Quick Connect Ceiling Electrical Fixture Mounting

Abstract

A mounting for connecting an electrical fixture to a conventional outlet box positioned within a ceiling or wall wherein a first plate having a pair of arcuate slots therein and a pair of concentric, arcuate spring contact members thereon is permanently connected to the outlet box and a second plate having a pair of spaced contacts thereon is connected to the electrical fixture. The contacts on the second plate are adapted to extend into and through the arcuate slots in the first plate when the first and second plates are in mutual engagement. The contacts terminate in laterally extending ears adapted, upon rotation of the second plate, to engage the arcuate spring contact members on the first plate to mechanically and electrically connect the electrical fixture to the outlet box.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a ceiling electrical fixture mounting and, more particularly, to a quick connect mounting for connecting an electrical light fixture to a conventional outlet box positioned within a ceiling or wall.

2. Description of the Prior Art

At the present time, ceiling electrical fixtures are installed by connecting electrical wires in the fixture directly to the electrical wires in the ceiling outlet box. Since the house wiring is stiff, the fixture wires are wrapped around the house wires and an insulator cap is usually screwed onto the pair. Alternatively, the juncture is wrapped with insulating tape. In addition, various mechanical connections are usually provided between the ceiling fixture and the outlet box to support the weight of the fixture.

Substantial difficulty is invariably encountered in installing such fixtures. While performing the above-described tasks, the installer must have someone hold the fixture in place while he handles the wires, or he must attempt to hold the fixture over his head with one hand while connecting and insulating the wires with the other hand. This is, at best, a difficult and tiring job to do alone and especially difficult at night if there is no other adequate lighting nearby. This difficulty discourages homeowners from buying new fixtures, since they must hire an electrician to install them or risk getting shocked or causing a fire in the event that a bad connection is made.

Because of the difficulty encountered in removing and installing ceiling electrical fixtures, homeowners try to leave the fixtures in place when painting a ceiling, thus painting around the fixtures. However, since this invariably results in getting paint on the fixture, it is necessary, in order to do a neat job, to remove and replace the fixtures, such that many fixtures often must be removed in a single day.

Finally, it is common practice today to use a room for several purposes. For example, a single room may be used at different times as a den, a bedroom, a guest room, and a dining room. However, a ceiling fixture that might be appropriate for the room when used as a bedroom or guest room might not be appropriate when using the same room as a den or as a dining room. However, because of the difficulty encountered in changing light fixtures, people tend to satisfy themselves with a single fixture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, it is proposed to solve these problems by providing a quick connect mounting for connecting an electrical fixture to a conventional outlet box positioned within a ceiling. With the present mounting, an electrical fixture may be readily plugged into the ceiling and removed therefrom in much the same manner as a conventional electrical plug is inserted into and withdrawn from a wall outlet. As a result, installation and removal is a relatively simple task and may be performed in a matter of seconds. Not only does this make the task of installing a fixture relatively simple, but one can now simply remove and replace fixtures as necessary for painting or converting a room from one use to another. Furthermore, with the present mounting in place, the house wires are permanently enclosed within the outlet box in the ceiling making the procedure of installing or replacing a fixture a safe one.

Briefly, the present ceiling electrical fixture mounting comprises a first plate having a pair of arcuate slots therein and a pair of concentric, arcuate spring contact members thereon permanently connected to the outlet box and a second plate having a pair of spaced contacts thereon connected to the ceiling electrical fixture. The contacts on the second plate are adpated to extend into and through the arcuate slots in the first plate when the first and second plates are in mutual engagement. The contacts terminate in laterally extending ears adapted, upon rotation of the second plate, to engage the arcuate spring contact members on the first plate to mechanically and electrically connect the ceiling fixture to the outlet box.

OBJECTS

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a ceiling electrical fixture mounting.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a quick connect mounting for connecting an electrical fixture to a conventional outlet box positioned within a ceiling or wall.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a ceiling electrical fixture mounting which permits installation and removal of a ceiling fixture in a matter of seconds.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a safe means of installation and removal of a ceiling electrical fixture by permanently enclosing the house wiring in an outlet box positioned within a ceiling.

