WO2011032224A1

WO2011032224A1 - Attachment mount for recessed light fittings

Info

Publication number: WO2011032224A1
Application number: PCT/AU2010/001215
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Lipari
Original assignee: John Lipari
Priority date: 2009-09-18
Filing date: 2010-09-17
Publication date: 2011-03-24
Also published as: AU2010295246B2; AU2010295246A1; GB2485129B; GB201204198D0; NZ598689A; GB2485129A

Abstract

A mounting (50) for attachment of a fitting (40) to a recessed light (10,100) having an inner flange(14,102). The mounting includes a first engaging portion (60,90) which locates, in use, against the inner flange of the recessed light. A second engaging portion (54) which engages, in use, with the fitting (40); and a connecting portion (52) extending between the first and second engaging portions, such that locating of the first engaging portion against the inner flange and engagement of the second engaging portion with the fitting act to maintain the fitting in position relative to the recessed light. A fitting for attachment to a recessed light can be provided with the aforementioned mounting.

Description

ATTACHMENT MOUNT FOR RECESSED LIGHT FITTINGS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a mounting arrangement for use in conjunction with lighting fixtures, particularly recessed light fixtures (also known as downlights).

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Recessed lights are light fixtures located within holes in a room's ceiling, and are generally arranged so as to present a light which is substantially flush with the ceiling. Often such lights are termed 'downlights'. Recessed lights come in two main types: uni-directional lights which have a light globe fixed in position within a housing; and adjustable lights where the light globe may be rotated relative to the housing so as to point in a desired direction.

Recessed lights suffer from a disadvantage in that it is difficult to change their appearance. Unlike non-recessed lights, where a great variety of shades can be mounted about standard light socket, recessed lights are constrained to locate within a housing. The housing, in turn, is held within a hole in the room's ceiling. As a result, the only change that can be readily made to the appearance of a recessed light without significant alteration to the ceiling is a change in the colour of the trim surrounding the light globe.

Recessed lights are associated with what has become known as the "Swiss Cheese" problem. That is, that these lights are recessed into ceilings when installed and thereby can create an open air path between a warmer room or space and a colder room or space. For example, lights recessed into a ceiling of an upper room can result in an open air path through an annular ring around the lightglobe within the housing. In winter, heat from the room can escape into the cooler roof space above. In summer, when the roof space is hot, that heat can escape in to room below causing that room to get hotter. Likewise, when trying to heat a room below the light, the warm air rises and can escape through these annular spaces, resulting in a colder room and wasted energy trying to maintain a warmer temperature in that room. The annular space through the light also creates opportunity for unwanted cold air draughts. The present invention seeks to provide a means by which the appearance of recessed lights can be readily altered, such as by the addition of light shades. Further, it seeks to provide an arrangement whereby different light shades and light styles can be used in conjunction with a recessed light without requiring substantial structural changes to the ceiling within which the light is recessed, or significant changes to the electrical wiring associated with the recessed light.

Further, the aforementioned "Swiss Cheese" effect can be alleviated by the present invention reducing open air paths through the lights, thereby helping to reduce energy wastage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a mounting for attachment of a fitting to a recessed light, the recessed light having an inner flange, wherein the mounting includes a first engaging portion which locates, in use, against the inner flange of the recessed light; a second engaging portion which engages, in use, with the fitting; and a connecting portion extending between the first and second engaging portions, such that locating of the first engaging portion against the inner flange and engagement of the second engaging portion with the fitting act to maintain the fitting in position relative to the recessed light.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first engaging portion and the connecting portion are arranged at an acute angle to each other. Where the recessed light includes a tapered portion extending outwardly and downwardly from the inner flange, the acute angle may be complementary to an angle formed between the tapered portion and the inner flange, such that the connecting portion locates, in use, against the tapered portion. This assists in maintaining the first engaging portion in position.

It is envisaged that a plurality of mountings could be spaced about the periphery of the inner flange. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, three such mountings are spaced at 120° intervals.

The second engaging portion may be substantially parallel to the first engaging portion, and located on the same side of the connecting portion so as to define an obtuse angle substantially complementary to the acute angle of the first engaging portion.

