U.S. patent number 3,840,842 [Application Number 05/376,307] was granted by the patent office on 1974-10-08 for modular lighting system.
Invention is credited to Leopold Gabryelewicz.
United States Patent |
3,840,842 |
Gabryelewicz |
October 8, 1974 |
MODULAR LIGHTING SYSTEM
Abstract
A modular lighting system includes an elongated lighting module
and a polygonal connector, each of the module and connector
components having receptacle means and plug means adapted for
joining each component to a like component and to the other
component. The module includes an elongated base, an elongated
first electrical conductor, an elongated second electrical
conductor in the form of a channel member enclosing the sides of
the first conductor in outwardly spaced relation thereto, an
elongated cover forming with the base a casing adapted to enclose
the conductors, the conductors having a plurality of contact
portions and the cover having a plurality of bulb mounting openings
there-along on each of a plurality of sides thereof, means mounting
the conductors and the cover on the base with the respective
contact portions and the bulb mounting openings aligned for
parallel connection of a series of light bulbs to the contact
portions, receptacle means at one end of the casing for receiving a
pair of plug prongs in conductive relation to respective
conductors, and plug means including a pair of prongs in conductive
relation to respective conductors at the other end of the casing
and adapted to mate with the receptacle means of a like module. The
connector comprises a polygonal casing including a plurality of
side walls each of which has a pair of prong-receiving openings
extending therethrough, and a pair of conductive junction members
mounted in the casing in spaced apart relation, each junction
member including a hub element; a plurality of spoke elements each
extending from the hub element to adjacent a prong-receiving
opening in one of the side walls for making contact with a plug
prong inserted through the opening to provide receptacle means at
each of the walls, and a prong extending from the hub element and
projecting through one of the prong-receiving openings in another
one of the side walls to provide plug means adapted to mate with
the receptacle means of a like connector. The receptacle means and
plug means of the module also are adapted to mate respectively with
the plug means and receptacle means of the connector.
Inventors: |
Gabryelewicz; Leopold (Chicago,
IL) |
Family
ID: |
23484475 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/376,307 |
Filed: |
July 5, 1973 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
439/639;
362/217.16; 362/217.17 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V
23/06 (20130101); F21S 4/20 (20160101); F21S
2/005 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F21V
23/06 (20060101); F21S 2/00 (20060101); F21V
23/00 (20060101); H01R 13/717 (20060101); H01R
13/66 (20060101); H01r 027/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;339/20-24,154-162,167-170 ;240/1R,1S,1Q,1T |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Gilliam; Paul R.
Assistant Examiner: Staab; Lawrence J.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Berkman; Michael G.
Claims
I claim:
1. A modular lighting system which comprises, in combination, an
elongated lighting module and a polygonal connector, each of the
module and connector components including receptacle means and plug
means adapted for joining each component to a like component and to
the other component, said module comprising:
a. an elongated base,
b. an elongated first electrical conductor having a plurality of
sides each of which has a plurality of contact portions
therealong,
c. an elongated second electrical conductor in the form of a
channel member having a plurality of sides adapted to enclose said
sides of said first conductor in outwardly spaced relation
thereto,
said second conductor having a plurality of contact portions
therealong on each of its sides and corresponding in number and
disposition to the contact portions of said first conductor,
said cover having a plurality of side walls each of which has a
plurality of bulb-mounting openings therealong, extending
therethrough and corresponding in number and disposition to the
respective contact portions,
e. means mounting said conductors and said cover on said base with
the respective contact portions and the bulb-mounting openings
aligned for parallel connection of a series of light bulbs to the
contact portions,
f. receptacle means at one end of said casing for receiving a pair
of plug prongs in conductive relation to respective conductors,
and
g. plug means including a pair of plug prongs in conductive
relation to respective conductors at the other end of said casing
and adapted to mate with said receptacle means of a like module for
joining the respective ends of the modules together;
said connector comprising:
h. a polygonal casing having a plurality of side walls each of
which has a pair of prong-receiving openings extending
therethrough, and
i. a pair of conductive junction members mounted in said casing in
spaced apart relation, each of said junction members including:
1. a hub element,
2. a plurality of spoke elements each extending from said hub
element to adjacent a different one of said side walls, and a spoke
element of each junction member extending to adjacent each such
wall with the spoke elements respectively adjacent the
prong-receiving openings thereof to provide receptacle means for
receiving a pair of plug prongs in conductive relation to
respective spoke elements, and
3. a prong extending from said hub element and projecting through
one of the prong-receiving openings in another one of said side
walls, and the prongs of the pair of junction members projecting
through respective openings in the latter wall to provide plug
means adapted to mate with said receptacle means of a like
connector for joining the respective sides of the connectors
together,
said receptacle means and plug means of said module also being
adapted to mate respectively with said plug means and receptacle
means of said connector for joining the module and the connector
together.
