U.S. patent number RE36,696 [Application Number 08/907,843] was granted by the patent office on 2000-05-16 for light fixture having the combination of a detachable flashlight, a night light, and a fluorescent light contained therein.
Invention is credited to Stephen E. Blackman.
United States Patent |
RE36,696 |
Blackman |
May 16, 2000 |
Light fixture having the combination of a detachable flashlight, a
night light, and a fluorescent light contained therein
Abstract
A lighting fixture for mounting under a cabinet or under a
counter or on a wall area, including a housing having a device for
mounting the housing under a cabinet or under a counter or on a
wall area; a fluorescent light fixture mounted in the housing; a
night light mounted in the housing; and a battery-operated
detachable flashlight assembly removably mounted in the housing.
The flashlight assembly includes a battery recharger, an electrical
device, such as a male plug, for interconnecting the battery
recharger and a power source, and an electrical device for sensing
a power loss. The light fixture also includes a flashlight
electrical connection in the housing, such as a plug receptacle,
for connection to the male plug for supplying power from the power
source to the detachable flashlight assembly; and one or more
diffusers for the housing.
Inventors: |
Blackman; Stephen E. (Florham
Park, NJ) |
Family
ID: |
24098295 |
Appl.
No.: |
08/907,843 |
Filed: |
August 8, 1997 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
526670 |
Sep 11, 1995 |
05548494 |
Aug 20, 1996 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
362/20; 362/183;
362/184; 362/228 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21L
2/00 (20130101); F21L 4/022 (20130101); F21L
4/085 (20130101); H02J 7/0042 (20130101); F21Y
2113/00 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F21L
4/00 (20060101); F21L 2/00 (20060101); F21L
4/02 (20060101); F21S 8/00 (20060101); H02J
7/00 (20060101); F21V 025/02 (); F21L 007/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;362/20,183,184,219,228,234,251,276,802 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Cariaso; Alan
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Sutton; Ezra
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A lighting fixture for mounting on a surface, comprising:
a) a housing including means for mounting said housing on a
surface;
b) a fluorescent light fixture mounted in said housing;
c) a night light mounted in said housing;
d) a battery-operated detachable flashlight assembly removably
mounted in said housing and including a battery recharger, means
for interconnecting said battery recharger and a power source, and
means for sensing a power loss;
e) a flashlight electrical connection in said housing for
connection to said means for interconnecting for supplying power
from the power source to said battery recharger; and
f) one or more diffusers for .Iadd.covering said fluorescent light
fixture in .Iaddend.said housing.
2. A lighting fixture in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
housing includes at least one convenience plug receptacle for
receiving .[.the.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.male plug of an appliance or
another fixture.
3. A lighting fixture in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
housing includes an electrical plug for inserting into a
conventional electrical outlet for supplying power to said lighting
fixture.
4. A lighting fixture in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
means for interconnecting in said flashlight assembly is an
electrical male plug, and wherein said flashlight electrical
connection is a plug receptacle for receiving said male plug.
5. A lighting fixture in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
housing includes a photosensor for activating said night light.
6. A lighting fixture in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
fluorescent light fixture, said night light and said detachable
flashlight assembly are all mounted end-to-end in a straight line
in said housing.
7. A lighting fixture in accordance with claim 6, wherein said
fluorescent light fixture is mounted between said night light and
said detachable flashlight assembly.
8. A lighting fixture in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
fluorescent light fixture is mounted in a first compartment
parallel with said night light and said detachable flashlight
assembly which are mounted in a second compartment.
9. A lighting fixture in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
housing is U-shaped in cross section and includes means for
detachably mounting said diffuser on the open side of said U-shaped
housing.
10. A lighting fixture in accordance with claim 1, further
including a charging indicator light in said housing for indicating
that said detachable flashlight assembly is being charged.
11. A lighting fixture in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
means for sensing a power loss includes an electrical relay for
switching to battery power to energize said flashlight assembly,
and a power interruption detector circuit for sensing a loss of
power and in response thereto, triggering said electrical relay to
switch to battery power.
12. A lighting fixture in accordance with claim 1, further
including a circuit board in said housing for housing said battery
recharger.
13. A lighting fixture in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
fluorescent fixture includes a starter and a transformer.
14. A lighting fixture in accordance with claim 1, wherein said
detachable flashlight assembly includes a handle for removing said
flashlight assembly from said housing.
