U.S. patent application number 12/845706 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-03 for strut system.
Invention is credited to Thomas Warton, Scott S. Yu.
Application Number | 20110023401 12/845706 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43525669 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110023401 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Warton; Thomas ; et
al. |
February 3, 2011 |
STRUT SYSTEM
Abstract
A device for providing structural support comprising a
longitudinal slot formed with inwardly projecting longitudinal
flanges, and a support member extending outwardly opposite the
longitudinal slot. Some embodiments may include a support member
having a stop formed longitudinally along the edge of the support
member. Other embodiments may include a plurality of longitudinal
protuberances and/or detents. In addition, holes may be disposed in
the support member and the support member may be formed with
decorative elements to effectuate a particular design.
Inventors: |
Warton; Thomas; (US)
; Yu; Scott S.; (US) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PETER JAMES TORMEY
2017 ESPERANZA DRIVE
CONCORD
CA
94519
US
|
Family ID: |
43525669 |
Appl. No.: |
12/845706 |
Filed: |
July 28, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61229463 |
Jul 29, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/506.08 ;
52/698; 52/745.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V 23/02 20130101;
Y10T 29/49002 20150115; F21V 21/16 20130101; F21Y 2103/00 20130101;
Y10T 29/49948 20150115; F21V 11/02 20130101; Y10T 29/49169
20150115; F21S 8/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/506.08 ;
52/745.21; 52/698 |
International
Class: |
E04B 9/06 20060101
E04B009/06; E04B 1/38 20060101 E04B001/38 |
Claims
1. A device comprising: a longitudinal slot; inwardly projecting
longitudinal flanges, and a support member extending outwardly
opposite the longitudinal slot.
2. The strut of claim 1 wherein the support member further includes
a stop, said stop formed longitudinally along the edge of the
support member.
3. The strut of claim 1 wherein the support member further includes
a plurality of longitudinal protuberances and/or detents.
4. The strut of claim 2 wherein the support member has a plurality
of said longitudinal protuberances and/or detents.
5. The strut of claim 1 wherein the support member has a plurality
of holes passing through the support member
6. A device comprising: an elongated member having a first surface,
a first and a second side, said first and second side having an
inward turn to created a slot opposite the first surface, and a
support member disposed orthogonally to the first surface
projecting substantially perpendicular to the plane of the flange
and substantially perpendicular to the plane of the longitudinal
axis, said support member substantially the length of the elongated
member.
7. The device of claim 6 wherein the support member has a through
hole.
8. The device of claim 6 wherein the support member has a detent or
a protuberance.
9. A method comprising: suspending a cable; attaching a fastener to
a first end of a cable; coupling the fastener to a strut, said
strut having a channel and a support member.
10. The method of claim 9 further including: connecting a housing
to the strut.
11. The method of claim 9 further including: connecting a support
arm to the strut.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/229,463, entitled "Luminaire
System and Method" filed Jul. 29, 2009 by the inventors George
Mieling, Thomas Warton and Scott S. Yu, which is incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates generally to mechanical
systems, and more particularly to an improved strut design for
supporting a structure such as lighting systems and the like.
[0003] Related art describes a wide variety of luminaires. Some of
these relate to luminaire assemblies (U.S. Pat. No. 7,686,483),
others relate to particular types of mounts (U.S. Pat. No.
7,686,470). The luminaire described by Bishop (U.S. Pat. No.
5,526,244) provides for a strut, but this strut does not provide
for the modularity and ease of assembly of the present invention. A
strut is described by Orlov (U.S. Pat. No. 6,517,222) provides
support for a luminaire, but, again, does not provide for
modularity and ease of assembly.
[0004] What is needed is an improved strut that allows for
modularity and ease of assembly, while providing additional
strength and rigidity to the strut and any supported structure.
SUMMARY
[0005] Disclosed herein is a device for providing structural
support comprising a longitudinal slot formed with inwardly
projecting longitudinal flanges, and a support member extending
outwardly opposite the longitudinal slot. Some embodiments may
include a support member having a stop or detent formed
longitudinally along the edge of the support member. Other
embodiments may include a plurality of longitudinal protuberances
and/or detents. In addition, holes may be disposed in the support
member and the support member may be formed with decorative
elements to effectuate a particular design.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] FIG. 1 illustrates an assembled luminaire system.