2. A lighting system as defined in claim 1 and including a contact
portion on each of said hub elements and an end wall in said casing
having a bulb-mounting opening extending therethrough, and means
mounting said junction members in said casing with the respective
contact portions and the bulb-mounting opening aligned for parallel
connection of a light bulb to the contact portions.
3. A lighting system as defined in claim 1 and wherein said
conductor mounting means comprises a generally U-shaped support on
said base and having a recessed inner portion and two raised outer
portions, said first conductor is mounted on said inner portion,
and said second conductor is mounted on said outer portions.
4. A lighting system as defined in claim 3 and wherein said module
casing, said support and said connector casing are formed of
dielectric material.
5. An elongated lighting module adapted for use in a modular
lighting system and which comprises:
a. an elongated base,
b. an elongated first electrical conductor having a plurality of
sides each of which has a plurality of contact portions
therealong,
c. an elongated second electrical conductor in the form of a
channel member having a plurality of sides adapted to enclose said
sides of said first conductor in outwardly spaced relation
thereto,
said second conductor having a plurality of contact portions
therealong on each of its sides and corresponding in number and
disposition to the contact portions of said first conductor,
d. an elongated cover forming with said base a casing adapted to
enclose said conductors,
said cover having a plurality of side walls each of which has a
plurality of bulb-mounting openings therealong, extending
therethrough and corresponding in number and disposition to the
respective contact portions,
e. means mounting said conductors and said cover on said base with
the respective contact portions and the bulb-mounting openings
aligned for parallel connection of a series of light bulbs to the
contact portions,
f. receptacle means at one end of said casing for receiving a pair
of plug prongs in conductive relation to respective conductors,
and
g. plug means including a pair of plug prongs in conductive
relation to respective conductors at the other end of said casing
and adapted to mate with said receptacle means of a like module for
joining the respective ends of the modules together, said means
mounting said conductors comprising a generally U-shaped support on
said base having a recessed inner portion and two raised outer
portions, said first conductor being mounted on said inner portion,
and said second conductor being mounted on said outer portions.
6. A lighting module as defined in claim 5 and wherein said
conductors are in frictional engagement with said support and said
cover is in frictional engagement with said second conductor for
securing the conductors and cover to said support.
7. A lighting module as defined in claim 6 and wherein said casing
and said support are formed of dielectric plastic.
8. An elongated lighting module adapted for use in a modular
lighting system and which comprises:
a. an elongated base of dielectric material,
b. an elongated first electrical conductor having three sides each
of which has a plurality of contact portions therealong.
c. an elongated second electrical conductor in the form of a
channel member having three sides adapted to enclose said sides of
said first conductor in outwardly spaced relation thereto,
said second conductor having a plurality of contact portions
defining bulb-receiving openings therealong on each of its sides
and corresponding in number and disposition to the contact portions
of said first conductor,
d. an elongated cover of dielectric material forming with said base
a casing adapted to enclose said conductors,
said cover having three side walls each of which has a plurality of
bulb-mounting openings therealong, extending therethrough and
corresponding in number and disposition to the respective contact
portions,
e. means mounting said conductors and said cover on said base
comprising a generally U-shaped support of dielectric material on
said base and having a recessed inner portion and two raised outer
portions, said first conductor being mounted on said inner portion,
and said second conductor being mounted on said outer portion,
whereby the respective contact portions and the bulb-mounting
openings are aligned for parallel connection of a series of light
bulbs to the contact portions with the bulbs in threaded engagement
with said second conductor,
f. receptacle means at one end of said casing including a pair of
tangs in conductive relation to respective conductors for receiving
a pair of plug prongs in conductive relation thereto, and
g. plug means including a pair of plug prongs in conductive
relation to respective conductors at the other end of said casing
and adapted to mate with said receptacle means of a like module for
joining the respective ends of the modules together.
