrated in FIG. 7g. With the bracket 300 coupled to the plate 200, a mounting sleeve movement volume 706a is defined in the space between the front surface 302a of the bracket 300 and the rear surface 202b of the plate, as illustrated in FIG. 7h. With the bracket 300 coupled to the plate 200, a lighting device mounting apparatus 706b is provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the steps 702, 704, and 706 of the method 700 may be accomplished by assembling the plate 200, the mounting sleeve 100, the resilient members 400, and the bracket 300 with a plurality of rivets 706c as illustrated in an exploded view in FIG. 7ha and substantially described above with respect to steps 702, 704, and 706.
Referring now to FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7a, 7g, 7h, 7i, and 7j, the method 700 proceeds to step 708 where the plate 200 is coupled to a housing. A plurality of the lighting device mounting apparatus 706b are positioned in the cylindrical volume 506 on the housing 500 such that the lighting device mounting apparatus 706b are adjacent the sleeve mounting members 508 with the coupling arms 204a and 204b on the plate 200 positioned adjacent the plate mounting beams 508a and 508b, respectively, and the coupling channels 204aa and 204ba on the plate 200 are aligned with the plate mounting beams 508a and 508b, respectively, on the housing 500. The plates 200 may then be coupled to the housing 500 using methods known in the art such as, for example, a rivet positioned in the plate mounting beams 508a and 508b and the coupling channels 204aa and 204ba, as illustrated in FIG. 7i. With the lighting device mounting apparatus 706b coupled to the housing 500, the sleeve member 108 extends past the sleeve aperture 508a and into the cylindrical volume 506. In an exemplary embodiment, rather than including the plate 200, the base 502 of the housing 500 may define a slot which is substantially similar in design and operation to the slot 206, and the bracket 300, resilient members 400, and the mounting sleeve 100 may be coupled directly to the housing 500 in substantially the same manner as described above for coupling them to the plate 200, in order to eliminate the need for the plate 200.
Referring now to FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7a, and 7k, the method 700 proceeds to step 710 where the housing 500 is mounted in a wall. The housing 500 with the lighting device mounting apparatus 706a is mounted in a wall 710a using methods known in the art, as illustrated in FIG. 7k. In an exemplary embodiment, the wall 710a may be a variety of walls known in the art such as, for example, a concrete wall such that the mounting of the housing 500 in the wall 710a is semi-permanent and requires considerable effort, expense, and possible damage to the wall 710a to remove the housing 500 from the wall 710a. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 500 includes a conventional power tray having a lighting device and mounted to the housing 500 in the cylindrical volume 506, which has not been illustrated for clarity. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing 500 includes conventional wiring and connections for coupling a conventional removable power tray having a lighting device to the housing 500, which has not been illustrated for clarity.
Referring now to FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7k, 7l, and 7m, the method 700 proceeds to step 712 where the faceplate 600 is coupled to the housing 500. The faceplate 600 is positioned adjacent the housing 500 such that the sleeve coupling arms 604a are located in the cylindrical volume 506 and aligned with the lighting device mounting apparatus 706b, as illustrated in FIG. 71. The mounting sleeves 100 are held in a first position Y, where they are prevented from moving relative to the housing 500 in the lighting device mounting apparatus 706b due to their engagement with the resilient members 400, and as a result, they are positioned in a spaced apart orientation which aligns to the spaced apart orientation of the coupler passageways 604aa on the sleeve coupling arms 604a. The faceplate 600 is then moved towards the lighting device mounting apparatus 706b such that the sleeve members 108 enters the coupler passageways 604aa. The faceplate 600 may then be coupled to the housing 500 with a plurality of captive screws 712a which includes a plurality of thread channels 712aa and a head 712ab. The captive screws 712a are positioned in the coupler passageways 604aa on the faceplate 600 such that an endface of the head 712ab of the captive screws 712a engages an opposing endface of the internal flange 604ab on the sleeve coupling arms 604a. The thread channels 712aa on the captive screws 712a are then engaged with the threads 108aa on the mounting sleeves 100 by rotating the captive screws 712a in a direction X in order to position the captive screws 712a in the threaded passageway 108a defined by the sleeve member 108 and couple the faceplate 600 to the housing 500, as illustrated in FIG. 7m. In an exemplary embodiment, the faceplate 600 is positioned adjacent a conventional power tray having a lighting device and mounted in the housing, which has not been illustrated for clarity.