[0007] FIG. 2 illustrates a coupling device for use in a luminaire
system
[0008] FIG. 3 illustrates a disassembled luminaire system.
[0009] FIG. 4 shows different light rails that may be used with a
luminaire system
[0010] FIG. 5 illustrates an end view of certain embodiments of a
strut.
[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates embodiments of a strut.
[0012] FIG. 7 illustrates differing views of certain
embodiments.
DESCRIPTION
[0013] Specific examples of components and arrangements are
described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of
course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. In
addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals
and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the
purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a
relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations
discussed.
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates fixture support system. In FIG. 1, a
luminaire assembly 100 is depicted suspending from an overhead. The
suspension assembly 110 includes both a structural cable, together
with an electrical power cable 120. It is connected to a chassis
114 which may provide an enclosure for an electrical ballast (not
shown). One end of the chassis 114 is attached to a support arm
116, and the chassis 114 may have an additional support arm 126.
The support arm 116 is slidably coupled to the chassis 114 such
that the support arm 116 can be adjusted in relationship to the
chassis 114. Likewise a support arm 126 is slidably coupled to the
chassis to allow it to move for better positioning. Depending on
the length of the chassis 114 many other support arms can be added
in series. The support arms are cross members in relation to the
chassis 114. Slidable coupling may be effectuated using set screws
or other mechanisms to allow for sliding of the arms and then
locking them in place once set.
[0015] The chassis 114, the support arm 116 and other parts of the
fixture support system described below may be formed by available
processes, including, but not limited to: extrusion, molding or
machining. The material may be any suitable material providing
sufficient strength and other properties, including but not limited
to: aluminum, steel, ceramics or plastics.
[0016] The support arms 116, 126, (and others) are designed to hold
in place light rails 118. The light rails as shown in the FIG. 1
include a reflector formed to direct light towards a particular
direction and connectors such as sockets and plugs for connecting
to a light source. The light source may be electrically coupled to
a power source through the power cable 120. The light rails 118 are
connected to the support arms by hub assemblies 124. The light
rails 118 are designed to protect a lighting device and may include
clear shields, baffles and other structures effectuating a similar
result. The hub assembly 124 allows for rotation of the light rails
118, thus allowing users to configure the direction of the light
from the light rails 118. The hub assemblies 124 also provide for
coupling electrical power from the support arms to the light rail
and its associated lighting device.
[0017] The suspension assembly 110 is coupled to two suspension
wires 112 which may be formed from a single wire, joined to the
suspension assembly 110 thus having two separate tensions. A
coupling device 122 provides for coupling the suspension wires 112
to the suspension assembly 110 and for the adjustment of the
suspension wires 112. The coupling device 122 secures suspension
wires 112 to the suspension assembly 110 using a fastener such as a
set screw (not shown). The coupling device 122 allows for height
adjustment on the suspension assembly 110, and a lateral adjustment
on the suspension wires 112.
[0018] In the FIG. 1 power to the luminaire is supplied along the
suspension assembly 110 and to the power wire 120 into the chassis
114. From the chassis 114 power can be applied to the light rails
118 in several different ways. Power can be routed through the arms
116 and 126 and associated hubs to reach each end of the light rail
118. Or power could be routed through one of the arms 116 or 126 to
reach a single end of the light rail 118, having an additional
power line run through the light rail to reach the other end of a
lighting device located inside the light rail 118. The lighting
device may be either incandescent, fluorescent or LED Assembly and
the like.
[0019] In operation an assembler would suspend the fixture using
the suspension assembly 110. After the fixture is suspended,
adjusting the coupling device 122 and the support arms 116 and 126,
to true the entire fixture. This allows for easy installation
because variations in the installation can be easily rectified
simply by adjusting the support arms 116 and 126 and the coupling
device 122. In addition, multiple fixtures such as the one shown in
the FIG. 1 may be suspended side-by-side. By adjusting the coupling
device 122 and the support arms 116 and 126, the fixtures can be
trued to each other.