15. A lighting fixture for mounting on a surface, comprising:
a) a housing including means for mounting said housing on a
surface;
b) a fluorescent light fixture mounted in said housing;
c) a battery-operated detachable flashlight assembly removably
mounted in said housing and including means for connecting to a
battery recharger, and means for sensing a power loss;
d) a battery recharger in said housing;
e) a flashlight electrical connection in said housing for
connection to said means for connecting for supplying power from
the power source to said battery recharger;
f) said means for sensing a power loss includes an electrical relay
for switching to battery power to energize said flashlight assembly
to provide emergency light, and a power interruption detector
circuit for sensing a loss of power and in response thereto,
triggering said electrical relay to switch to battery power;
and
g) one or more diffusers for .Iadd.covering said fluorescent light
fixture in .Iaddend.said housing.
16. A lighting fixture in accordance with claim 15, wherein said
means for connecting in said flashlight assembly is an electrical
male plug, and wherein said flashlight electrical connection is a
plug receptacle for receiving said male plug.
17. A lighting fixture in accordance with claim 15, wherein said
housing includes a night light and a photosensor for activating
said night light.
18. A lighting fixture in accordance with claim 17, wherein said
fluorescent light fixture, said night light and said detachable
flashlight assembly are all mounted end-to-end in a straight line
in said housing.
19. A lighting fixture in accordance with claim 18, wherein said
fluorescent light fixture is mounted between said night light and
said detachable flashlight assembly.
20. A lighting fixture in accordance with claim 17, wherein said
fluorescent light fixture is mounted in a first compartment
parallel with said night light and said detachable flashlight
assembly which are mounted in a second compartment. .Iadd.
21. A lighting fixture for mounting on a surface, comprising:
a) a housing including a mounting device for mounting said housing
on a surface;
b) a fluorescent light fixture mounted in said housing;
c) a night light mounted in said housing;
d) a detachable flashlight assembly removably mounted in said
housing;
e) said flashlight assembly including a battery section for
receiving one or more batteries for supplying power to said
flashlight assembly;
f) an electrical device for electrically connecting said flashlight
assembly, said fluorescent light fixture, and said night light to
an A.C. source of power;
g) said housing including a power interruption detector for sensing
a power loss in the A.C. source of power; and
h) a switching device in said housing for switching said flashlight
assembly to battery power to energize said flashlight assembly in
response to said power interruption detector sensing a power loss
in the A.C. source of power..Iaddend..Iadd.22. A lighting fixture
in accordance with claim 21, wherein said housing includes at least
one convenience plug receptacle for receiving a male plug of an
appliance or another fixture..Iaddend..Iadd.23. A lighting fixture
in accordance with claim 21, wherein said housing includes an
electrical plug for inserting into a conventional electrical outlet
for supplying A.C. power to said lighting
fixture..Iaddend..Iadd.24. A lighting fixture in accordance with
claim 21, wherein said flashlight assembly includes an electrical
male plug, and wherein said housing includes a plug receptacle for
receiving said male plug..Iaddend..Iadd.25. A lighting fixture in
accordance with claim 21, wherein said housing includes a
photosensor for activating said night
light..Iaddend..Iadd.26. A lighting fixture in accordance with
claim 21, wherein said fluorescent fixture, said night light, and
said detachable flashlight assembly are all mounted end-to-end in a
straight line in said housing..Iaddend..Iadd.27. A lighting fixture
in accordance with claim 26, wherein said fluorescent light fixture
is mounted between said night light
and said detachable flashlight assembly..Iaddend..Iadd.28. A
lighting fixture in accordance with claim 21, wherein said
fluorescent light fixture is mounted in a first compartment
parallel with said night light and said detachable flashlight
assembly, which are mounted in a second
compartment..Iaddend..Iadd.29. A lighting fixture in accordance
with claim 21, wherein said housing is U-shaped in cross section
and includes means for detachably mounting a diffuser on the open
side of said U-shaped housing..Iaddend..Iadd.30. A lighting fixture
in accordance with claim 21, further including a battery recharger
for charging the batteries in said battery
compartment..Iaddend..Iadd.31. A lighting fixture in accordance
with claim 30, further including a charging indicator light in said
housing for indicating that the batteries for said detachable
flashlight assembly are being charged..Iaddend..Iadd.32. A lighting
fixture in accordance with claim 30, further including a circuit
board in said housing for housing said battery
recharger..Iaddend..Iadd.33. A lighting fixture in accordance with
claim 21, wherein said fluorescent fixture
includes a starter and a transformer..Iaddend..Iadd.34. A lighting
fixture in accordance with claim 21, wherein said detachable
flashlight assembly includes a handle for removing said flashlight
assembly from said
housing..Iaddend..Iadd.35. A lighting fixture for mounting on a
surface, comprising:
a) a housing including a mounting device for mounting said housing
on a surface;
b) a fluorescent light fixture mounted in said housing;
c) a detachable flashlight assembly removably mounted in said
housing;
d) said flashlight assembly including a battery section for
receiving one or more batteries for supplying power to said
flashlight assembly;
e) an electrical device for electrically connecting said flashlight
assembly and said fluorescent light fixture to an A.C. source of
power;
f) said housing including a power interruption detector for sensing
a power loss in the A.C. source of power; and
g) a switching device in said housing for switching said flashlight
assembly to battery power to energize said flashlight assembly in
response to said power interruption detector sensing a power loss
in the A.C. source of power..Iaddend..Iadd.36. A lighting fixture
in accordance with claim 35, wherein said housing includes at least
one convenience plug receptacle for receiving a male plug of an
appliance or another
fixture..Iaddend..Iadd.37. A lighting fixture in accordance with
claim 35, wherein said housing includes an electrical plug for
inserting into a conventional electrical outlet for supplying A.C.