Referring now to FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7m, 7n, and 7o, the method 700 proceeds to step 714 where the mounting sleeve 100 is disengaged from the resilient members 400. The captive screws 712a are adjusted in each of the coupler passageways 604aa by continuing to rotate them in the direction X, and due to the engagement of the thread channels 712aa on the captive screws 712a with the threads 108aa on the mounting sleeve 100 and the engagement of an endface of the head 712ab of the captive screw 712a with an opposing endface of the internal flange 604ab in the sleeve coupling arms 604a, the mounting sleeves 100 move toward the coupler passageways 604aa on the faceplate 600 in a direction A, disengaging the resilient members 400 from resilient ring 106a in the groove 106 on the base 102 of the mounting sleeve 100. With the mounting sleeve 100 disengaged from the resilient members 400, the mounting sleeves 100 are positioned in a second position Z in which the rear surface 102b of the base 102 of the mounting sleeve 102 enters the mounting sleeve movement volume 706a, as illustrated in FIG. 7n. With the mounting sleeve 102 positioned in the mounting sleeve movement volume 706a in the second position Z, the mounting sleeve 100 may now move in the slot 206 and relative to the housing 500 with a range of motion B, as illustrated in FIG. 7o, which allows the faceplate 600 to be adjusted.
Referring now to FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7m, 7n, 7o, and 7p, the method 700 proceeds to step 716 where the faceplate 600 is adjusted. Moving the mounting sleeves 100 along the range of motion B allows the faceplate 600 to rotate in the housing 500 and about the axis 506a of the cylindrical volume 506 on housing 500 with a range of motion C, as illustrated in FIG. 7p, as the sleeves 100 move through the slots 206 on the lighting device mounting apparatus 706b. Moving the faceplate 600 along the range of motion C allows the faceplate to be adjusted in the housing 500 when the housing 500 is mounted in the wall 710a, which allows the light from a lighting device mounted in the housing 500 to be corrected if the housing 500 is mounted in the wall 710a unleveled.
Referring now to FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6a, 6b, 7a, and 7q, the method 700 proceeds to step 718 where the faceplate 600 and the mounting sleeve 100 are secured to the housing 500. When the faceplate 600 is adjusted as desired, the captive screws 712a are rotated in the direction X, and due to the engagement of the thread channels 712aa on the captive screws 712a with the threads 108aa on the mounting sleeve 100 and the engagement of an endface of the head 712ab of the captive screw 712a with an opposing endface of the internal flange 604ab in the sleeve coupling arms 604a, the mounting sleeve 100 moves towards the coupler passageways 604aa on the faceplate 600 and engages the stop surfaces 104aa and 104ba on the mounting sleeve 100 with the housing 500, securing the mounting sleeves 100 and the faceplate 600 to the housing 500, and holding the faceplate 600 stationary relative to the housing 500. Thus, a method and apparatus are provided which allow a lighting device to be mounting in a wall and the faceplate adjusted after the mounting, eliminating the considerable cost associated with adjusting a conventional lighting device in a convention housing after mounting, which requires the removal of the housing from the wall.