The second engaging portion may be an annulus arranged to encircle the inner flange. In this embodiment the annulus includes a locking means, such as an upwardly tapered outer ring arranged to engage with the fitting in a press fit, or alternatively appropriately positioned part circumferential slots arranged to cooperate with catching portions of the fitting.

Other arrangements of the second engaging portion, and methods of engagement with the fitting, are envisaged. Some of these other arrangements are described herein after with reference to accompanying drawings.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a fitting having a mounting for attachment to a recessed light housing, the recessed light housing having an inner flange, wherein the mounting includes a first engaging portion which locates, in use, against the inner flange of the recessed light to maintain the fitting in position relative to the recessed light housing.

As a mounting or a fitting, the first engaging portion may be extendible relative to the connecting portion. For example, the first engaging portion may include a plurality of extendible projections for engaging with the recessed light. The extendible projections may include a ratchet adjustment mechanism.

The mounting may at least substantially occlude, cover or block an open air path through the recessed light. Thus, the aforementioned "Swiss Cheese" effect can be alleviated.

The fitting may be a covering for, or a decorative arrangement to be used in conjunction with, a recessed light located within the recessed light housing. Alternatively, the fitting may incorporate a light globe having an electrical connection arranged to attach to an electrical socket within the recessed light housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It will be convenient to further describe the invention with reference to preferred embodiments of the mounting system of the present invention. Other embodiments are possible, and consequently, the particularity of the following discussion is not to be understood as superseding the generality of the preceding description of the invention. In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective of a prior art recessed light;

Figure 2a is perspective of a fitting having a mounting in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention to be used in conjunction with the recessed light of Figure 1 , shown during assembly;

Figure 2b is a perspective of the fitting of Figure 2a shown assembled;

Figures 3a to 3c are sequential perspectives of the fitting of Figure 2a being mounted to the recessed light of Figure 1 ;

Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of the mounted fitting of Figure 3c;

Figures 5a to 5c are sequential perspectives of the assembly of a fitting having a mounting in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention to be used in conjunction with the recessed light of Figure 1 ;

Figures 6a and 6b are sequential perspectives of the assembly of a fitting having a mounting in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention to be used in conjunction with the recessed light of Figure 1 ;

Figures 7a to 7c are sequential perspectives of the assembly of a fitting having a mounting in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention to be used in conjunction with the recessed light of Figure 1 ;

Figures 8a to 8c are sequential perspectives of the assembly of a fitting having a mounting in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention to be used in conjunction with the recessed light of Figure 1 ;

Figures 9a and 9b are sequential perspectives of the assembly of a fitting having a mounting in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention to be used in conjunction with the recessed light of Figure 1 ;

Figures 10a and 10b are sequential perspectives of the assembly of a fitting having a mounting in accordance with a seventh embodiment of the present invention to be used in conjunction with the recessed light of Figure 1 ;

Figures 1 1 a to 1 1 d are sequential perspectives of the assembly of an alternative style of fitting to be used in conjunction with the recessed light of Figure 1 ;

Figure 12 is a cross sectional view of the fitting of Figure 1 1 d shown in position. Figure 13 is a perspective of a fitting similar to that of Figures 1 1 a to 1 1 d, having a mounting in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention to be used in conjunction with the recessed light of Figure 1 ; and

Figure 14 is a cross sectional view of the fitting of Figure 1 3, shown in position.

Figures 15 to 1 7 show a mount according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. This mount includes adjustable projections.

Figures 18a and 18b show the mount of figures 15 to 17 attached to a light and with projections adjusted to short extension.

Figures 19a and 19b show the mount of figures 15 to 17 attached to a light and with projections adjusted to longer extension.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a recessed light 10, as known in the prior art. The light 10 has a base plate 12 which locates, in use, about a hole in the ceiling. The base plate 12 has inwardly extending ring 14 which is arranged to locate within the ceiling hole, and resiliently biased restraining arms 16 to maintain the base plate 1 2 in position.

An open, domed housing 18 is arranged to locate about the ring 14, inside the sealing cavity. An electrical connection 20 is arranged to extend into the domed housing 18.