power to said lighting fixture..Iaddend..Iadd.38. A lighting
fixture in accordance with claim 35, wherein said flashlight
assembly includes an electrical male plug, and wherein said housing
includes a plug receptacle for receiving said male
plug..Iaddend..Iadd.39. A lighting fixture in accordance with claim
35, wherein said fluorescent fixture and said detachable flashlight
assembly are all mounted end-to-end in a straight line in said
housing..Iaddend..Iadd.40. A lighting fixture in accordance with
claim 35, further including a battery recharger for charging the
batteries in said battery compartment..Iaddend..Iadd.41. A lighting
fixture in accordance with claim 40, further including a charging
indicator light in said housing for indicating that the batteries
for said detachable flashlight assembly are being
charged..Iaddend..Iadd.42. A lighting fixture in accordance with
claim 40, further including a circuit board in said
housing for housing said battery recharger..Iaddend..Iadd.43. A
lighting fixture in accordance with claim 35, wherein said
fluorescent fixture includes a starter and a
transformer..Iaddend..Iadd.44. A lighting fixture in accordance
with claim 35, wherein said detachable flashlight assembly includes
a handle for removing said flashlight assembly from said
housing..Iaddend..Iadd.45. A lighting fixture for mounting on a
surface, comprising:
a) a housing including a mounting device for mounting said housing
on a surface;
b) a fluorescent light fixture mounted in said housing;
c) a night light mounted in said housing;
d) a detachable flashlight assembly removably mounted in said
housing;
e) said flashlight assembly including a battery section for
receiving one or more batteries for supplying power to said
flashlight assembly;
f) an electrical device for electrically connecting said
fluorescent light fixture and said night light to an A.C. source of
power; and
g) said housing including a power interruption detector for sensing
a power loss in the A.C. source of power..Iaddend..Iadd.46. A
lighting fixture for mounting on a surface, comprising:
a) a housing including a mounting device for mounting said housing
on a surface;
b) a fluorescent light fixture mounted in said housing;
c) a detachable flashlight assembly removably mounted in said
housing;
d) said flashlight assembly including a battery section for
receiving one or more batteries for supplying power to said
flashlight assembly;
e) an electrical device for electrically connecting said
fluorescent light fixture to an A.C. source of power; and
f) said housing including a power interruption detector for sensing
a power loss in the A.C. source of power..Iaddend.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an under cabinet/counter lighting fixture
used as a standard lighting source for a room or an emergency
lighting source and, more particularly, this lighting fixture
includes three components being a detachable flashlight, a night
light, and a fluorescent light fixture.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Several types of multi-functional lamp fixtures, which are
typically mounted on walls or ceilings, have been utilized in the
past in a users home, office, or industrial plant facility. These
multi-functional lamps can be used for normal operational
functions; or for emergency situations involving power failures,
where interior or exterior areas have no light. Such
multi-functional lighting fixtures have various combinations that
include: a fluorescent lamp and a spotlight; a rechargeable
flashlight and a night light; a fluorescent lamp, a spotlight and
an emergency strobe light; and a flashlight, a fluorescent lamp,
and an emergency hazard warning light. These multi-functional lamp
fixtures have the ability to be stationary, or portable, or
stationary and portable, where the input power for the stationary
fixture component is from an AC adaptor or AC receptacle; and the
input power for the portable fixture component is from a DC adaptor
or batteries.
There remains a need for a under cabinet lighting fixture which is
capable of providing both normal and emergency lighting needs,
where the fixture has both stationary and portable components being
a detachable flashlight, a night light and a fluorescent light
fixture contained within a singular housing element.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Multi-functional lamp fixtures of various designs, styles and
materials of construction have been disclosed in the prior art. For
example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,590,543 discloses a trilight being a fixed
or portable lighting device, wherein a single light bulb acts as a
night light, an emergency light, and a spotlight. The trilight is
normally attached to a wall having an AC adaptor for charging the
batteries. A pivotal light head can be adjusted to four angles
0.degree., 30.degree., 60.degree., and 90.degree. to facilitate
illumination. This patent does not disclose a portable lighting
device having three different light fixtures.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,977,489 discloses a portable battery-operated
lighting device having a flashlight section on one end, a
fluorescent light section on the other end, and a hazard warning
light section. This lighting device has a U-shaped configuration,
with the fluorescent and warning light sections being pivotal at a
90.degree. angle downwardly. This patent does not disclose a
portable lighting device having a detachable flashlight and a night
light.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,782,432 discloses a multi-function portable
lighting device having a spotlight section, a fluorescent light
section, and a strobe light section being housed in an elongated
cylindrical transparent housing. This patent does not disclose a
portable lighting device having a detachable flashlight and a night
light.