Coupling Device
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a coupling device 200 for use in a luminaire
system. The coupler 214 may be manufactured from any solid material
capable of handling the stress depending on the application,
preferably a metal such as steel or aluminum. The coupler 214 has a
bore through one axis were a cable 210 is passed through the
coupling device 200. A set screw 218 (or similar fastener) is
disposed through the coupler 214 to exert pressure on the cable 210
to lock the coupler 214 in place on the cable 210. The coupler 214
must be capable of withstanding threading to allow the set screw
218 to function properly and secure the cable 210.
[0021] The coupler 214 has a second bore offset from the first bore
for accommodating a cable 212. The second cable is secured byte set
screw 216. In operation, the coupler 214 allows for relative
positioning of two cables in close proximity and for easy
adjustment and alignment of the two cables 210 and 212 in relation
to each other.
[0022] References in the specification to "one embodiment", "an
embodiment", "an example embodiment", etc., indicate that the
embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure or
characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include
the particular feature, structure or characteristic. Moreover, such
phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further,
when a particular feature, structure or characteristic is described
in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within
the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art to affect such
feature, structure or characteristic in connection with other
embodiments whether or not explicitly described. Parts of the
description are presented using terminology commonly employed by
those of ordinary skill in the art to convey the substance of their
work to others of ordinary skill in the art.
[0023] FIG. 3A illustrates a partially disassembled luminaire
system. In the FIG. 3A a luminaire assembly 300 is depicted
suspended from an overhead mount. The suspension assembly 310 may
include both a structural cable and electrical power cable 320. The
suspension assembly 310 may also be formed from a solid material
such as metal or plastic rod. The suspension assembly 310 is
connected to a strut 324 which acts as a chassis for connecting to
a ballast housing 314. The ballast housing 314 need not contain a
ballast. One end of the ballast housing is attached to a support
arm 316, and the ballast housing 314 may be connected to an
additional support arm 326. The support arm 316 is slidably coupled
to the ballast housing 314 through the use a groove positioned on
an end of the ballast housing 314 such that the support arm 316 is
placed in the groove and can slide to different positions in the
groove. The support arm 316 can be adjusted in relationship to the
ballast housing 314. Likewise a support arm 326 is slidably coupled
to the ballast housing to allow it to move for better positioning.
Depending on the length of the ballast housing 314 many other
support arms can be added in series. Slidable coupling may be
effectuated using set screws or other mechanisms to allow for
sliding of the arms and then locking them in place once set in
position.
Ballast In Arm
[0024] One having skill in the art will appreciate that the ballast
housing 314 may be alternatively designed to allow for more
structural support. By locating a ballast into the support arm 316
or 326, the ballast housing may need to be manufactured from
material having different strength characteristics or shaped
differently from that show in the FIG. 3A. Relatively small
ballasts are commercially available (B & L Model NU6-1128-MSN/D
for example) and support arms may be manufactured to completely
house the ballast. A modified strut may be added to the ballast
housing 314, or if the ballast is located in a support arm or if a
ballast is not needed, a modified strut may replace the ballast
housing 314.
Enhanced Strut
[0025] FIG. 3B shows a strut 324 that may be used to support
ballast. This strut is held by the suspension assembly. The channel
support 350 may be formed from conventionally available "strut
channel" often used in construction. Added to the channel support
350 is a support member 352 extending along the length of the
channel support 350. The support member 352, by increasing the
moment of inertia, has the affect of strengthening the channel
support 350 and reducing the deflection due to bending, torsional
or twisting forces on the channel support 350. This support member
may be made of any solid material. In some embodiments the strut
324 is formed by extruding aluminum through a form. In addition,
the strut 324 may be formed by bending sheet metal or through
machining. The strut 324 may also be formed from non-metallic
components such as plastics. For example, the strut 324 may be form
by injection molding of plastics.
[0026] Channel support 350 may be formed to any desired length, and
the support member 352 may be welded on or otherwise affixed, or
optionally extruded when formed. Also, the support member need not
be continuous, but may be formed from several pieces positioned
about the channel support 350 to achieve the desired result. Strut
324 is affixed to the ballast housing 314 or a ballast by an
affixing means such as slide-on connectors, spring-loaded clamps,
screws, clamps and any other affixing means that can provide a
strong enough connection between the two to provide adequate
physical support. The suspension assembly(s) are affixed to the
strut via attachment points to the support member. In an
alternative embodiment, the strut is attached directly to a surface
such as a wall, ceiling or piece of furniture via attachment points
to the support member.