The recessed light includes a cap 22 arranged to locate within the base plate 12 by a connection means (not shown). The connection means may be a bayonet fitting, a resilient latch, or other suitable connection. The cap 22 includes an outer annular flange 24 sized to locate within the base plate ring 14, an upwardly extending cylindrical ring 26 which extends from an inner circumference of the outer flange 24, and an inner flange 28 within the ring 26, the inner flange 26 being spaced upwardly of the outer flange 24.

The arrangement is such that a suitably sized light globe 30 may be located within the ring 26, with its face supported in position by the inner flange 28. The globe 30 may then be connected to the electrical connection 20, and safely located within the housing 1 8 which the outer flange 24 of the cap 22 and a lower surface of the base plate 12 forming a substantially flush trim from within which the light globe 30 can be operated.

It will be appreciated that the inner flange 28 plays a significant role in the operation of the recessed light 10, in that it acts as a barrier between the light globe 30 (and thus the internal fittings of the recessed light 10) and the outside portion of the light globe 1 0 embodied by the trim.

The present invention operates in its preferred embodiment by employing the inner flange 28 for a second purpose, namely as an anchoring point for fittings located on the outside portion of the light globe 10.

Shown in Figures 2a and 2b is a fitting 40 to be used in conjunction with the recessed light 10. The fitting 40 is arranged about a fitting annulus 42. On a lower, visible side of the fitting annulus 42 the fitting includes decorative elements, which will not be described. On an upper side of the fitting annulus 42 the fitting includes a mount 50.

In the embodiment on Figures 2a and 2b, the fitting annulus 42 includes a cylindrical, upwardly extending ring 44, which is spaced from the inner circumference of the annulus 42.

The mounting 50 of Figures 2a and 2b includes an annulus 52 which is of similar internal circumference to the fitting annulus 42, but of significantly smaller internal circumference than the cylindrical ring 44. An upwardly tapered outer ring

54 extends outwardly from the annulus 52. The outer ring 54 includes a plurality of inwardly extending slots about its periphery, providing it with the ability to flex in the nature of a spring washer. The outer ring 54 is sized so as to locate within the cylindrical ring 44 in a press fit.

The mounting 50 includes three projections 60 extending upwardly from the inner circumference of the annulus 52. The projections 60 are equally spaced about the inner circumference, at 120° displacement from each other. Each projection 60 is angled inwardly of the vertical, and includes a horizontal, outwardly extending tab 62 at the upper end thereof.

The arrangement is such that the upper ends of the projections 60 define a circumference similar to the inner circumference of the inner flange 28 of the cap

22. The tabs 62 are similar in width to the width of the inner flange 28. The tabs 62 represent first engaging portions of the mounting 50, arranged in use to engage against the inner flange 28. The annulus 52 and outer ring 54 represent a second engaging portion of the mounting 50, arranged in use to engage with the fitting 40. The projections 60 represent connecting portions joining the first engaging portions to the second engaging portion.

The use of the fitting 40 and mounting 50 can be seen with respect to Figures 3a to 3c. Firstly, the mounting 50 is press-fitted within the cylindrical ring 44, as shown in Figures 2b and 3a. Next, the mounting 50 is positioned within the cap 22, with the tabs 62 located on and around the inner flange 28, as shown in Figure 3b. Finally the cap 22 is located within the recessed light 10 by usual means, as shown in Figure 3c. This has the effect of locating the fitting 40 about the recessed light 10.

In this position, any downward force applied to the fitting 40 (such as by gravity) is transferred via the cylindrical ring 44 to the outer ring 54 of the mount 50. The tapered nature of the outer ring 54 means that any relative movement of the cylindrical ring 54 away from the outer ring 54 flexes the outer ring 54, and thus locks the outer ring more tightly in position. Through this mechanism, a downward force applied to the fitting 40 is transferred to the outer ring 54, the annulus 52, and the projections 60 to the tabs 62. As the tabs 62 rest above the inner flange 28 of the cap 22, the downward load on the fitting 40 is thus taken by the inner flange 28. This arrangement is shown in cross section in Figure 4.

Often, a cap 22 is beveled between the inner flange 28 and the outer flange 24. In the preferred embodiment shown in the drawings, the projection 60 is oriented to follow this bevel. As a result, an acute angle equal to the bevel angle is formed between the tab 62 and the projection 60, with a complementary obtuse angle between the projection 60 and the annulus 52.