9. A lighting module as defined in claim 8 and wherein said
conductors are in frictional engagement with said support and said
cover is in frictional engagement with said second conductor for
securing the conductors and cover to said support.
Description
This invention relates to a modular lighting system. More
particularly, the invention relates to a lighting system which is
adaptable to many and varied arrangements for purposes of
illumination and decoration.
It is necessary or desirable frequently to provide illumination
and/or decorative lighting along extended lines and in varied
patterns for functional and aesthetic purposes. For example, window
displays may be illuminated and framed by light bulbs arranged
along the borders thereof or in other ways. Signs and displays may
employ light bulbs arranged in lines or rows and in various
patterns. Interior and exterior decorating make use of lines or
strings of light bulbs in attractive and functional
arrangements.
Lighting means for the foregoing purposes have included individual
fixtures, special installations, and relatively temporary
arrangements having exposed wiring. Such prior approaches and
others have been lacking in versatility, adaptability,
attractiveness, convenience, economy and/or safety. Improvements
have been made in providing for mounting a series of light bulbs
along extended lines, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.
3,341,803 and 3,500,036. However, there remains room for
improvement in the functional, artistic, and/or safety aspects of
the structures.
An object of the present invention is to provide a modular lighting
system which serves to mount light bulbs in a series of any desired
extent and with the bulbs projecting in various directions, for
illuminative and decorative purposes, while overcoming the
shortcomings of the prior art.
A more specific object is to provide a modular lighting system of
the foregoing character including an elongated lighting module and
a polygonal connector, which may be assembled to provide lines of
light bulbs in various lengths and patterns.
Another object is to provide a lighting system of the foregoing
character wherein the module and the connector are adaptable to
production in any suitable size and length and for use with any
desired size of light bulb, while being safe and reliable.
An additional object is to provide a module and a connector for
such a lighting system which are readily and economically
manufactured and assembled from a small number of parts and are
also readily disassembled, and which are easily and rapidly mounted
in any of numerous possible arrangements for illuminative and
decorative purposes and just as easily removed or rearranged when
desired.
A particular object is to provide a module for use in a modular
lighting system, which includes an elongated base, an elongated
first electrical conductor having a plurality of sides each of
which has a plurality of contact portions therealong, an elongated
second electrical conductor in the form of a channel member having
a plurality of sides adapted to enclose the sides of the first
conductor in outwardly spaced relation thereto, the second
conductor having a plurality of contact portions therealong on each
of its sides and corresponding in number and disposition to the
contact portions of the first conductor, an elongated cover forming
with the base a casing adapted to enclose the conductors, the cover
having a plurality of side walls each of which has a plurality of
bulb mounting openings therealong, extending therethrough and
corresponding in number and disposition to the respective contact
portions, means mounting the conductors and the cover on the base
with the respective contact portions and the bulb mounting openings
aligned for parallel connection of a series of light bulbs to the
contact portions, receptacle means at one end of the casing for
receiving a pair of plug prongs in conductive relation to
respective conductors, and plug means including a pair of plug
prongs in conductive relation to respective conductors at the other
end of the casing and adapted to mate with the receptacle means of
a like module for joining the respective ends of the modules
together.
Another particular object is to provide a connector for use in a
modular lighting system which comprises a polygonal casing having a
plurality of side walls each of which have a pair of
prong-receiving openings extending therethrough, and a pair of
conductive junction members mounted in the casing in spaced apart
relation, each of the junction members including a hub element, a
plurality of spoke elements each extending from the hub element to
adjacent a prong-receiving opening in one of the side walls for
making contact with a plug prong inserted through the opening to
provide receptacle means at each of the walls, and a prong
extending from the hub element and projecting through one of the
prong-receiving openings in another one of the side walls to
provide plug means adapted to mate with the receptacle means of a
like connector.
An accompanying object is to provide a modular lighting system
which includes a module and a connector accomplishing the foregoing
particular objects and wherein the receptacle means and plug means
of the module also are adapted to mate respectively with the plug
means and receptacle means of the connector.
