Distributor Apparatus

Abstract

A distributor apparatus adapted to mechanically and electrically connect a plurality of distributor members thereto and allow the latter to extend from the apparatus, comprising a base, cover covering the base, and a clamp ring secured and fixed to the base, characterized in that the base and cover are provided with oppositely disposed first and second annular electrodes electrically led to a power line, the base being at its periphery wall formed with a plurality of openings spaced from each other and provided with a plurality of compartments opposite to the respective openings for suitably receiving a terminal fixture whereby the terminal fixture is received in the compartment to allow the distributor member to pass through the opening and to extend the distributor member from the apparatus and the first and second annular electrodes are in contact with the respective contact terminals in the apparatus by covering the cover over the base and screwing the clamp ring over the base.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a power distributor apparatus and more particularly to an apparatus for distributing electric power to a plurality of loads such as lamps or the like by provision of a plurality of power distributor members extending from the apparatus.

A power distributor apparatus of the class has been conventionally employed in and well known as lighting fixtures such as chandelier or the like that is adapted to diverge a plurality of distributor members each consisting of a cord or pipe through which a cord passes thereby distributing power to lamp loads connected to the respective members. Typically, well known lighting fixtures such as chandelier or the like are integrally formed of the power distributor apparatus and distributor members and thus supplied from a maker to consumers in the form of indecomposable unit. This makes finished goods to be shipped bulky thereby requiring a trouble in packing operation and providing a problem in maintenance and conveyance of the goods. As a result, considerable cost would be entailed. Some types of the products have been proposed to enable consumers to assemble components into a unit for their use in order to allow each of the components to be decomposable. However, the difficulty is applied to assembly of the components when made by consumers since such requires much skill and trouble. For this reason, the products to be assembled by consumers would be limited to a certain extent. In case of the lighting fixtures such as chandeliers or the like, assembly thereof cannot be made if they require a complicated electrical connection and a considerable load.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a distributor apparatus which enables every consumer to attach distributor members thereto irrespective of skill but with a simple operation and which not only eliminates electrification in attachment operation but also ensures electrical and mechanical mounting condition even after fixing the distributor members to the distributor apparatus.

According to the present invention, a distributor apparatus, distributor members, and accessories are separately packed and supplied to consumers for allowing them to assemble these components into a unit such as chandelier to thus overcome the aforementioned problems.

It is a primary object of the invention to provide a power distributor apparatus for distributing electric power to a plurality of loads such as lamps or the like by provision of a plurality of power distributor members such as pipes or cords which are held by the apparatus and extend therefrom.

A further object of the invention is to provide a power distributor apparatus which comprises a base, cover, and a screw or clamp ring of separately molded plastic insulating material, and wherein an electrode section is provided within a chamber defined by the cover and the screw ring threaded thereinto and an electric contact disposed in the distributor members is in turn electrically connected to the electrode section.

Another object of the invention is to provide a power distributor apparatus wherein a plurality of openings are formed in a peripheral wall of the base to receive the respective distributor members at one end thereof and the screw ring is screwed into the base to thus ensure a rigid attachment of the distributor members to the apparatus in a mechanical manner.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a power distributor apparatus wherein an electrode section which is provided within a chamber defined by the cover and the ring comprises a first annular electrode mounted to the base, and a second annular electrode mounted to the cover and an electric current is prevented from draining to those electrodes prior to the assembly of the base with the cover thereby avoiding accidental electrification in operation.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a power distributor apparatus wherein a central bore is formed in the cover to allow a power line such as cord or conduct tube to pass through the bore while a pair of bayonet contacts are disposed internally of the cover for connection with a power line and adapted to be held within an insulated receptacle without being exposed, and wherein a pair of receptacle contacts are arranged internally of the base so as to be in contact with the pair of the bayonet contacts when the cover is mounted to the base, one of the bayonet contacts being electrically led to a first annular electrode in the base and the other being adapted to be electrically led to a second annular electrode in the cover when the cover is mounted to the base whereby the first and second annular electrodes are capable of receiving an electric current.