The under cabinet lighting device having a detachable flashlight on
one end, a night light on the other end, and a fluorescent light in
the middle is structurally different from the prior art. None of
the aforementioned patents teach such a combination of features and
structure.
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to
provide an under cabinet lighting fixture having a detachable
flashlight component on one end of the housing, a night light with
a photosensor on the other end, and a fluorescent light in the
middle section for use at home, in a office, or at a work
facility.
Another object of the present invention is to provide for an
emergency light source which is battery operated and rechargeable
and is detachable from one end of the main housing of an under
cabinet lighting fixture.
Another object of the present invention is to provide for a night
light fixture having a photosensor cell for automatically turning
on the night light bulb when there is insufficient light in a room
using the present invention.
Another object of the present invention is to provide for an under
cabinet lighting fixture that is simple and easily installable, and
is mounted to a cabinet bottom, or a counter bottom, or a wall area
by a user.
A further object of the present invention is to provide for an
under cabinet lighting fixture which can be a mass produced in an
automated and economical manner and is readily affordable by the
consumer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A lighting fixture for mounting under a cabinet or under a counter
or on a wall area, including a housing having a device for mounting
the housing under a cabinet or under a counter or on a wall area; a
fluorescent light fixture mounted in the housing; a night light
mounted in the housing; and a battery-operated detachable
flashlight assembly removably mounted in the housing. The
flashlight assembly includes a battery recharger, an electrical
device, such as a male plug, for interconnecting the battery
recharger and a power source, and an electrical device for sensing
a power loss. The light fixture also includes a flashlight
electrical connection
in the housing, such as a plug receptacle, for connection to the
male plug for supplying power from the power source to the
detachable flashlight assembly; and one or more diffusers for the
housing.
The light fixture of the first embodiment provides for the
detachable flashlight assembly, fluorescent light fixture and night
light component to be all mounted end-to-end in a straight line
within the housing. The fluorescent light fixture is mounted
between the flashlight assembly and the night light component. The
housing of the first embodiment is U-shaped and includes means for
detachably mounting the diffuser cover on the open side of the
U-shaped housing.
The light fixture of the second embodiment provides for the
fluorescent light fixture being mounted in a first compartment in
parallel with a second compartment which houses the night light
component and the detachable flashlight assembly. The housing is
essentially rectangular having a center mounting wall and divider
to form the first and second compartments. There are two diffuser
covers for the second embodiment, a large one for the fluorescent
light fixture and a smaller one for the night light component which
is mounted on the rectangular housing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention
will become apparent upon consideration of the detailed description
of the presently-preferred embodiments, when taken in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the first embodiment of the
present invention showing the combination of a detachable
flashlight, a night light with a photosensor, and a fluorescent
light fixture contained within a single housing of the under
cabinet lighting fixture;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of
the present invention showing the major component parts contained
therein;
FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the first embodiment of the present
invention showing an extended translucent acrylic diffuser for the
fluorescent lighting fixture; a night light housing; and the lens
cover and housing for the detachable flashlight assembly;
FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the first embodiment of the
present invention showing its various components;
FIG. 5 is a left-side end view of the first embodiment of the
present invention showing the night light's push button ON/OFF
switch and a convenience female outlet plug;
FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view of the first embodiment of the
present invention, taken along the sectional line A--A of FIG. 3,
showing some of the components housed within the under cabinet
lighting fixture;
FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional view of the first embodiment of the
present invention, taken along the sectional line B--B of FIG. 6,
showing the fluorescent lamp socket and ballast/starter attached to
the central mounting plate;
FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view of the first embodiment of the
present invention, taken along the sectional line C--C of FIG. 4,
showing the rechargeable flashlight batteries and a convenience
outlet plug;
FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram for the first embodiment of the under
cabinet lighting fixture showing the circuit wiring for the
batteries, L.E.D. charging indicator light, various component
ON/OFF switches, photo (light) sensor, power interruption detector,
fluorescent transformer and starter, flashlight bulb, night light
lamp, fluorescent lamp, female convenience outlet plugs and a male
outlet plug;
FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the second embodiment of the
present invention showing the combination of a detachable
flashlight, a night light with a photosensor, and a fluorescent
light fixture contained within a single housing of the under
cabinet lighting fixture;
FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the second embodiment of the
present invention showing some of the internal components of the
under cabinet lighting fixture;
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the second embodiment of
the present invention showing the major components contained
therein; and
FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram for the second embodiment of the under
cabinet lighting fixture showing the circuit wiring for the various
components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
FIGS. 1 through 9 show the first embodiment of the present
invention which provides for an under cabinet or under counter
lighting fixture 10 having the combination of a detachable
flashlight assembly 80, a night light 140 and a fluorescent light
fixture 160 contained within a housing 12. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2,
3, 4, and 6, the under cabinet/counter lighting fixture 10 includes
a main housing 12 made of metal or plastic having a bottom wall 14,
a front wall 16, a rear wall 24, and left and right end-cap walls
40 and 48. Housing 12 further includes an L-shaped mounting plate
54 having an integral left side wall 56.