It will be appreciated that the means by which the mounting 50 engages with the fitting 40 can vary. An alternative embodiment is shown in Figures 5a to 5c. In this embodiment the annulus 52 of the mounting 50 has three circumerferentially aligned slots 56 set about its periphery. These slots are arranged to locate about circumferential ribs 46 on the fitting 40, the circumferential ribs 46 replacing the cylindrical ring 44. The arrangement is such that a portion of each circumferential rib 46 has a gap between it and the fitting annulus 42, within which a portion of the mounting annulus 52 can locate when turned. This embodiment also includes a catch 48 to restrain the mount 50 in an engaged position.

Another alternative embodiment is shown in Figures 6a and 6b. In this embodiment the mounting 50 does not have an annulus 52. Rather, the mounting 50 comprises three individual projections 60 having an upper tab 62, as described in relation to the first embodiment, and also having a lower extension 64 which extends from a base of the projection parallel to, and on the same side as, the upper tab 62. In effect, each lower extension 64 constitutes part of the annulus 52 of the earlier embodiments.

In the embodiment of Figure 6a and 6b the fitting annulus 42 includes three catches 66 equally spaced around the annulus, each arranged to receive a lower extension 64 and to maintain it in an engaged position.

Another alternative embodiment is shown in Figures 7a to 7c. This embodiment is similar to the embodiment of Figures 6a and 6b, except the catches 66 include a locking arm 68 which closes over the lower extension 64 to maintain it in the engaged position.

Figures 8a to 8c show another alternative embodiment, similar to that of Figures 5a to 5c. In this embodiment the mounting annulus 52 fits within the circumferential ribs 46, each of which has a hinged outer portion which can be brought over the annulus 52 in order to maintain the mounting 50 in the engaged position.

Figures 9a and 9b show another alternative embodiment in which the cylindrical ring 44 is dispensed with, and where the annulus 52 of the mounting 50 is affixed to the fitting annulus 42 by integral rivets 70.

Figures 10a and 10b show another alternative embodiment in which the mounting 50 is constructed from a rigid wire or similar material. The mounting 50 is pressed into engagement within studs 72 located on the fitting annulus 42.

Shown in Figures 1 1 a to 1 1 d and 12 is another style of fitting 80, including a light having a light globe, and a mounting as per the first embodiment. In contrast to the fitting 40, the fitting 80 includes an electrical connection 82. In use, the light globe 30 is removed from the recessed light 10, and the electrical connection of the fitting 80 is connected with the electrical connection 20 of the recessed light 10. The fitting 80 can then be connected to the recessed light 10, as discussed above. The effect of this is to replace a recessed light with a completely different style of light fitting.

Figures 13 and 14 show another alternative embodiment of a mounting 50, similar to the first discussed embodiment, but specifically for use with a fitting 80. In the embodiment of Figure 13 the mounting 50 includes additional projections 76 which extend significantly higher than the projections 60. The additional projections 76 are sized so to engage with the upper edge of the domed housing 18, and act as a subsidiary catch in the event of failure of the projections 60. This is in recognition of the fact that a fitting 80 is likely to be heavier than a fitting 40, and also of the fact that the absence of a light globe 30 within the recessed light allows space for the additional projections.

Figures 15 to 17 show a further alternative embodiment of a mounting 50 similar to that discussed in relation to figures 2a and 2b. However, the three projections 90a, 90b and 90c are adjustable to accommodate for different thicknesses of ceiling and depth of recess of the light.

Figure 15 shows the projections 90a, 90b and 90c assembled on the mounting 50 and adjusted to minimum extension.

Figure 16 shows the projections 90a, 90b and 90c extended to maximum extension.

Figure 17 shows the projections 90a, 90b and 90c in exploded view.