Additional object of the invention is to provide a power distributor apparatus wherein a plurality of thinner portions are formed in a periphery of the base so as to be readily knocked out thereby allowing the thinner portions to be openings to receive the distributor members therethrough.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a power distributor apparatus wherein the base is provided with a rib integrally formed thereof and radially extending the upper edge of the base to provide rigidity for the edge of the thinner portion thereby preventing the latter from cracking if should undesirable external force be applied thereto.

A yet further object of the invention is to provide a power distributor apparatus which is capable of forming a clearance between the base and screw ring when assembled so that a lamp shade or the like may be mounted to such a clearance.

Another object of the invention is to provide a power distributor apparatus wherein the cover is formed with an upwardly and centrally extending hollow neck portion which is at its inner side threaded to allow each of threads to reduce its diameter in the vertical direction and which is also adapted to include stepped portions to conform with a size of a line power to be received in the hollow neck portion.

A more particular object of the invention is to provide a power distributor apparatus wherein a threaded opening is formed in the base at the center thereof by which a power line is led for connection with a plurality of distributor members.

According to the present invention, a plurality of distributor may be allowed to extend from a power distributor apparatus so that any consumer or user readily and simply assemble a lighting fixture such as chandelier without any danger.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon consideration of the specification and the accompanying drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a preferred embodiment of a distributor apparatus according to the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the base shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a section taken along line III--III of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the cover shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line V--V of FIG. 4,

FIG. 6 is a section of the screw or clamp ring shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 7 is a representation showing a distributor assembly in section,

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of one form of a distributor member,

FIG. 9 is a side view showing the distributor assembly to which a plurality of distributor members is mounted, with partially broken away,

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the distributor assembly to which a lamp shade is mounted, with partially broken away, and

FIG. 11 through 14 are perspective views showing various modes of the distributor assembly and distributor members according to choice of users or consumers.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In FIG. 1 there is shown a power distributor apparatus of the present invention designated at numeral 1, which comprises a base 2, spacer ring 3, cover 4, and a screw or clamp ring 5 with all being formed of synthetic resin made insulating material.

The cover 2 includes, as best shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a circular bottom 6, periphery wall 7 extending upwardly of the bottom. The periphery wall 7 is formed relatively thicker and provided with a series of lands 8, and banks 9 upwardly extending from the interior of the wall beyond the lands. The banks 9 are arranged to be alighment with an inner diameter of the screw ring 5 and threaded at their outer periphery to receive the ring 5. A plurality of recesses 10 are formed optionally spaced with one another with respect to the periphery wall and terminate adjacent the bottom 6 of the wall 7. Some of the recesses may be formed to leave thin walls 11 in a planar alignment with the exterior of the wall 7. The thin wall 11 is required to have such a dimension that it is readily knocked out and off by applying relatively weak impact thereto. However, means is provided so that the thin wall 11 is prevented from cracking or coming to pieces even if an undesirable external force is applied thereto. That is to say, a rib 12 is integrally formed with the periphery wall 7 at the exterior thereof to provide strength for the thin wall 11 so as to withstand an undesirable external force.