Bottom wall 14 includes mounting openings 15a and 15b for mounting
of housing 12 to a cabinet or counter bottom or wall area. Front
wall 16 includes an integrally attached inside ridge 18 having
end-cap attachment opening 20a and 20b where ridge 18 is centrally
and longitudinally located on the inside wall 22. Rear wall 24 also
includes an integrally attached inside ridge 34 having end-cap
attachment openings 36a and 36b where ridge 34 is centrally and
longitudinally located on the inside wall 38. Rear wall 24 further
includes a wire retention groove 26 having an opening 28 for
electrical wire 30 attached to a standard AC male plug 32, as shown
in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6 of the drawings.
Left end-cap wall 40 includes an ON/OFF switch opening 42 for
fluorescent light 160, a centrally located outlet plug opening 44
for a female convenience outlet plug 66, end-cap attachment
openings 46a and 46b for fixedly attaching via screws 78 the
end-cap 40 to openings 20a and 36a respectively of front and rear
walls 6 and 24, and a wire retention opening 74 for electrical wire
30. Right end-cap wall 48 includes a centrally located outlet plug
opening 50 for a female convenience outlet plug 68, end-cap
attachment openings 52a and 52b for fixedly attaching via screws 78
the end-cap 48 to openings 20b and 36b respectively of front and
rear walls 16 and 24, and a wire retention opening 76 for
electrical wire 30.
Center mounting plate 54 includes an outlet plug opening 57 for the
flashlight outlet plug 118; lamp socket attachment openings 58 and
60 for fluorescent lamp sockets 164 and 166; ballast attachment
openings 62a and 62b for ballast/starter 170; and a night light
socket opening 64 located on left side wall 56 of center mounting
plate 54. The female convenience outlet plugs 66 and 68 have
integrally attached electrical wires 70 and 72 for their
appropriate electrical connections, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 9. The
center mounting plate 54 is located and mounted on the inner ridges
18 and 34 of inner wall surfaces 22 and 28.
DETACHABLE FLASHLIGHT ASSEMBLY 80
The flashlight assembly 80, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 6, and 8,
includes flashlight housing shell sections 82 and 84 having ON/OFF
switch cut-out openings 86a and 86b and indicator light cutout
openings 88a and 88b and male plug cut-out openings 89a and 89b.
Flashlight assembly 80 also includes a printed circuit board 90
having connected nickel-cadmium batteries 92, an ON/OFF flashlight
switch 94, a flashlight lamp socket 96, a male prong plug 98, an
LED charging indicator light 100, and ON/OFF relay switch 102, a
power interruption detector 104 and a recharger 106 for the
nickel-cadmium batteries 92. Other components of flashlight
assembly 80 includes a flashlight lamp or bulb 108, a reflector
housing 110, a lens 112, a lens cover housing 114, a switch cover
116, a flashlight plug receptacle 118 having electrical wire 120
attached thereto, and a flashlight retainer component 122. The
flashlight assembly 80 is located to the left end of the under
cabinet/counter lighting fixture 10 when mounted under the
cabinet/counter or wall area.
NIGHT LIGHT ASSEMBLY 140
The night light assembly 140, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 6, and 9,
includes a night light housing cover 142 integrally connected to
end-cap wall 40 having a photosensor opening 144 for photo (light)
sensor 148. Night light assembly 140 further includes a printed
circuit board 146 having an integrally connected photo (light)
sensor 148, and a night light socket 152 having electrical
connection wires 154. Other components of night light assembly 140
include a night light lamp bulb 156 and a photosensor lens 158. The
night light assembly 140 is located to the right end of the under
cabinet/counter lighting fixture 10 when mounted under the
cabinet/counter or wall area.