These and other objects, advantages and functions of the invention
will be apparent on reference to the specification and to the
attached drawings illustrating preferred embodiments of the
invention, in which like parts are identified by like reference
symbols in each of the views, and in which:
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a modular lighting system
according to the invention, in one arrangement thereof;
FIGS. 2 and 3 are, respectively, front and side elevational views
of a connector according to the invention;
FIGS. 4 and 4A are, respectively, top and bottom plan views of the
connector;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the connector, taken
substantially on line 5--5 of FIG. 2;
FIGS. 6 and 7 are cross-sectional views of the connector, taken
substantially on lines 6--6 and 7--7, respectively, of FIG. 5;
FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of an insulator employed in the
connector;
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the connector, exploded
from the center thereof;
FIGS. 10 and 11 are, respectively, perspective and end elevational
views of a module according to the invention;
FIGS. 12 and 13 are, respectively, fragmentary front and side
elevational views of the module;
FIGS. 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views of the module, taken
substantially on lines 14--14 and 15--15, respectively, of FIG. 12,
showing a light bulb in place in the view of FIG. 14;
FIGS. 16 and 17 are cross-sectional views of the module taken
substantially on lines 16--16 and 17--17, respectively, of FIG.
15;
FIG. 18 is a longitudinal sectional view of a joint formed by two
interengaged modules, with parts broken away;
FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the module;
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the connector, taken
substantially on lines 20--20 of FIG. 21; and
FIGS. 21 and 22 are front elevational views on a smaller scale
illustrating the modular lighting system of the invention employed
in other arrangements of the components.
Referring to the drawings, FIGS. 1, 21 and 22 illustrate,
respectively, three different illuminative and/or decorative
arrangements or designs 30-32 of the modular lighting system
representing a preferred embodiment of the invention. The
illustrative embodiment of the system comprises a polygonal
connector 34 and an elongated lighting module 36, each of which may
be connected to the other or to another like member in any of
numerous arrangements or designs, such as illustrated. Each module
36 is constructed for mounting a plurality of light bulbs or lamps
38 therealong on each of a plurality of sides thereof, and in the
preferred embodiment, the connector 34 is constructed for mounting
a light bulb 38 thereon.
Referring to FIGS. 10-19, the preferred module 36 includes a right
rectangular casing 40 (FIG. 10), which preferably is constructed of
a dielectric material, and in the preferred embodiment, is
constructed of decoratively colored or tinted transparent or
translucent plastic. The casing 40 is composed of a three-sided
cover or closure 42 and a flat base 44 (FIGS. 10 and 19). The cover
42 includes three side walls 46 perpendicular to each other, and
opposite parallel end walls 48 and 50 perpendicular to the side
walls. The base 44 forms the fourth wall of the casing 40, and it
also is perpendicular to two of the side walls 46 and to the end
walls 48 and 50.
Each of the side walls 46 in the illustrative embodiment is
provided with three circular bulb-mounting openings 52 extending
through the wall and equidistantly spaced therealong with the
openings in the several walls having their centers lying in three
transverse planes. Each of the end walls 48 and 50 is provided with
two spaced apart narrow prong-receiving openings or slots numbered
48a and 48b, and 50a and 50b, for the respective walls (FIGS. 10,
11 and 19). The openings in each wall are arranged in staggered
relation, and the arrangement of the openings 48a and 48b is a
mirror image of the arrangement of the openings 50a and 50b in the
other wall. The several end wall openings are adapted for receiving
plug prongs therethrough, as subsequently described.
Referring particularly to FIGS. 14, 15, 17 and 19, an elongated
conductor mounting or support 54 is secured to or may be integral
with an inner surface of the base 44. The mounting 54 is
constructed of dielectric material, preferably the same plastic as
employed for the casing 40. The mounting 54 is generally U-shaped
or channel-like in cross-section and has three equidistantly spaced
apart transverse grooves or cuts 56 extending therethrough. The
grooves 56 are in alignment with the transverse planes of the
bulb-mounting openings 52 in the cover 42 when the parts are
assembled in the module 36. The mounting 54 includes two elongated
raised or extended generally rectangular outer portions 58 and 60,
and an elongated recessed inner portion 62, such portions being
intersected and subdivided by the transverse grooves 56. The inner
portion 62 is separated from the outer portions 58 and 60 by narrow
longitudinal grooves 64. A recess 66 is provided at each end of one
outer portion 60, in the outer surface thereof. An enlarged groove
68 is provided at each end of the inner portion 62, between the
inner portion and the outer portion 58 opposite to the outer
portion 60 bearing the recesses 66.