As will be fully described later, the thin wall 11 may be formed into an opening in cooperation with the recess 10 to serve for receiving a distributor member by way of a knockout. The opening thus formed is designated at numeral 13, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Of course, the opening or openings 13 may be preformed at the stage of molding of the base 2 if no attention is paid to poor appearance due to the opening or openings out of use. The bottom of the base 2 is formed with a plurality of circumferentially and radially extending vertical partition walls 14 which define a plurality of receptacle chambers or compartmenets 15 in cooperation with one another. Each of the receptacle chambers 15 is so dimensioned to fittedly receive a terminal of a power distributor as will be described later. A hub or projective member 16 is formed on the bottom surface of the base 2 at the center thereof and provided with a threaded aperture 17 passing therethrough. An elongated electrode loop 18 is circumferentially and cocentrically disposed on the bottom surface of the base 2 to pass between the circumferential and radial partition walls 14 and is secured by a screw 19 adjacent the periphery wall 7 at the interior thereof. The electrode 18 is provided with an enlarged portion 20 which is preferably in alignment with the pair of diametrically positioned recesses 10 and which is fixed by a screw 21 to the hub portion 16. An electrode tongue 22 is provided electrically insulated from and parallel to the electrode loop 18 and mounted by screws 23, 24 adjacent one of the circumferential partition wall 14. A pair of bayonet contacts 25 and 26 are integrated with the electrode loop 18 and electrode tongue 22 at the one ends thereof, respectively and opposed to each other. The electrode tongue 22 is also provided with a single bayonet contact 27 at opposite end thereof. The electrode loop 18 includes a pair of tapped holes 28, 29 at its enlarged portion 20, and the electrode tongue 22 has a pair of tapped holes 30, 31. The holes 28 and 30 are in alignment with two holes 28' and 30' bored through hub portions 16.

The spacer ring 3 has almost the same outer diameter as that of the base 2 and is designed to snugly receive the bank 9.

The cover 4 is in a round form, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5 and includes an upwardly and centrally extending hollow neck portion 34 on the outer side thereof. The hollow neck portion 34 is adapted to have an open end 35 and two threaded portions 36 and 37. The one thread 36 is dimensioned to screw a conduit tube (not shown) to the order of 0.47 inch therein whereas the other thread 37 is dimensioned to screw a conduit tube (not shown) to the order of 0.35 inch. With this arrangement, the hollow neck portion 34 may allow a power line to pass therethrough or the conduit tube to screw therein. When the conduit tube is screwed in the hollow neck portion, its excess thrust movement is prevented by presence of either step portion 38 or a step portion 39 defined by the threaded portion 36 or 37. This insures a tight connection of the cover 4 and the conduit tube and prevents the conduit tube from projecting from the inner side 33 of the cover 4. A tapped hole 40 is laterally formed in the neck portion 34 to receive a screw (not shown) therein thereby fixedly securing a cord or power line with respect to the cover 4.

The cover 4 is designed relatively thicker and formed with a flange 41 at the periphery thereof. The flange 41 is of the diameter same as the outer diameter defined by the series of the banks 9. The lower portion 42 below the flange 41 is fabricated to be snugly fitted into the banks 9 internally thereof. A recess 43 is formed in the cover on the underside thereof to leave four land portions. A pair of pins 44, 45 are mounted spaced from each other on the recess adjacent the respective lands. A partition 46 is disposed between the pair of the pins 44, 45 on the recess. A tiny quadrangular column 48 of electrically insulated material is interposed between the pins 44, 45 and secured by a screw 47 at 49 to the underside 33 of the cover. These pins 44, 45 will serve to hold the column 48 against its pivotal movement thereby ensuring its position. The column 48 includes two compartments defined by a partition 50 and the outer walls. A pair of receptacle contacts 52, 53 are received in those compartments, and they are spacedly disposed on an insulated plate 51 internally of the column. An insulative relationship between the contacts 52 and 53 is maintained by the presence of the partition 50. Each of the ends of the respective contacts 52, 53 extends from the insulated plate 51 on the underside thereof where a pair of lead wires for the power line (not shown) are soldered. A pair of notches are formed on one of the sides of the column 48 to receive the lead wires therein. This allows the bayonet contacts 25, 26 on the base to be inserted in the two compartments and in contact with the receptacle contacts 52, 53 in the column 48 when the cover 4 is mounted over the base 4. An end electrode loop 56 is secured by screws 57, 58 to the lands on the underside 33 of the cover. The annular electrode or electrode loop 56 has one end which is adapted to form one 59 of receptacle contacts to cooperate with the other 60 secured to the base by means of a set screw 57 so as to receive a single bayonet contact 27 therein when the cover 4 is threaded into the base 2.