FLUORESCENT LIGHT FIXTURE 160
Fluorescent light fixture 160, as depicted in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6 to
9, includes a translucent acrylic diffuser 162, fluorescent lamp
sockets 164, 166, a fluorescent lamp 168, a ballast/starter 170, a
transformer 172, and a manual ON/OFF switch 174. The fluorescent
lamp sockets 164, 166, ballast/starter 170 and transformer 172 are
fixedly attached to the center plate 54 via opening 58, 60, 62a,
and 62b, as shown in FIG. 2 of the drawings. Diffuser 162 has front
and rear connection edges 176 and 178 for mounting the diffuser 162
to the front and rear inner wall surfaces 22 and 38 of housing 12,
as shown in FIG. 7.
ELECTRICAL ARRANGEMENT 180
The electrical arrangement 180 of the first embodiment 10, as shown
in FIG. 9, includes a standard AC male plug 32 connected to circuit
wires 30 which are connected to circuit wires 70 and 72 for female
outlet plugs 66 and 68, respectively. Circuit wires 30 also connect
to circuit wires 120 which connect to flashlight outlet 118 for
receiving male prong plug 98 attached to flashlight circuit board
90. Circuit board 90 also includes component connections for the
batteries 92, a manual switch 94, a flashlight lamp socket 96
having bulb 108, a charging indicator light 100, an ON/OFF relay
switch 102 which is turned on in a response to a power failure for
switching to battery power, a power interruption detector circuit
104 for sensing a power failure and in response thereto, triggering
said relay switch, and a battery recharger 106 for recharging
nickel-cadmium batteries 92.
Circuit wires 30 connect to circuit wires 154 of night light
circuit board 146. Circuit board 146 includes a photo (light)
sensor 148 for detecting ambient light which turns on the night
light bulb 156 at a specified lumens quantity, and a night light
socket 152.
Circuit wires 30 further connect to circuit wires 182 for
connection to the manual ON/OFF switch 174, the transformer 172,
the starter 170, the lamp sockets 164 and 166 and the fluorescent
lamp 168, respectively.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SECOND EMBODIMENT
FIGS. 10 through 13 show the second embodiment of the present
invention which provides for an under cabinet or under counter
lighting fixture 200 having the combination of a flashlight 300, a
night light 350 and a fluorescent light fixture 380 contained
within a housing 202. As shown in FIGS. 10 through 13, the under
cabinet/counter lighting fixture 200 includes a main housing 202
made of metal having a bottom wall 204, a front wall 212, a rear
wall 222, a left side wall 238 and a right side wall 244. Housing
202 further includes an U-shaped center wall mounting component 250
having a top wall 252, a front side wall 260, a rear side wall 280,
and a metal divider 345 for forming a separate compartment for the
flashlight assembly 300 and night light component 350, and a
parallel and separate compartment for the fluorescent fixture
380.
Bottom wall 204 includes mounting openings 205a and 205b for
mounting of housing 202 to a cabinet or counter bottom or wall
area, and openings 206a, 206b, 208a, and 208b for receiving the
front end rear wall 260 and 280 center wall flanges 268, 272, 288,
and 292, respectively. Bottom wall 204 also includes openings 210a
and 210 for attaching the fluorescent mounting plate 384 and
openings 211a and 211b for attaching the metal divider bottom
attachment flanges 348 of metal divider 345. Front wall 212
includes integrally attached connector flanges 214 and 218 having
upper and lower flange openings 216a, 216b, 220a, and 220b,
respectively. Rear wall 222 includes integrally attached connector
flanges 224 and 228 having upper and lower flange openings 226a,
226b, 230a, and 230b, respectively. Flanges 214 and 224 connect the
left side wall 238 to the front and rear walls 212 and 222 of
housing 202 and correspondingly, flanges 218 and 228 connect the
right side wall 244 to the front and rear walls 212 and 222 of
housing 202, as shown in FIG. 12. Rear wall 222 further includes an
opening 232 for electrical wire 234 having a standard AC male plug
236 connected thereto.
Left side wall 238 includes front and rear corner perimeter
attachment openings 240a, 240b, 242a, and 242b for attachment to
the front and rear connector flanges 214 and 224 of the front and
rear walls 212 and 222 of housing 202. Right side wall 244 includes
front and rear corner perimeter attachment openings 246a, 246b,
248a, and 248b for attachment to the front and rear connector
flanges 218 and 228 of the front and rear walls 212 and 222 of
housing 202. The left and right side walls 238 and 244 are fixedly
attached via metal screws 276 to the front and rear walls 212 and
222 with the alignment of the corner perimeter openings 240a, 240b,
242a, 242b, 246a, 246b, 248a, and 248b with connector flange
openings 216a, 216b, 220a, 220b, 226a, 226b, 230a, and 230b,
respectively. This assembly forms the housing 202 of light fixture
200, as depicted in FIGS. 10 and 11 of the drawings.
