GB2475613A - Light cover release system - Google Patents

Light cover release system Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2475613A
GB2475613A GB1019543A GB201019543A GB2475613A GB 2475613 A GB2475613 A GB 2475613A GB 1019543 A GB1019543 A GB 1019543A GB 201019543 A GB201019543 A GB 201019543A GB 2475613 A GB2475613 A GB 2475613A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
end cap
lamp body
lamp
cover
body according
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1019543A
Other versions
GB2475613B (en
GB201019543D0 (en
Inventor
Kevin Michael Haslam
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Individual
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to GB1019543.6A priority Critical patent/GB2475613B/en
Publication of GB201019543D0 publication Critical patent/GB201019543D0/en
Publication of GB2475613A publication Critical patent/GB2475613A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2475613B publication Critical patent/GB2475613B/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V15/00—Protecting lighting devices from damage
    • F21V15/01—Housings, e.g. material or assembling of housing parts
    • F21V15/015—Devices for covering joints between adjacent lighting devices; End coverings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V17/00—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages
    • F21V17/10—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages characterised by specific fastening means or way of fastening
    • F21V17/16—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages characterised by specific fastening means or way of fastening by deformation of parts; Snap action mounting
    • F21V17/162—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages characterised by specific fastening means or way of fastening by deformation of parts; Snap action mounting the parts being subjected to traction or compression, e.g. coil springs
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES F21K, F21L, F21S and F21V, RELATING TO THE FORM OR THE KIND OF THE LIGHT SOURCES OR OF THE COLOUR OF THE LIGHT EMITTED
    • F21Y2103/00—Elongate light sources, e.g. fluorescent tubes

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Securing Globes, Refractors, Reflectors Or The Like (AREA)
  • Fastening Of Light Sources Or Lamp Holders (AREA)

Abstract

A sliding, automatic return, end cap retaining device 1 for a cover 2 of a fluorescent type strip light allows a light cover 2 to be removed and a fluorescent lamp to be replaced or maintenance carried out. The end cap 1 is connected via a bias means 4, for example springs, to a base of the light. The end cap 1 may have brackets 6,7 and shafts 5 to guide and support the end cap 1 during sliding movement.