The screw ring or clamp ring 5 shown in FIG. 1 through 5 is provided for rigidly mounted the cover 4 to the base 2. To this end, the ring 5 is threaded at its inner side as shown at 61. The ring 5 is formed with an inwardly extending flange 62 at the upper periphery thereof to prevent screw motion of the ring with respect to the base 2 when the flange 41 is engaged by the flange 62. In this manner, the cover 4 is fastened to the base 2.

The distributor apparatus is shown in FIG. 7 as a unit or assembly into which the base 2, spacer ring 3, cover 4, and the clamp ring or screw ring 5 are assembled. In FIG. 7, similar parts are designated by similar numerals used in FIGS. 1 to 6.

Within a compartment or chamber 63 defined by the base 2 and cover 4, the annular electrodes 18 and 56 are oppositely disposed with respect to each other, the electrode 18 being electrically led by the bayonet contact 25 to the receptacle contact 52 in the column 48 while the other electrode 56 being electrically led through the bayonet contacts 26, 27 of the electrode tongue 22 to the receptacle contact 53 within the column.

Where the cover 4 is kept away from the base 2 out of the assembly, an electric current is not applied to the annular electrodes 18, 56 if the contacts 52, 53 be electrically energized from the power line (not shown) since the receptacle contacts 52, 53 are out of contact with the bayonets contacts 25, 26. Further, the receptacle contacts 52, 53 are accommodated within the insulated column 48 to save any one in assembling of the apparatus from dangerous electrification even if the power line is led to the receptacle contacts 52, 53. All components except for the spacer ring 3 are assembled into the apparatus, there is provided a clearance between the lower edge of the clamp ring 5 and the upper edge of the base 2 to mate with the thickness of the spacer ring 3 thereby receiving a lamp shade or the like in the apparatus, as will be described hereinafter.

One form of a power distributor member 64 is shown in FIG. 8 as being mounted to the distributor apparatus to distribute an electric current to a load such as lamp or the like. The distributor member 64 comprises a conduit tube 65, lamp socket 66 mounted to the conduit tube at one end thereof, and a terminal fixture 67 integrally molded to the member at the other end thereof. The terminal fixture 67 is dimensioned to snugly be fitted in the receptacle chamber 15 provided in the compartment or chamber 63 of the apparatus and preferable in a substantial square form as shown in FIG. 8. A pair of contact terminals 68, 69 are connected to a pair of leads (not shown) disposed in the conduit tube 65 and extend along the terminal fixture 67, and then terminate in opposite sides thereof. The contact terminals 68, 69 are provided with additional terminals 70, 71 integrally formed thereof and extending along the adjacent sides of the fixture 67. These terminals are held in position in recesses formed in each sides of the fixture. The pair of the leads (not shown) of which one ends are connected to the contact terminals 68, 69 are coupled at the other ends thereof to the lamp socket 66.

FIG. 9 shows a relationship between the distributor apparatus 1 and a power line 72, and the distributor members 64.

The power line 72 passes through the open end 35 of the cover 4 to allow a pair of leads to be soldered to the receptacle contacts 52. 53. These leads (not shown) are clamped by respective notches 54, 55 formed in the column 48 which receives the receptacle contacts 52, 53 therein. The column 48 is secured by the screw 47 to the cover 4 on the one side thereof. In this manner, the receptacle contacts 52, 53 establish a connection with the power line 72 to allow the latter to be connected to a commercial power line.

For mounting a plurality of power distributor members 64, thinner portions 11 where it is desired to fix the members 64 are knocked out by suitable means to form the corresponding number of the openings 13, and then the members 64 are at their terminal fixtures 67 received through the openings 13 within the associated receptacle chambers 15. This enables the contact terminal 68 to be electrically in contact with the annular electrode 18. After mounting and holding of the terminal fixtures 67 of the distributor members 64 within the receptacle chambers 15, the spacer ring 3 is inserted into the base 2 while the cover 4 is in turn mounted over the spacer ring 3 to the base 2. The clamp ring 5 through which the power line 72 passes is rotated to be threaded into the threaded bank 9 until rotation of the clamp ring 5 is caught. This allows the cover 4 to be rigidly fastened to the base to connect the annular electrode 56 in the cover 4 to the contact terminal 69 on the distributor member 64 thereby firmly coupling each of the distributor members to the apparatus by snugly mounting the fixtures 67 within the chambers. In the manner above set forth, fixture of the power line 72 and the distributor members 64 to the apparatus 1 may be completed, as shown in FIG. 9.