Still other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment constructed in accordance therewith, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like numerals designate like parts in the several figures and wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the present mounting, as viewed from above, showing its relationship to an electrical fixture and an outlet box;

FIG. 2 is a perspectiv1e view of the lower surface of the plate connected to the ceiling electrical fixture;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the plates of the present mounting shown in mutual engagement and in the locked position; and

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the present mounting taken along the longitudinal axis thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown a mounting, generally designated 10, for connecting an electrical fixture 11 to a conventional outlet box 12 positioned within a ceiling 13. More specifically, outlet box 12 is positioned above ceiling 13 and includes a standard fixture canopy 14 positioned within ceiling 13, the bottom of canopy 14 being approximately coplanar with the bottom of ceiling 13. The bottom of canopy 14 has a circular opening 15 therein which is surrounded by a lip 16.

Mounting 10 further comprises a thin, generally circular plate 20 having an outer portion 21 adapted to contact lip 16 and the bottom of ceiling 13 and an increased thickness inner portion 22 adapted to extend upwardly into and through opening 15 in canopy 14. The bottom surface 44 of plate 20 is entirely smooth except for the provision of a pair of countersunk openings 23 which receive screws 24 which extend through plate 20 and rigidly and permanently connect plate 20 of lip 16 of canopy 14.

Plate 20 is preferably constructed of a fire-proof, heat resistant, nonconductive thermoplastic of a type and strength necessary to meet requirements of regulatory agencies and underwriters' laboratories. Plate 20 is of sufficient size to cover canopy 14 and a small area of the surrounding ceiling. The inner portion 22 of plate 20 may have a thickness of approximately 0.375 inches.

Plate 20 includes a central opening 26 extending entirely therethrough, in which is positioned a sleeve 27 of conductive material. The end of sleeve 27 internally of plate 20 terminates in a lip 28 through which extends a screw 29. Lip 28 and screw 29 permit a ground wire 30 in outlet box 12 to be electrically connected to sleeve 27.

Plate 20 further includes a pair of arcuate slots 31 and 32 which are symmetrically positioned around central opening 26. First ends of slots 31 and 32, on opposite sides of central opening 26, terminate in enlarged openings 33 and 34, respectively, having generally square or rectangular configurations. The remainder of slots 31 and 32 extend from openings 33 and 34, on opposite sides of central opening 26, around plate 20. A pair of arcuate spring contact members 35 and 36 are positioned in contact with the upper surface of section 22 of plate 20 and lie concentric with slots 31 and 32, respectively, along the outside edges thereof. First ends 35' and 36' of contact members 35 and 36, respectively, are secured to plate 20 adjacent openings 33 and 34, respectively. The remainder of members 35 and 36 extend around central opening 26, along the outside edges of slots 31 and 32, respectively, and progressively extend further away from plate 20. The free ends of spring contact members 35 and 36 terminate in upwardly projecting stops 37 and 38, respectively.

Spring contact members 35 and 36 and plate 20 have threaded openings therein adjacent ends 35' and 36' of members 35 and 36, respectively, to receive conventional screws 39. Screws 39 permit the connection of current conducting electrical wires 40 and 41 in outlet box 12 to spring contact members 35 and 36, respectively.

Mounting 10 further includes a second plate 45 which is a thin, generally circular member having a flat upper surface 46 adapted to contact lower surface 44 of plate 20. Surface 46 of plate 45 is entirely smooth except for the provision of a pair of countersunk openings 47 which receive screws 48 which extend through plate 45 and rigidly connect plate 45 to a bracket 50. More specifically, bracket 50 is a generally U-shaped member having outwardly extending flanges 51 connected to the free ends thereof, screws 48 extending into threaded openings in flanges 51. Bracket 50 has a centrally located opening 52 through which extends the externally threaded shaft 53 of ceiling fixture 11. A pair of nuts 54 on threaded shaft 53, on opposite sides of bracket 50, tightly and firmly connect ceiling fixture 11 to bracket 50 and plate 45.

Plate 45 is preferably constructed of a fire-proof, heat resistant, nonconductive thermoplastic of a type and strength necessary to meet requirements of regulatory agencies and underwriters' laboratories. Plate 45 is approximately the same size as plate 20.