Top wall 252 of center mounting wall 250 includes an opening 254
for a female convenience outlet 400 for receiving a plug, an
opening 256 for photosensor 358 centrally located on top wall 252,
and an opening 258 for the fluorescent ON/OFF switch 398 being
located at the other end of top wall 252. Front side wall 260 of
center mounting wall 250 includes electrical wire openings 262 and
264; ballast attachment openings 266a and 266b; and integrally
attached connector flanges 268, 272 having attachment openings 270
and 274 for connecting the front side wall 260 to bottom wall 204.
Rear side wall 280 of center mounting wall 250 includes electrical
wire openings 282 and 284; metal divider attachment openings 286a
and 286b and integrally attached connector flanges 288 and 292
having attachment openings 290 and 294 for connecting the rear side
wall 280 to bottom wall 204. The space between front side wall 260
and rear side wall 280 acts as an electrical wire conduit area 278
for circuit wires 234, 364, 404, and 406. In attaching the center
mounting wall 250 to the bottom wall 204 via metal screws 276, the
front and rear side wall connector flange openings 270, 272, 290,
and 294 and aligned with bottom wall openings 206a, 206b, 208a, and
208b, respectively. In attaching the metal divider 345 to the
center mounting wall 250 and the bottom wall 204, the metal
divider's connector flange openings 347a, 347b, 349a, and 349b are
aligned with the rear wall attachment openings 286a and 286b and
bottom wall attachment openings 211a and 211b, respectively. This
assembly forms the compartments 302, 352, and 382 for the
flashlight assembly 300, the night light component 350 and
fluorescent light fixture component 380 respectively, within
housing 202 of lighting fixture 200, as shown in FIG. 11 of the
drawings.
DETACHABLE FLASHLIGHT ASSEMBLY 300
The flashlight assembly 300 is housed in compartment 382, as shown
in FIGS. 11 and 12, and includes flashlight housing shell sections
304a and 304b having ON/OFF cut-out openings 306a and 306b,
indicator light cut-out openings 308a and 308b, male plug cut-out
openings 328a and 328b and handle sections 309a and 309b.
Flashlight assembly 300 also includes a printed circuit board 310
having connected nickel-cadmium batteries 312, an ON/OFF switch
314, a flashlight lamp socket 316, a male prong plug 318, an LED
charging indicator light 320, an ON/OFF relay switch 322, a power
interruption detector circuit 324 and a recharger 326 for the
nickel-cadmium batteries 312. Other components of flashlight
assembly 300 include a flashlight lamp bulb 330, a reflector
housing 332, a lens 334, a lens cover housing 336, a switch cover
338, a flashlight plug receptacle 340 having electrical wire 342
attached thereto, and a flashlight retainer component 344. The
flashlight assembly 300 is located in one corner area 302 adjacent
to rear wall 222 of housing 202 for fixture 200 when mounted under
a cabinet/counter or wall.
NIGHT LIGHT ASSEMBLY 350
The night light assembly 350 is located in compartment 352, as
shown in FIGS. 10 to 13. The night light assembly 350 includes a
night light housing cover 354 fixedly attached to the inside
surface 245 of rear wall 244. Night light assembly 350 further
includes a printer circuit board 356 having an integrally connected
photo (light) sensor 358, and a night light socket 362 having
electrical connection wires 364. Other components of night light
assembly 350 include a night light lamp bulb 366 and a photosensor
lens 368. The night light assembly 350 is located next to the metal
divider 345 and adjacent to rear wall 222 of the under
cabinet/counter lighting fixture 10 when mounted under the
cabinet/counter or wall area.
FLUORESCENT LIGHT FIXTURE 380
Fluorescent light fixture 380 is located in compartment 382, as
shown in FIGS. 11 to 12. Fluorescent light fixture 380 includes a
mounting plate 384 having attachment openings 386a and 386b for
mounting on bottom wall 204 via screws 276 to openings 210a and
210b. Mounting plate 384 includes integrally connected fluorescent
lamp sockets 388 and 390 having a fluorescent lamp attached
thereto. Fluorescent light fixture 380 also includes a
ballast/starter 394, a transformer 396, a manual ON/OFF switch 398,
a female convenience outlet plug 400 having circuit wires 406, and
a translucent diffuser cover 402. Ballast/starter 394 and
transformer 396 are attached to the front side wall 260 of center
wall 250 via screw 276 to mounting openings 266a and 266b,
respectively. Switch 398 and convenience plug 400 are mounted
within hole openings 258 and 254 of center mounting wall 250,
respectively. Diffuser cover 402 is mounted on edge 213 of front
wall 212 and edge 251 of front side wall 260. The fluorescent light
fixture 380 is adjacent to both front wall 212 and front side wall
260, as shown in FIG. 11.