An elongated inner electrical conductor 70 in the form of a metal
channel member having a U-shaped cross-section is mounted on the
recessed inner portion 62 of the conductor mounting 54. The
conductor has three sides 72 perpendicular to each other, and it is
mounted on the inner portion 62 with the outer sides 72 inserted
into the grooves 64 of the conductor mounting 54, is a snug
frictional fit thereon. As so mounted, each of the conductor sides
has three exposed contact portions 72a (FIG. 17), which are
accessible in the grooves 56 of the mounting 54.
A tang 74 and a prong 76 are provided at the opposite ends of the
conductor 70, in conductive relation thereto. The tang and the
prong are generally flat strip conductive metal elements having
respective longitudinally projective portions 74a and 76a,
offsetting portions 74b and 76b, and longitudinally overlapping
portions 74c and 78c. The overlapping portions 74c and 76c are
inserted within the conductor 70 and in the enlarged grooves 68 at
opposite ends of the recessed inner portion 62, as seen, for
example, in FIGS. 15 and 18, with such portions and the conductor
70 in conductive engagement or contact. The projecting portions 74a
and 76a extend outwardly for making contact with other conductive
elements, as subsequently described. If desired, the tang 74 and
the prong 76 may be secured to the conductor 70, as by soldering,
or may be formed integral therewith, as by stamping.
A second, elongated outer conductor 80 in the form of a metal
channel member U-shaped in cross-section is mounted on the
conductor mounting 54. The outer conductor has three sides 82
perpendicular to each other and of greater width than the inner
conductor 70. The outer conductor 80 is mounted on the mounting 54
with its outer sides 82 received snugly on the outer surfaces of
the raised portions 58 and 60 of the mounting 54, in frictional
engagement therewith. The outer sides 82 of the conductor 80 are
seated on the base 44 of the casing 40, and the central side 82 of
the conductor lies closely adjacent to or on the outer edges of the
raised portions 58 and 60 of the mounting 54. As thus mounted, the
outer conductor 80 encloses the sides 72 of the inner conductor 70,
with the sides 82 of the former parallel to and in outwardly spaced
relation from the sides 72 of the inner conductor 70. The ends 82a
of one of the outer sides 82 are recessed or cut away from the
adjacent ends of the remaining sides 82, to maintain the conductor
80 out of contact and in non-conductive relation to the inner
conductor 70.
The outer conductor 80 is provided with three circular
bulb-receiving openings 84 on each of its three sides 82, in
equidistantly spaced relation therealong. The bulb-receiving
openings 84 correspond in number and disposition to the
bulb-mounting openings 52 in the cover 42, and both sets of
openings likewise correspond to the contact portions 72a of the
inner conductor 70. The bulb-receiving openings 84 are of lesser
diameter than the bulb-mounting openings 52. The walls of the
bulb-receiving openings 84 constitute contact portions for
engagement or contact with the light bulbs 38. When the parts of
the module 36 are assembled, the bulb-mounting openings 52 in the
cover 42 register concentrically with the bulb-receiving openings
84 in the outer conductor 80, and the openings 52 and 84 and the
contact portions 72a on the inner conductor 70 are aligned in
transverse planes through the centers of the openings.
A tang 86 and a prong 88 in the form of generally flat strip
conductive metal elements are secured to opposite ends of one of
the outer sides 82 and adjacent to the inner side 82 of the outer
conductor 80. The tang and the prong extend longitudinally
outwardly from the conductor 80, and they are secured to the
conductor in conductive relation by suitable means, such as
soldering. Alternatively, the tang and the prong may be formed
integrally with the conductor, such as by stamping. The tang 86 and
the prong 88 are disposed in the recesses 66 in the outer raised
portion 60 of the conductor mounting 54 when the parts are
assembled, as illustrated for the prong 88 in FIG. 15.
The module 36 is assembled by first inserting the outer sides 72 of
the inner conductor 70 into the grooves 64 which border the inner
portion 62 of the conductor mounting 54. The tang 74 and the prong
76 for the inner conductor 70 are inserted in the grooves 68
adjacent to the inner portion 62. The outer conductor 80 with its
tang 86 and prong 88 are mounted on the outer portions 58 and 60 of
the mounting 54. The conductive parts then are in frictional
engagement with the mounting 54. The prongs 76 and 88 are inserted
into the openings 50a and 50b in the end wall 50 of the cover 42,
and the cover is moved over the sides 82 of the conductor 80. The
outer side walls 46 of the cover 42 frictionally engage the outer
sides 82 of the conductor 80 and abut on the base 44, to secure the
cover in place.