Extending through and supported by plate 45 is a central pin 56 of conductive material, one end of which is connected to a terminal plate 57 connected to the bottom of plate 45 and the other end of which extends above surface 46 of plate 45. The outer diameter of pin 56 is approximately equal to the inner diameter of sleeve 27 in openging 26 of plate 20. Thus, with plates 20 and 45 in mutual engagement, pin 56 extends into and through sleeve 27 and makes good electrical contact therewith. By internally threading pin 56 and extending a screw 58 therethrough so that screw 58 may be tightened against plate 57, a ground wire 59 connected to fixture 11 may be connected to pin 56 and, via sleeve 57, to ground wire 30 of the house electrical system.

Plate 45 further includes a pair of spaced contacts 60 and 61 symmetrically positioned around pin 56, the spacing between contacts 60 and 61 being equal to the spacing between arcuate slots 31 and 32 on plate 20. Contacts 60 and 61 extend through plate 45 and terminate at their lower ends in a pair of lips 62 and 63, respectively, which are in contact with and connected to the lower surface 55 of plate 45. Screws 64 extend through lips 62 and 63 into plate 45 top permit the connection of the current conducting electrical wires 65 and 66 of electrical fixture 11 to contacts 60 and 61, respectively.

The other ends of contacts 60 and 61 terminate in laterally extending ears 68 and 69, respectively, the shape and size of ears 68 and 69 being the same as but slightly smaller than, the shape and size of openings 33 and 34, respectively, in plate 20. Accordingly, as plate 45 is elevated to bring surface 46 thereof into contact with surface 44 of plate 20, ears 68 and 69 readily extend into and through openings 33 and 34, respectively, in plate 20. If desired, the sizes of ears 68 and 69 and the sizes of openings 33 and 34 may be different so that there is only one possible way to extend ears 68 and 69 into openings 33 and 34. This can be used to insure correct polarization when fixture 11 is engaged.

The spacing between ears 68 and 69 and surface 46 of plate 45 is slightly greater than the combined thickness of inner portion 22 of plate 20 and spring contact members 35 and 36. Thus, when contacts 60 and 61 are fully extended through openings 33 and 34, respectively, such that surface 46 of plate 45 is in contact with surface 44 of plate 20, ears 68 and 69 extend above spring contact members 35 and 36, respectively. Thereafter, rotation of plate 45 relative to plate 20 so that contacts 60 and 61 enter into arcuate slots 31 and 32, respectively, will cause ears 68 and 69 to engage the upper surfaces of spring contact members 35 and 36, respectively. Since spring contact members 35 and 36 are spaced from the upper surface of inner portion 22 of plate 20, there will be a firm tension engagement between ears 68 and 69 and contact members 35 and 36, respectively, insuring good electrical contact. Finally, plate 45 may be rotated until ears 68 and 69 engage stops 37 and 38, respectively, at the end of spring contact members 35 and 36, respectively.

Fixture 11 may be provided with a decorative, dome-shaped cover 70 to enclose mounting 10. More specifically, cover 70 may have a central opening 71 through which extends threaded shaft 53 which connects fixture 11 to mounting 10. After fixture 11 is in place, a nut 72 may be tightened against the lower surface of cover 70, thereby elevating cover 70 until the rim thereof contacts ceiling 13.

In operation, mounting 10 permits the ready and simple attachment of electrical fixture 11 to outlet box 12. More specifically, ground wire 30 is first connected to sleeve 27 by means of screw 29 and wires 40 and 41 are connected to spring contact members 35 and 36, respectively, by means of screws 39. Thereafter, plate 20 is permanently connected to canopy 14 by means of screws 24.

The procedure for connecting fixture 11 to plate 45 is just as simple. Threaded shaft 53 first has nut 54 positioned thereon and then dome 70 slipped thereover. One of nuts 54 is then positioned over shaft 53, bracket 50 is placed onto shaft 53, and the remaining nut 54 is tightened against bracket 50, thereby tightly connecting bracket 50 to shaft 53. Thereafter, the ground wire extending through shaft 53 is connected by means of screw 58 to plate 57 and the remaining electrical wires 65 and 66 are connected to contacts 60 and 61 by means of screws 64. Thereafter, plate 45 may be rigidly attached to bracket 50 by means of screws 48.