ELECTRICAL ARRANGEMENT 410
The electrical arrangement 410 of the second embodiment 200, as
shown in FIG. 13, includes a standard AC male plug 236 connected to
circuit wires 234 which are connected to circuit wires 406 for
female outlet plug 400. Circuit wires 234 also connect to circuit
wires 342 which connect to flashlight outlet 340 for receiving male
prong plug 318 attached to flashlight circuit board 310. Circuit
board 310 also includes component connections for the batteries
312, a manual switch 314, a flashlight lamp socket 316 having bulb
330, a charging indicator light 320, an ON/OFF relay switch 322
which is turned on in a response to a power failure for switching
to power, a power interruption detector circuit 324 for sensing a
power failure and in response thereto, triggering said relay
switch, and a battery recharger 326 for recharging nickel-cadmium
batteries 312.
Circuit wires 234 connect to circuit wires 364 of night light
circuit board 356. Circuit board 356 includes a photo (light)
sensor 358 for detecting ambient light which turns on the night
light bulb 366 at a specified lumens quantity, and a night light
socket 362.
Circuit wires 234 further connect to circuit wires 404 for
connection to the manual ON/OFF switch 398, the transformer 396,
the ballast/starter 394, the lamp sockets 388 and 390, and the
fluorescent lamp 392, respectively.
ALTERNATE EMBODIMENTS
The first and second embodiments 10 and 200 of the present
invention may have alternative battery recharging electrical
connections wherein male plug 98 or 318 is replaced with first
contact points 98' and 318'; and wherein flashlight plug receptacle
118 or 340 is replaced with second contact points 118' or 340'. In
this manner, the detachable flashlights 80 or 300 may be recharged
using the present invention's rechargers 106 or 326 by first
contact points 98' or 318' engaging and electrically contacting
second contact points 118' or 340', respectively.
Alternatively, the detachable flashlight 80 or 300 may be recharged
by the use of a battery recharger mounted anywhere in the housing,
such that the first contact points 98' or 318' of flashlights 80 or
300 are electrically contacted with the contact points of the
battery recharger to recharge batteries 92 or 312. In addition, the
battery recharger is connected to the power source.
OPERATING AND INSTALLATION OF THE PRESENT INVENTIONS 10 AND 200
When a power failure occurs, the power interruption detector
circuit 104 or 324 senses this loss of power and causes the ON/OFF
relay switch 102 or 322 to move to the ON position. This switches
the power source to batteries 92 or 312 for activating the
flashlight assembly 80 or 300, which instantly illuminates the
unlighted area, and allows the flashlight 80 or 300 to be removed
from the housing carrying its own batter operated power source.
Prior to a power failure, operation of the LED charging indicator
light 100 and 320 shows that the power source of batteries 92 or
312 is charging.
To install the housing 12 or 202 of the lighting fixtures 10 and
200, it is only necessary to mount the bottom wall 14 or 204 via
screws through mounting openings 15a, 15b, or 205a and 205b
respectively, to a counter/cabinet bottom surface or wall space,
and then connect the standard male plug 32 or 326 to a standard AC
plug receptacle within a room.
The night light 140 and 350 is not energized by this AC connection
until the photocell 148 or 358 activates the night light which
illuminates the night light bulb 156 or 366. Also, the fluorescent
light 160 or 380 is not activated by this AC connection until the
switch 174 or 398 for the fluorescent light is activated. In
addition, the flashlight assembly 80 or 300 is not activated by
this AC connection until switch 94 or 314 is activated, or until
there is a power failure, at which time it is automatically turned
on and powered by the batteries.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
Accordingly, a primary advantage of the present invention is that
it provides for an under cabinet lighting fixture having a
detachable flashlight assembly on one end of the fixture housing, a
night light with a photosensor on the other end, and a fluorescent
light in the middle section for use at home, in a office, or at a
work facility.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for
an emergency light source which is battery operated and
rechargeable, and is detachable from one end of the main housing of
the under cabinet lighting fixture.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for
a night light fixture having a photosensor cell for automatically
turning on the night light bulb when there is insufficient light in
a room using the present invention.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it provides for
an under cabinet lighting fixture that is simple and easily mounted
to a cabinet bottom, or a counter bottom, or a wall area by a
user.
A further advantage of the present invention is that it provides
for an under cabinet lighting fixture which can be mass produced in
an automated and economical manner and is readily affordable by the
consumer.
A latitude of modification, change, and substitution is intended in
the foregoing disclosure, and in some instances, some features of
the invention will be employed without a corresponding use of other
features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims
be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the spirit and
scope of the invention here.
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