Referring now to FIGS. 8a and 8b, in an alternative embodiment, a mounting sleeve stop 800 which may be used with the lighting device mounting apparatus 706b, described above with respect to FIGS. 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7ha, 7i, 7j, 7k, 7l, 7m, 7n, 7o, 7p and 7q, is illustrated. The mounting sleeve stop 800 includes a base 802 having a pair of a opposing sides 802a and 802b and a stop surface 802c extending between the sides 802a and 802b. A pair of arms 804a and 804b extend from the sides 802a and 802b, respectively, on the base 802. A pair of bracket coupling walls 806a and 806b extend from the arms 804a and 804b, respectively, in a substantially parallel orientation to the base 802, each coupling wall defining a bracket coupling aperture 806aa and 806ba, respectively, and including a coupling surface 806ab and 806bb, respectively. In operation, a lighting device mounting apparatus 808 is substantially similar in design and operation to the lighting device mounting apparatus 706b, described above with respect to FIGS. 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7ha, 7i, 7j, 7k, 7l, 7m, 7n, 7o, 7p and 7q, with the provision of the mounting sleeve stop 800 coupled to the bracket 300. The mounting sleeve stop 800 is coupled to the bracket 300 by positioning the mounting sleeve stop 800 adjacent the bracket 300 such that the bracket coupling surfaces 806ab and 806bb are adjacent the rear surface 302b of the bracket 300 and the bracket coupling apertures 806aa and 806ba are aligned with the coupling apertures 304aa and 304ba, respectively, on the bracket 300, as illustrated in FIG. 8b. The mounting sleeve stop 800 may then be coupled to the bracket 300 using conventional methods known in the art such as, for example, a plurality of rivets 706c positioned in the coupling apertures 304aa, 304ba, and the bracket coupling apertures 806aa and 806ba, respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 8b. The mounting sleeve stop 800 may then be used to ensure that the mounting sleeve 100 remains in the lighting device mounting apparatus 808 when the plate 200, the mounting sleeve 100, the resilient members 400, the bracket 300, and the mounting sleeve stop 800 are coupled together due to the rear surface 102b of the mounting sleeve 100 engaging the stop surface 802c on the mounting sleeve stop 800, which prevents the mounting sleeve 100 from being disengaged from the slot 206 on the plate 200. The lighting device mounting apparatus 808 may then be used in the method 700 in substantially the same manner as described above in FIGS. 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7ha, 7i, 7j, 7k, 7l, 7m, 7n, 7o, 7p and 7q for the lighting device mounting apparatus 706b.
A lighting device apparatus has been described that includes a mounting sleeve, means for allowing movement of the mounting sleeve relative to a housing, and means for preventing movement of the mounting sleeve relative to the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting sleeve comprises means for coupling a threaded connector to the mounting sleeve. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for allowing movement of the mounting sleeve relative to a housing comprises a plate defining a slot, whereby the mounting sleeve is positioned in the slot. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for allowing movement of the mounting sleeve relative to a housing comprises a housing defining a slot, whereby the mounting sleeve is positioned in the slot. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for preventing movement of the mounting sleeve relative to the housing comprises resilient means operable to be coupled to the mounting sleeve and to prevent movement of the mounting sleeve in the means for allowing movement of the mounting sleeve relative to a housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting sleeve is operable to be decoupled from the resilient means in order to allow the mounting sleeve to move in the means for allowing movement of the mounting sleeve relative to a housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for preventing movement of the mounting sleeve relative to the housing prevents the movement of the mounting sleeve in order to allow a faceplate to be coupled to the mounting sleeve. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for allowing movement of the mounting sleeve relative to a housing allows movement of the mounting sleeve in order to allow a faceplate to be adjusted when the faceplate is coupled to the mounting sleeve. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes means for preventing the mounting sleeve from disengaging from the means for allowing movement of the mounting sleeve relative to the housing.
A lighting device apparatus has been described that includes a plate defining a slot, a mounting sleeve positioned in the slot and operable to move in the slot relative to the plate, and a resilient member coupled to the plate and operable to engage the mounting sleeve to prevent movement of the mounting sleeve relative to the plate. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting sleeve is operable to be moved from a first position where it is engaged with the resilient member and prevented from moving in the slot relative to the plate to a second position where it is disengaged from the resilient member and allowed to move in the slot relative to the plate. In an exemplary embodiment, the slot comprises an arcuate shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting sleeve defines a threaded passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a bracket mounted to the plate. In an exemplary embodiment, the bracket defines a mounting sleeve passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the resilient member is mounted to the bracket. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting sleeve is positioned in the mounting sleeve passageway and engages the resilient member. In an exemplary embodiment, the bracket and the plate define a mounting sleeve movement volume. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting sleeve is operable to be moved from a first position where it is engaged with the resilient member and prevented from moving in the slot relative to the plate to a second position where it is disengaged from the resilient member, partially positioned in the mounting sleeve movement volume, and allowed to move in the slot relative to the plate. In an exemplary embodiment, the resilient member prevents the movement of the mounting sleeve relative to the plate in order to allow a faceplate to be coupled to the mounting sleeve. In an exemplary embodiment, the slot allows movement of the mounting sleeve relative to the plate in order to allow a faceplate to be adjusted when the faceplate is coupled to the mounting sleeve. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a mounting sleeve stop coupled to the bracket.
