Lighting Fixture Clamping Device

Abstract

A two-section clamping device useful for mounting lighting fixtures from suspended T-bar structure, the said clamping device being constructed in such a manner so as to lend ease of installation, and also furnish stabilizing means to the mounted lighting fixture.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The lighting industry has had a need for stabilizing means to mount commercial lighting fixtures from suspended T-bars. In the past, the means used for mounting these commercial lighting fixtures from suspended T-bars has required tedious installation and has only furnished poor lighting fixture stability. We have invented a two-section clamping device with unique features lending ease of installation and added stabilizing means for the fixture itself. With the features of this new and novel clamping device, installation of commercial lighting fixtures is made easier and quicker. The use of our clamping device has resulted in savings of many man-hours and upon installation has added stability to the lighting fixture itself.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The object of this invention is to furnish a clamping device to mount commercial lighting fixtures easily on suspended T-bar construction found in commercial lighting installations.

Another object of this invention is to furnish stabilizing means for mounted commercial lighting fixtures.

Still another object of this invention is to furnish a clamping device with features for quick and easy installation of commercial lighting fixtures.

For a complete understanding of the nature and objects of this invention, reference should be made to the drawings and the detailed description which follows.

FIG. 1 is an isometric drawing portraying the two-section clamping device.

FIG. 2 illustrates the two-section clamping device as a connector between a T-bar and a commercial lighting fixture.

The structure of the clamping device is described as consisting of a pair of complimentary members 1 and 2, FIG. 1, placed in juxtaposition to each other. The members are formed from suitable flat surface material such as has been previously described shaped so that each of the two members 1 and 2, FIG. 1, are assembled as shown in FIG. 1. The upper extremities of the surfaces of the complimentary members 1 and 2, FIG. 1, are bent inwardly at a convenient angle to form the upper surface of the spaced complimentary members. The upper surfaces of each member are formed so as to fit snugly over the flange end of a T-shaped bar, see 8, FIG. 2. The lower surfaces of each of the members are bent slightly inwardly to form lower parallel surfaces 4 and 5, FIG. 1. A screw 3, FIG. 1, is positioned to pass through the lower parallel surface of one of the members into a tapped hole in the lower parallel surface of the second member. The reshaped lower parallel surfaces of both members are bent outwardly to form approximate right angles in such a manner so that each of the surfaces 6 and 7, FIG. 1, formed rest against the upper flat surface of the lighting fixture 9, FIG. 2. A wingnut and screw assembly 10, FIG. 1, are spot welded to one of the members of the clamping device.

Reference is made to FIG. 2 which shows the clamping device in a connecting position between the T-bar and the top surface of a commercial lighting fixture. To install the clamping device, place clamping members 1 and 2, FIG. 1, so that the lower side of the upper surfaces of the clamping device rest on the upper surface of the T-bar 8, FIG. 2. When the clamping device is in this position, screw 3 FIG. 1, is tightened so that the clamping device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is tightly secured to the T-bar. The lighting fixture 9, FIG. 2, is connected to the clamping device and held in position by the screw and wingnut, assembly 10, FIG. 1. The number of clamping devices required will depend on the size of the commercial lighting fixture; usually only two are required to give stability to the fixture.

Claims

1. A clamping device consisting of two complimentary members: a. the upper section of each of the surfaces of the said complimentary members being bent inwardly to form first and second angles; and b. the said surfaces in the lower extremities of the said complimentary members each being bent inwardly toward each other and reshaped to form approximate parallel surfaces in which a connecting means is inserted; c. the said reshaped approximate parallel surfaces, each being bent outwardly to form a third and fourth angle; d. the said complimentary members being connected together by the said connecting means; e. the said connecting means passing through one member into a tapped hole of a second member; f. the said complimentary members being positioned together so that the said first and second angle face each other and the said third and fourth angle face outwardly from each other; and g. support means extending from one of said members.