Each projection includes a projection support 91 a,91 b,91 c attached as part of the mounting 50. Each projection support 91 a,91 b,91 c receives a respective projection member 92a,92b,92c arranged for slidable adjustment relative to its projection support. Each projection member has a series of concave or convex ratchet steps 94 (such as a row of indents, grooves, recesses, teeth etc) and projection support 91 a,91 b,91 c has a central portion 93 with a ratchet tab 95 at a distal end thereof. The ratchet tab engages with one or more of the series of concave or convex ratchet steps on the respective projection member such that extension of the projection member can be adjusted and thereby the depth or height to which the mounting can be attached to the light can be adjusted.

It will be appreciated that the series of concave or convex ratchet steps and the ratchet tab of each projection can be swapped such that the projection support has the ratchet steps and the projection member has the respective ratchet tab.

In use, the projection members 92a,92b,92c can be extended to a required amount by adjusting the length they extend from the mounting. The mounting can then be fitted into position to the light. Pushing the mounting upwards can close up any slack in ratchet adjustment in order to flush mount the mounting in position.

The mounting 50 can also include a number of locating upstands 96 to assist in positioning and stabilising the mounting within an aperture of a ceiling or light fitting.

Figures 18a,1 8b and 1 9a,19b are sectional views showing the mounting 50 of figures 15 to 17 mounted to a recessed downlight 100 with a part sectional view showing detail of the mounting mechanism. The downlight includes a lightbulb 101 (in this instance a dichroic bulb) mounted in a housing 102.

Figures 18a and 18b show the projections 90a,90b,90c with their respective projection members 92a,92b,92c at short extension, and figures 19a and 19b with the projection members at longer extension. These applications of the mounting show how it is able to cater for different depth of recess of the inner flange 103 of the light, and thereby adaptably cater for different styles/makes of light and different ceiling thicknesses.

Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1 . A mounting for attachment of a fitting to a recessed light, the recessed light having an inner flange, wherein the mounting includes a first engaging portion which locates, in use, against the inner flange of the recessed light; a second engaging portion which engages, in use, with the fitting; and a connecting portion extending between the first and second engaging portions, such that locating of the first engaging portion against the inner flange and engagement of the second engaging portion with the fitting act to maintain the fitting in position relative to the recessed light.

2. A mounting as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first engaging portion and the connecting portion are arranged at an acute angle to each other.

3. A mounting as claimed in claim 2, wherein the acute angle is complementary to an angle formed between the tapered portion and the inner flange, such that the connecting portion locates, in use, against a tapered portion extending outwardly and downwardly from the inner flange.

4. A mounting as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second engaging portion is substantially parallel to the first engaging portion, and is located on the same side of the connecting portion so as to define an obtuse angle substantially complementary to the acute angle of the first engaging portion.

5. A mounting as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second engaging portion is an annulus arranged to encircle the inner flange, the annulus including a locking means.

6. A mounting as claimed in claim 5, wherein the locking means comprises an upwardly tapered outer ring arranged to engage with the fitting in a press fit,

7. A mounting as claimed in claim 5, wherein the locking means comprises part circumferential slots arranged to cooperate with catching portions of the fitting.

8. A mounting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first engaging portion is extendible relative to the connecting portion.

9. A mounting according to claim 8, wherein the first engaging portion includes a plurality of extendible projections for engaging with the recessed light.

10. A mounting according to claim 9, wherein the extendible projections include a ratchet adjustment mechanism.

1 1 . A mounting according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting at least substantially occludes, covers or blocks an open air path through the recessed light.

12. A fitting having a mounting for attachment to a recessed light housing, the recessed light housing having an inner flange, wherein the mounting includes a first engaging portion which locates, in use, against the inner flange of the recessed light to maintain the fitting in position relative to the recessed light housing.

13. A fitting as claimed in claim 12, wherein the fitting is a covering for, or a decorative arrangement to be used in conjunction with, a recessed light located within the recessed light housing.

14. A fitting as claimed in claim 12, wherein the fitting incorporates a light globe having an electrical connection arranged to attach to an electrical socket within the recessed light housing.

15. A fitting as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the first engaging portion is extendible relative to the connecting portion

16. A fitting as claimed in claim 1 5, wherein the first engaging portion includes a plurality of extendible projections for engaging with the recessed light.

17. A fitting according to claim 16, wherein the extendible projections include a ratchet adjustment mechanism.

18. A fitting according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the mounting at least substantially occludes, covers or blocks an open air path through the recessed light.