A lighting device apparatus has been described that includes a housing, a mounting sleeve coupled to the housing and operable to move relative to the housing, and a resilient member coupled to the housing and operable to engage the mounting sleeve to prevent movement of the mounting sleeve relative to the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting sleeve is operable to be moved from a first position where it is engaged with the resilient member and prevented from moving relative to the housing to a second position where it is disengaged from the resilient member and allowed to move relative to the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting sleeve defines a threaded passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a bracket coupled to the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the bracket defines a mounting sleeve passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the resilient member is mounted to the bracket. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting sleeve is positioned in the mounting sleeve passageway and engages the resilient member. In an exemplary embodiment, the bracket and the housing define a mounting sleeve movement volume. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting sleeve is operable to be moved from a first position where it is engaged with the resilient member and prevented from moving relative to the housing to a second position where it is it is disengaged from the resilient member, partially positioned in the mounting sleeve movement volume, and allowed to move relative to the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing defines a slot, whereby the mounting sleeve is positioned in the slot and operable to move along the slot and relative to the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the slot comprises an arcuate shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a mounting sleeve stop coupled to the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a plate coupled to the housing, and a slot defined by the plate, wherein the mounting sleeve is positioned in the slot and operable to move along the slot and relative to the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the slot comprises an arcuate shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting sleeve is prevented from moving relative to the housing in order to allow a faceplate to be coupled to the mounting sleeve. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a faceplate coupled to the mounting sleeve. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting sleeve is allowed to move relative to the housing in order to allow the faceplate to be adjusted. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a wall, whereby the housing is mounted in a wall. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting sleeve is prevented from moving relative to the housing in order to allow a faceplate to be coupled to the mounting sleeve. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a faceplate coupled to the mounting sleeve. In an exemplary embodiment, the mounting sleeve is allowed to move relative to the housing in order to allow the faceplate to be adjusted when the housing is mounted in the wall.
A lighting device apparatus has been described that includes a housing, means for coupling a faceplate to the housing, means for allowing movement of the means for coupling a faceplate to the housing relative to the housing, and means for preventing movement of the means for coupling a faceplate to the housing relative to the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for coupling a faceplate to the housing comprises means for coupling a threaded connector to the means for coupling a faceplate to the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for allowing movement of the means for coupling a faceplate to the housing relative to the housing comprises a plate defining a slot, whereby the means for coupling a faceplate to the housing is positioned in the slot. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for allowing movement of the means for coupling a faceplate to the housing relative to the housing comprises a slot defined by the housing, whereby the means for coupling a faceplate to the housing is positioned in the slot. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for preventing movement of the means for coupling a faceplate to the housing relative to the housing comprises resilient means operable to be coupled to the means for coupling a faceplate to the housing and to prevent movement of the means for coupling a faceplate to the housing in the means for allowing movement of the means for coupling a faceplate to the housing relative to the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for coupling a faceplate to the housing is operable to be decoupled from the resilient means in order to allow the means for coupling a faceplate to the housing to move in the means for allowing movement of the means for coupling a faceplate to the housing relative to the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for preventing movement of the means for coupling a faceplate to the housing relative to the housing prevents the movement of the means for coupling a faceplate to the housing in order to allow a faceplate to be coupled to the means for coupling a faceplate to the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for allowing movement of the means for coupling a faceplate to the housing relative to the housing allows movement of the means for coupling a faceplate to the housing in order to allow a faceplate to be adjusted when the faceplate is coupled to the means for coupling a faceplate to the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes means for preventing the means for coupling a faceplate to the housing from disengaging from the housing.
A method for mounting a lighting device has been described that includes providing a housing defining a slot, coupling a resilient member to the housing, positioning a mounting sleeve in the slot and moveably coupled to the housing, and engaging the mounting sleeve with the resilient member in order to prevent the mounting sleeve from moving relative to the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes mounting the housing in a wall. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes coupling a faceplate to the mounting sleeve, disengaging the mounting sleeve from the resilient member to allow the mounting sleeve to move relative to the housing, and adjusting the faceplate by moving the mounting sleeve relative to the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes securing the faceplate and the mounting sleeve to the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes preventing the disengagement of the mounting sleeve from the slot.