[0027] Referring to FIG. 5A, the strut 324 is generally a U-shaped
channel 350 having a support member 352 extending vertically from
the top. A perspective view of this embodiment it shown in FIG. 5B.
The longitudinal sides 510 are turned inward forming a bottom side
520. The opening between these upturned sides form a longitudinal
slot. The edges of the bottom sides may be turned inward again so
as to produce an inturned longitudinal flange 530. The top portion
of the support member 352 may be expanded to form a stop (FIG. 6)
that runs longitudinally along the length of the support member.
This stop may have a rectilinear 610 or curvilinear 620
cross-section. One or more protuberances 630 or detents 640 may be
located along the sides of support member 352 and run
longitudinally along the length of the support member. The stops,
protuberances and detents can be engaged by clamps or other
elements and can be engaged by the suspension assembly. Holes 710
may be incorporated in the support member (FIG. 7). These holes 710
can be engaged by clamps or other elements and can be engaged by
the suspension assembly. These holes may be of a rectilinear or
curvilinear cross-section.
[0028] In addition the structural member 352 may be formed with
decorative elements or the protuberances and detents may be formed
to effectuate a decorative design. In a luminaire system, the shape
of the structural member 352 may be effectuated in various ways to
conform to the luminaire system.
[0029] The support arms 316, 326, (and others, not shown) are
designed to hold in place light rails. The suspension assembly 310
is coupled to two smaller suspension wires 312 which may be a
single wire. The wires 312 are fastened to the support arm 316, but
alternatively, the ends of the wires may be formed as a catch, with
the affect of allowing the ends of the wires 312 to be disposed
into a "key hole." The key hole formed with a larger portion for
accepting the catch and a smaller portion for holding the catch in
place. A coupler 322 provides for the adjustment of the suspension
wires 312 and secures them in place with a set screw (not shown).
The coupler 322 allows for height adjustment on the suspension
assembly 310, and a lateral adjustment on the suspension wires
312.
[0030] Power to the luminaire is supplied along the suspension
assembly 310 and to the power wire 320 then into the ballast
housing 314. From the ballast housing 314 power can be applied to
the light rails in several different ways. Power can be routed
through the arms 316 and 326 to reach each hub 124 which is at the
end of the light rail 118. Or power could be routed through one of
the arms 316 or 326 to reach a single end of a light rail having an
additional power line run through the light rail to reach the other
end of a lighting device located inside the light rail if
necessary.
[0031] In operation, an assembler would suspend the luminaire using
the suspension assembly 310. After the luminaire is suspended,
adjusting the coupler 322 and the support arm swing 316 and 326, to
true the entire assembly. This allows for easy installation because
minor variations in the installation can be easily rectified simply
by adjusting the support arms 316 and 326 and the coupler 312.
[0032] FIG. 4 shows an assortment of light rails 400 that may be
used with a luminaire system. In the FIG. 4 a baffle 410 provides
for a covering over a light source that has the effect of allowing
light out of the rail, but reducing glare when viewed from a side
angle. The baffle 410 may be manufactured from semi-rigid material
such that the baffle 410 snaps into the light rail and is thus held
securely by compression. Alternatively, a baffle may be fastened in
place by coupling it to the light rail using conventional fasteners
such as screws and bolts. The baffle 410 as shown includes
structure 414 to secure the baffle to an elongated lamp thus
allowing the baffle 410 to hang suspended from the lamp.
[0033] In a luminaire system different light rails may be employed
by coupling them to a hub 412, such that the hub provides
mechanical support, pivotability and a means to provide the light
source with electrical power.
[0034] The above illustration provides many different embodiments
or embodiments for implementing different features of the
invention. Specific embodiments of components and processes are
described to help clarify the invention. These are, of course,
merely embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention from
that described in the claims.
[0035] Although the invention is illustrated and described herein
as embodied in one or more specific examples, it is nevertheless
not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various
modifications and structural changes may be made therein without
departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and
range of equivalents of the claims. Accordingly, it is appropriate
that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner
consistent with the scope of the invention, as set forth in the
following claims.
* * * * *