This completes the wiring of mounting 10. In order to install fixture 11, it is firmly grasped and elevated until central pin 56 makes contact with the bottom of sleeve 27. Since the first electrical connection is made between the ground wires, this insures that the installer will not be subjected to an electrical shock. With continued elevation and rotative manipulation of fixture 11, ears 68 and 69 are located into openings 33 and 34, respectively. Fixture 11 is then elevated until plates 20 and 45 are in mutual engagement. Thereafter, by simply rotating fixture 11 through an angle of approximately 90.degree., firm electrical and mechanical connection is made between plates 20 and 45 and contacts 35, 36, and 60, 61, respectively. The direction and amount of rotation is obviously controlled by slots 31 and 32 and the location of stops 37 and 38 at the free ends of spring contact members 35 and 36, respectively. Thus, mounting 10 provides both an electrical connection and the mechanical mounting for electrical fixture 11. The parts may be readily designed to support a fifty-pound continuous load with no difficulty.

It can therefore be seen that in accordance with the present invention there is provided a quick connect mounting 10 for connecting an electrical fixture 11 to a conventional outlet box 12 positioned within a ceiling 13. With mounting 10, house wires 40 and 41 are permanently enclosed within outlex box 12 and electrical fixture 11 may be readily plugged into ceiling 13 and removed therefrom in much the same manner as a conventional electrical plug is inserted into and withdrawn from a wall outlet. As a result, installation and removal is a safe and relatively simple task and may be performed in a matter of seconds. Not only does this make the task of installing fixture 11 relatively simple, but one can now simply remove and replace fixtures as necessary for painting or converting a room from one use to another.

While the invention has been described with respect to a preferred physical embodiment constructed in accordance therewith, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope and the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited by the specific illustrative embodiment, but only by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

I claim:

1. A mounting for connecting an electrical fixture to a conventional outlet box positioned within a ceiling or wall comprising:

a first, generally circular plate of nonconducting material, said plate having a pair of arcuate slots symmetrically positioned around the center thereof and an opening extending entirely through the center thereof, first ends of said slots, on opposite sides of said plate center, terminating in enlarged openings;

a pair of arcuate spring contact members lying concentric with said slots in said plate, along the outside edges thereof, first ends of said members being secured to said plate adjacent said first ends of said slots, the remainder of said members extending away from said plate and terminating in stops at the free ends thereof;

a sleeve of conductive material positioned within said central opening in said first plate;

means for rigidly connecting said first plate to said outlet box with said spring contact members lying internally thereof;

means associated with said spring contact members for connecting electrical wires within said outlet box thereto;

means associated with said sleeve for connecting a ground wire within said outlet box thereto;

a second, generally circular plate of nonconducting material;

a pair of spaced contacts extending through and supported by said second plate and being symmetrically positioned around the center thereof, said contacts adapted to extend into and through said arcuate slots in said first plate when said first and second plates are in mutual engagement, said contacts terminating in laterally extending ears adapted, upon rotation of said second plate relative to said first plate, to engage said arcuate spring contact members, said stops at the free ends of said spring contact members engaging said ears on said contacts to arrest rotation of said second plate;

a pin of conductive material extending through the center of and supported by said second plate, said pin extending beyond said ears on said contacts, said pin adapted to extend into and through said sleeve in said first plate to guide said contacts into said slots and to provide a pivot point for rotation of said second plate relative to said first plate when said first and second plates are in mutual engagement;

bracket means for connecting an electrical fixture to said second plate;

means associated with said spaced contacts for connecting electrical wires from said electrical fixture thereto; and

means associated with said central pin for connecting a ground wire from said electrical fixture thereto.

2. A mounting according to claim 1 wherein the sizes of said enlarged openings in said first plate are different and wherein the sizes of said laterally extending ears are different and correspond to the different sizes of said openings so that said ears extend into and through said openings in said first plate in only one position thereof.