In the illustrative embodiment of the invention, the assembled
module 36 is adapted for mounting light bulbs 38 of the type
illustrated in FIG. 14, having a threaded base 90 and a central
inner or bottom terminal 92. A bulb 38 is inserted into any of the
mounting openings 52 in the cover 42, and the base 90 of the bulb
is inserted through the aligned receiving opening 84 in the outer
conductor 80, in threaded engagement therewith, until the bulb
terminal 92 makes contact with the aligned contact portion 72a on
the inner conductor 70. Additional bulbs can be mounted in the same
manner in each of the openings 52 in the same side wall 46 and in
the remaining side walls 46 of the cover 42. The module 36 thus
serves to mount light bulbs on three of its four perpendicularly
arranged sides, while the base 44 may be attached to or otherwise
mounted on a suitable support or backing, not shown, by suitable
means.
Referring to FIGS. 16-18, the tangs 74 and 86 in the assembled
module 36 extend from respective conductors 70 and 80 to points
adjacent to the end wall openings 48a and 48b, respectively. The
prongs of a suitable plug when inserted through the end wall
openings 48a and 48b contact the tangs 74 and 86, to place the
prongs in conductive relation to the tangs. The tangs 74 and 86 and
the structure of the module casing 40 at the corresponding end of
the casing thus provide receptacle means thereat for receiving a
pair of plug prongs in conductive relation to respective conductors
70 and 80.
When the module 36 is assembled, the prongs 76 and 88 for the
respective conductors 70 and 80 extend through respective openings
50a and 50b in the end wall 50 and project therebeyond (see FIGS.
11-13). The prongs 76 and 88 and the structure of the casing 40
associated therewith thus provide plug means at the corresponding
end of the casing and of the module 36. As illustrated in FIG. 18,
where the prongs 76 and 88 of one module 36 contact the tangs 74
and 86 of an other module 36, the plug means are adapted to mate
with the receptacle means at the other end of a like module, for
joining the respective ends of the modules together.
Referring to FIGS. 2-9, the connector 34 includes an octagonal
casing 100 constructed of dielectric material, preferably colored
or tinted plastic. The basing includes front and rear halves 100a
and 100b, which are secured together by screws 102 extending
through aligned holes 102a and 102b in portions of the side walls
thereof, or by other suitable means. The casing 100 includes front
and rear end walls 104 and 106, forming part of the front and rear
casing halves 100a and 100b, respectively. The front end wall 106
is provided with a central circular bulb-mounting opening 108
extending therethrough. The casing 100 has seven side walls 110 and
one side wall 112, the walls having pairs of elongated
prong-receiving openings or slots 110a and 110b, and 112a and 112b,
respectively, extending therethrough. One opening 110a or 112a of
each pair is provided in the outer casing half 100a, and the
remaining opening 110b or 112b of each pair is provided in the
inner casing half 100b, with the openings in each pair disposed in
staggered relation in each wall 110 or 112. The arrangement of the
openings 112a and 112b in the one wall 112 is a mirror image of the
arrangement of the openings 110a and 110b in each of the remaining
walls 110.
Referring to FIGS. 6-9, the connector 34 also includes a pair of
front and rear conductive metal junction members 114 and 116, which
are mounted in the casing halves 100a and 100b, respectively, and
an interposed circular disc insulator 118 having a central circular
bulb access opening 120. The insulator 118 is mounted in an annular
groove 122 (FIG. 5) at the parting line or plane between the casing
halves 100a and 100b.
Each of the junction members 114 and 116 includes a central hub
element 114a or 116a, a plurality of spoke elements 114b or 116b,
and a prong 114c or 116c. The illustrative hub elements are
rectangular, although they may be made in other configurations. The
front hub element 114a, in the front casing half 100a, has a front
wall 124 provided with a central circular bulb-receiving opening
126, the wall of which opening serves as a bulb contact portion.
The rear hub element 116a, in the inner casing half 100b, has a
front wall 128 provided with an integral raised central circular
contact portion 130. The bulb mounting opening 108,, the
bulb-receiving opening 126, and the contact portion 130 are in
alignment. A light bulb 38 may be mounted on the connector 34 by
inserting the base 90 thereof (as seen in FIG. 14) into the
bulb-mounting opening 108 and into the bulb-receiving opening 126
in threaded contacting engagement with the front hub element 114a,
until the bulb terminal 92 makes conductive contact with the
contact portion 130 of the rear hub element 116a.