As previously mentioned, the cover 4 is fastened to the base 2 to apply a current to the annular electrodes 18, 56 so that a lamp mounted to the socket 66 (not shown) is supplied with a current from the contact terminals 68, 69 connected to these annular electrodes via the lead in the conduit tube 65 and is then lit. Each of the distributor members 64 shown in FIG. 9 is mounted to the apparatus so as to allow the lamp socket 66 to extend downwardly thereof, however, the distributor member 64 may be rotated by 90.degree. around the axis of the conduit tube 65 to mount the terminal fixture 67 within the chamber 15 thereby allowing the lamp socket 66 to extend horizontally of the apparatus. It is apparent from the foregoing that if the distributor member 64 is in an angulated form, the socket 66 may assume four directions so that a plurality of the lamps may be selectively oriented as desired. Although the cord is used as power line 72 for connection with the apparatus, as seen from FIG. 9, a conduit tube may be employed instead of the cord. In case of the conduit tube, it is threaded at the one end thereof so as to be screwed into the threaded portion 36 or 37 of the hollow neck portion 34 to connect the conduit tube with the cover 4. Further, a cord may be used instead of the conduit tube 65 if it is provided with a similar terminal fixture at the one end thereof.

FIG. 10 shows the distributor apparatus to which a lamp shade 73 is mounted dependent on a clearance between the upper edge 8 of the base 2 and the clamp ring 5. This eliminate the use of the spacer ring 3. The shade 73 has a central opening of a diameter less than the outer diameter of the threaded bank 9 but more than the outer diameter of the peripheral wall 7 so as to be engaged by the clamp ring 5 when screwed into the threaded bank 9. This enables the shade 73 to be held between the upper edge 8 of the base 2 and the clamp ring 5. It is noted that since such a clearance is formed in a condition where the clamp ring 5 is completely fastened to the threaded bank 9, the clamp ring 5 is stably and constantly held in position with respect to the base 2 in the presence of the lamp shade 73. For this reason, no idle space or clearance by which a constant of the contact terminals 68, 69 with the annular electrodes 18, 56 is incomplete to cause an electrical accident, is not produced.

A plurality of distributor apparatus in combination with a plurality of distributor members are shown in FIGS. 11 through 14 as in various manners. A power line 75 is shown as cord or conduit tube depending from a ceiling 76 in FIGS. 11 through 13 whereas it is shown as conduit tube upwardly extending from a pedestal 77 in FIG. 14. The power line 75 is connected to two or more distributor apparatus 78 each carrying a plurality of distributor members 79 with lamps 80 mounted thereto as in the aforementioned manner.

In FIG. 13, the distributor apparatus 78 carries a pair of connection power lines such as conduit tubes 81, 82 extending from the wall of the apparatus in both directions, with conduit tubes 81, 82 each having one end to which the terminal fixture is mounted. By receiving this terminal fixture in the apparatus, the conduit tube is rigidly supported thereby. The apparatus also carries a pair of the distributor members 79, and a conduit tube 89 connected to a distributor apparatus 90 through a threaded aperture of the base and an open end of the cover. The distributor apparatus 90 supports the four distributor members. Each of the conduit tubes 81, 82 has the other end connect to each of different distributor apparatus 83, 84. These apparatus 83, 84 are provided with the respective distributor members, namely, two sets of three members 85 and 87.

A pair of leads (not shown) in the connection power line or conduit tube 89 are connected at the one ends thereof to the annular electrode similar to the electrode 18 and the electrode tongue similar to the electrode tongue 22 and coupled at the other ends thereof to the receptacle contacts similar to the contacts 52, 53. A plurality of distributor apparatus, as shown, may be electrically and mechanically connected by the conduit tube or tubes to one another.