A method for mounting a lighting device has been described that includes providing a housing comprising a mounting sleeve moveably coupled to the housing and a resilient member coupled to the housing, engaging the mounting sleeve with the resilient member to prevent the mounting sleeve from moving relative to the housing, and mounting the housing in a wall. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes coupling a faceplate to the mounting sleeve, disengaging the mounting sleeve from the resilient member to allow the mounting sleeve to move relative to the housing, adjusting the faceplate by moving the mounting sleeve relative to the housing, and securing the mounting sleeve and the faceplate to the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes preventing the disengagement of the mounting sleeve from the housing.
A method for mounting a lighting device has been described that includes providing a housing comprising a mounting sleeve which is operable to move relative to the housing, preventing the mounting sleeve from moving relative to the housing, coupling a faceplate to the mounting sleeve, allowing the mounting sleeve to move relative to the housing, adjusting the faceplate by moving the mounting sleeve relative to the housing, and mounting the faceplate to the housing. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes mounting the housing in a wall, whereby the adjusting is performed with the housing mounted in the wall. In an exemplary embodiment, the method further includes preventing the disengagement of the mounting sleeve from the housing.
A lighting device mounting apparatus has been described that includes a mounting sleeve comprising means for coupling a threaded connector to the mounting sleeve, means for allowing movement of the mounting sleeve relative to a housing, and resilient means operable to be coupled to the mounting sleeve for preventing movement of the mounting sleeve relative to the housing in order to allow a faceplate to be coupled to the mounting sleeve, whereby the mounting sleeve is operable to decouple from the resilient means in order to allow the mounting sleeve to move relative to the housing in order to allow a faceplate to be adjusted when the faceplate is coupled to the mounting sleeve.
A lighting device mounting apparatus has been described that includes a plate defining an arcuate slot, a bracket mounted to the plate and defining a mounting sleeve passageway, whereby the bracket and the plate define a mounting sleeve movement volume, a mounting sleeve defining a threaded passageway, positioned in the slot, and operable to move in the slot relative to the plate, and a resilient member coupled to the bracket and operable to engage the mounting sleeve to prevent movement of the mounting sleeve relative to the plate, wherein the mounting sleeve is operable to be moved from a first position where it is engaged with the resilient member and prevented from moving in the slot relative to the plate in order to allow a faceplate to be coupled to the mounting sleeve, to a second position where it is disengaged from the resilient member, partially positioned in the mounting sleeve movement volume, and allowed to move in the slot relative to the plate in order to allow a faceplate to be adjusted when the faceplate is coupled to the mounting sleeve.
A lighting device mounting apparatus has been described that includes a housing mounted in a wall, a bracket defining a mounting sleeve passageway and coupled to the housing, wherein the bracket and the housing define a mounting sleeve movement volume, a mounting sleeve defining a threaded passageway, coupled to the housing, and operable to move relative to the housing, and a resilient member coupled to the bracket and operable to engage the mounting sleeve to prevent movement of the mounting sleeve relative to the housing, wherein the mounting sleeve is operable to be moved from a first position where it is engaged with the resilient member and prevented from moving relative to the housing in order to allow a faceplate to be coupled to the mounting sleeve, to a second position where it is it is disengaged from the resilient member, partially positioned in the mounting sleeve movement volume, and allowed to move relative to the housing in order to allow a faceplate to be adjusted when the faceplate is coupled to the mounting sleeve. In an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further includes a faceplate coupled to the mounting sleeve.
A method for mounting a lighting device has been described that includes providing a housing defining a slot, coupling a resilient member to the housing, positioning a mounting sleeve in the slot and moveably coupled to the housing, engaging the mounting sleeve with the resilient member in order to prevent the mounting sleeve from moving relative to the housing, mounting the housing in a wall, coupling a faceplate to the mounting sleeve, disengaging the mounting sleeve from the resilient member to allow the mounting sleeve to move relative to the housing, adjusting the faceplate by moving the mounting sleeve relative to the housing, and securing the faceplate and the mounting sleeve to the housing.
A method for mounting a lighting device has been described that includes providing a housing comprising a mounting sleeve which is operable to move relative to the housing, mounting the housing in a wall, whereby the adjusting is performed with the housing mounted in the wall, preventing the mounting sleeve from moving relative to the housing, coupling a faceplate to the mounting sleeve, allowing the mounting sleeve to move relative to the housing, adjusting the faceplate by moving the mounting sleeve relative to the housing, and mounting the faceplate to the housing.
It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the illustrative embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments
Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, change and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and in some instances, some features of the embodiments may be employed without a corresponding use of other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.
Patent Application
20070063113