The spoke elements 114b and 116b of the respective junction members
114 and 116 are secured to the hub elements 114a and 116a by any
suitable means, such as soldering, or the spoke elements may be
constructed integrally with the hub elements. The spoke elements
are strip members which extend outwardly from the hub elements so
as to lie substantially perpendicular to the casing side walls 110.
One spoke element 114b or 116b of each of the junction members
extends to each of the side walls 110. The spoke elements 114b in
the front casing half 100a extend to points adjacent the
prong-receiving openings 110a in that half. The spoke elements 116b
in the rear casing half 100b extend to points adjacent the
prong-receiving openings 110b in that half. One of each of the
spoke elements 114b and 116b extends adjacent to each of the casing
walls 110. The spoke elements are slightly offset with respect to
the prong-receiving openings 110a and 110b, and preferably are
provided with beveled outer edges 132. The spoke elements 114b and
116b provide with each side wall 110 receptacle means for receiving
a pair of plug prongs through the openings 110a and 110b, in
conductive contact with respective spoke elements.
The prongs 114c and 116c are strip elements affixed to or integral
with the respective hub elements 114a and 116a, and the prongs
extend perpendicularly to the remaining side wall 112. One prong
114c extends through and projects outwardly beyond the prong
receiving opening 112a in the front casing half 100a, and the other
prong 116c extends through and outwardly beyond the prong-receiving
opening 112b in the rear casing half 100b. The prongs 114c and 116c
and the side wall 112 provide plug means, and the plug means are
adapted to mate with the receptacle means provided by the spoke
elements 114b and 116b, and the remaining side walls 110, in
another, like connector 34, for joining the respective sides of the
connectors together.
The receptacle means of the module 36 are adapted to mate with the
plug means of the connector 34. Thus, the prongs 114c and 116c of
the connector may be inserted through the end openings 48b and 48a
in the module, into contact with the tangs 86 and 74, respectively.
Likewise, the plug means of the module 36 are adapted to mate with
the receptacle means of the connector 34. Thus, the prongs 76 and
88 of the module are received in the openings 110b and 110a in any
of the side walls 110 of the connector, into contact with the spoke
elements 116b and 114b, respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 20.
The module and the connector may be joined together employing the
appropriate combination of receptacle and plug means, with one end
of the module joined to one side of the connector. FIGS. 1, 21 and
22 illustrate ways in which the module and the connector may be
joined.
In use, one or more of the connectors 34 is assembled with the
number of lighting modules 36 needed to fulfill the requirements
for illumination and/or decoration. The connector 34 may be plugged
into any suitable source of electrical power, or, if desired, the
plug end of a module 36 may be attached to the power source. The
modules may extend in one or more of various directions from the
connector, and a plurality of modules may be employed in series, by
joining the plug and receptacle ends of successive modules.
Illuminative and decorative effects are obtained by mounting the
light bulbs 38 on one or more sides of the modules 36. Also, a
light bulb 38 may be mounted on the connector 34, to provide
additional illumination and decoration. In each case, the system is
easily and rapidly assembled, and it employs readily available
standard light bulbs.
The module 36 employs but relatively few parts, which are readily
and economically manufactured and assembled. Inasmuch as the parts
of the module 36 are held together by frictional interengagement,
additional fastening means need not be employed, or if employed,
may be minimal. Consequently, assembly and disassembly of the
module and access thereto are simple and rapid. Similarly, the
connector 34 is readily and economically constructed of but few
parts, and easily and rapidly assembled and disassembled.
The module 36 and the connector 34 may be manufactured in any
convenient dimensions, color or size, for use with any suitable
size of light bulb 38. The casing 40 and the conductor mounting 54
or the like may be assembled from individual parts, molded, and/or
extruded, as may be most desirable. The type and mounting of the
conductors 70 and 80 and their associated prongs and tangs provide
a safe, reliable and durable unit, and, in particular, loose wires
are avoided. The design of the connector 34 likewise provides
safety, reliability and durability.
While preferred embodiments of the new modular lighting system and
the components thereof have been illustrated and described, it will
be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and
modifications may be made therein within the spirit and scope of
the invention. Thus, for example, the module 36 and the connector
34 need not be constructed in the particular illustrative
geometrical configurations, but other shapes may be employed while
providing the advantages of the invention. It is intended that all
such changes and modifications be included in the scope of the
appended claims.
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