The distributor apparatus 90 shown in FIG. 11 holds a conduit tube 93 which is at one end thereof threaded into the threaded aperture 17 and which extends downwardly of the apparatus to the lamp socket end having a lamp 94. A pair of leads (not shown) in the conduit tube 93 each include one ends connected to lamp sockets for lamps 94 and the other ends coupled to the electrode annular 18 and electrode tongue 22.

It is apparent, as best shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, that the distributor apparatus according to the invention is capable of not only distributing an electric current to a plurality of loads such as lamps or the like but also connecting one to the other vertically or horizontally. The apparatus may be in the form of suspension from the ceiling or upright extending from the pedestal.

In accordance with the distributor apparatus of the invention, a plurality of openings are formed in the periphery wall of the base to receive the respective distributor members at one in the chambers or compartment and the screw ring is screwed into the base. With such a simple operation, the distributor member or members may be mounted to the distributor apparatus thereby ensuring electrical and mechanical mounting irrespective of skill of user even if the distributor apparatus, distributor member, and accessories are separately shipped for user.

While the preferred embodiment has been described, it should be understood that various changes or modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A distributor apparatus adapted to mechanically and electrically connect a plurality of distributor members thereto and allow the latter to extend from the apparatus, comprising an insulated base having a bottom and comparatively thicker periphery wall extending therefrom, a plurality of openings spacedly formed in said periphery wall of said base, a plurality of compartments adapted to receive the respective terminal fixtures of said distributor members, a first annular electrode disposed in the interior of said base bottom to allow a contact terminal mounted to the one end of said distributor member to be in contact with said annular electrode, a threaded bank upwardly extending from said periphery wall of said base at the interior thereof, an insulated cover adapted to cover said base at the upper end thereof, a second annular electrode provided on said cover and connectable with another contact terminal mounted to the one end of said distributor member receivable in said compartment when said cover is mounted over said base, and a clamp ring screwed into said threaded bank of said base to secure said cover to said base.

2. A distributor apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said base is formed of insulated synthetic resin and includes a plurality of thinner portions spacedly formed at the periphery wall thereof whereby said opening is derived from a knock-out of said thinner portion.

3. A distributor apparatus in accordance with claim 2 wherein said thinner portion terminates in said base edge adjacent said clamp ring, an outwardly projecting rib being formed on said base edge at the periphery thereof to reinforce said thinner portion at said base edge.

4. A distributor apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said cover includes a central opening adapted to allow a power line to pass therethrough and a first pair of contacts received without being exposed in an insulated column, said contacts being insulated from each other and connectable with a pair of leads of said power line at a plane opposite to said base, said base having a second pair of contacts electrically coming in contact with said first pair of contacts when said base is secured to said cover, one of said contacts of said second pair being connected to said first annular electrode, the other one of said second pair being electrically led to said second annular electrode through a different contact in said base and a further contact in said cover.

5. A distributor apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said central opening of said cover is threaded in a manner such that the central opening is gradually reduced in diameter to form a step structure whereby various sizes of conduit tubes are selectively coupled to said base by screwing said tube into said opening.

6. A distributor apparatus in accordance with claim 5 wherein said central opening of said cover further includes a more reduced inner diameter therein following said step structure.

7. A distributor apparatus in accordance with claim 4 wherein said base includes a central opening adapted to allow a second power line to pass therethrough, said power line being electrically connected to said second pair of said contacts in said base and led out of said base opening whereby a plurality of said distributor apparatus may be electrically and mechanically connected by said power line to one another.

8. A distributor apparatus in accordance with claim 7 wherein said central opening of said base is internally threaded for serving to couple a conduit tube thereto.

9. A distributor apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein said clamp ring has a dimension to the extent that at least a clearance is formed between said base and ring at their edges when said clamp ring is completely screwed into said base whereby a lamp shade or the like may be interposed therebetween.

10. A distributor apparatus in accordance with claim 9 wherein said clearance formed between said base and ring at their edge is adapted to normally mount a spacer ring therein.