Description

Light Cover Release System
Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a method and apparatus for allowing light covers and in particular strip light covers to be removed, in situ, without the use of tools or any visible fixings.
BackQround The fluorescent strip light is a popular energy efficient design that provides convenient lighting solutions for many domestic and commercial applications.
Generally the strip light design incorporates a base plate to which the wiring connections, starter unit, lamp socket holders and lamp(s) etc are mounted upon.
A semi transparent cover, with good light transmission rates, usually hides the equipment mounted onto the main base plate and is often secured by some form of end cap. For maintenance purposes the end cap needs to be of a design to allow removal of the lamp cover.
Current methods, that allow the covers to be removed, can be either by the use of screws/bolts etc that are visible on the end cap and attach through the end cover retainer on to an inner bracket, a clip on system or a pivoting sprung flat plastic end plate.
These methods of releasing the lamp cover impact the overall design and shape of the lamp and can be problematic when access is required whilst the light is ceiling mounted. Small components (screws etc) being handled whilst in an elevated position can be awkward to remove or replace and can be dropped/lost.
Summary of the Invention
According to the present invention there is provided a lamp body for a fluorescent tube lamp, said lamp body comprising;- (i) An elongate base having a longitudinal axis; (ii) A substantially transparent or translucent cover; (iii) a first end cap and a second end cap wherein at least one of the end caps is movable and is resiliently biased with respect to the base such that the moveable end cap can move between a first close configuration in which the moveable end cap holds the cover in place, and a second, open configuration in which the cover is free to be removed. By resiliently biasing at least one of the end caps towards a position in which it holds the cover in place, and arranging for the resiliently biased end cap to be movable, without the use of tools, into an open configuration where the cover can be removed, provides a lamp body that has no visible fixings.
Preferably the moveable end cap is constrained to move along the longitudinal axis of the base. The end cap is therefore constrained to move in a sideway direction, allowing the cover to be removed.
Preferably the moveable end cap is mounted on at least one shaft, one end of is the/each shaft being anchored to the lamp base. This shaft anchoring system ensures that the/each movable end cap is constrained to move in a fixed direction, along the longitudinal axis of the base.
Preferably the resilient biasing means mounted on the/each shaft tends to hold the moveable end cap in the closed configuration. This retains the cover in place during normal use.
Preferably two shafts are provided, in substantially parallel corresponding end alignment. This ensures free and even movement of the end cap.
Preferably the/each shaft is retained by a bracket on the moveable end cap. This ensures that the shafts remain substantially parallel to each other during movement of the end cap.
In a particularly preferred embodiment the resilient biasing means comprises a coil spring and one end of the coil spring is retained on the shaft by a lug or other stop on the end of or positioned at a suitable position along the length of the shaft.
Preferably the lamp body further comprising a fluorescent tube lamp.
It will be understood that the invention includes a fluorescent tube lamp incorporating a lamp body according to the present invention, and to a method of removing and replacing a lamp cover using a lamp body according to the present invention.
The present invention provides a means of removing the lamp cover by utilising a manually activated, extendable end cover that remains permanently attached to the main body of the light. When the end cover is released it will return to its original clamping position by releasing the stored energy created during the opening is process with no tools being required for any of these actions.
The light assembly will generally include a single extendable end cover at one end and a fixed end cover at the opposing end. When fully extended the distance travelled by the movable end cover is such that sufficient clearance is provided at both ends of the light assembly for the cover to be released. Similarly to replace the lamp cover the movable end cover is fully extended, the cover is placed in position and then the end cover is released therefore returning under spring tension and fully clamping the lamp cover back into position.
To allow for unrestricted movement of the end cover, once mounted to the ceiling/wall, sufficient clearance is provided between the end cover base and the mounted surface. This clearance is nominally around 0.5 -1mm to allow for any imperfections or undulations present in the surface of the mounting location. The gap is also small enough so that when mounted becomes almost undetectable from the fixed cover at the opposing end of the assembly.
The material of the end cover will be based on its visual appearance and can be chrome plated or polished aluminium which is a lightweight adaptable material that provides design flexibility, easy machining and moulding. It is understood that other materials may be used in place of aluminium.
Advantages The end cover can be of a seamless design with no visible fixings No tools are required to release the light cover from the main light assembly The cover can be released whilst the light assembly remains in its fixed location The design can be incorporated into any size/length/width/number or wattage of strip light Maintenance operations can be completed in a safer and quicker manner due to the simple tool-less access provided.
The light cover remains permanently clamped due to the force provided by the spring tension.
is The design can be mounted in either a ceiling or wall position.
Brief description of the drawings
The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following illustrations and drawings which show in more detail the light cover release system; Drawing Number 1 -Isometric View This illustration shows an isometric view of the moveable end cover, in the open position with the cover removed.
Drawing Number 2 -Light Assembly A number of elevations of a typical light assembly with release bracket system.
Drawing Number 3 -Photos Photographs of a prototype light assembly in both open and closed position.
Description of the preferred embodiments
The present invention will now be described by way of invention only. These are not the only ways that the invention can be put into practice but are the best ways currently known to the applicant. Referring to Drawing Number 1, this drawing shows an isometric view of the moveable end cover in an extended position allowing the release of the light cover.
The main body or base [3] is used to attach the control equipment for the fluorescent lamp, for example the ballast unit, lamp holder brackets, lamp(s) and wiring connectors. The lamp cover will locate into a recess running parallel down the io length of the base. Brackets [6 &7] are attached to the base and end cap [1]. The brackets are interlocked together by the two shafts [5]. The spring or springs [4], which act as resilient biasing means, are compressed when the end cap [1] is manually driven away from the light assembly. Once the end cover is fully extended the light cover [2] can be easily removed and/or replaced. is
Referring to Drawing Number 2 this drawing shows three different views of a typical light assembly.
Top View -This view shows a plan elevation of a strip light design.
Middle View -This view shows a side elevation of a strip light design.
Bottom View -In this view the cover has been extended and the light cover removed.
Referring to Drawing number 3 this drawing shows two photographs of a prototype light design (Figures 1 and 2).
Figure 1 shows a photograph of an example of an end cover design in the closed position with the cover retained.
Figure 2 shows a prototype light design with the end cover in the fully extended position. The lamp cover has been removed to allow full access to the internal light equipment.
These photos demonstrate that there are no visible fixings required and that the cover can be successfully removed.
In summary this invention provides:-
s A light cover clamping mechanism that provides a safe yet simple method of removing/replacing a light cover, and therefore lamp, from the light fitting without the need for tools or any visible fixings.
A light cover clamping mechanism according to claim 1, in which the end cover returns to the original clamping position by means of a spring device or manual positioning.
A light cover clamping mechanism according to claim 1 that provides a method of removing the light cover from the light assembly without removing light from its installed position.
A light cover clamping mechanism according to claim 1 that enables the end covers of strip lights to be designed with no visible screws or fixings therefore increasing the design/finish options.
A light cover clamping mechanism according to claim 1, that can be applied to any fluorescent lamp design regardless of length, type (T51T8 etc) and wattage.
A light cover clamping mechanism according to claim 1, with sufficient clearance, once installed, to allow full movement of the sliding assembly.

Claims (9)

  1. Claims 1. A lamp body for a fluorescent tube lamp, said lamp body comprising;- (i) An elongate base having a longitudinal axis; (ii) A substantially transparent or translucent cover; (iii) A first end cap and a second end cap at least one of the end caps is movable and is resiliently biased with respect to the base such that the moveable end cap can move between a first close configuration in which the moveable end cap holds the cover in place, and a second, open configuration in which the cover is free to be removed.
  2. 2. A lamp body according to Claim 1 wherein the moveable end cap is constrained to move along the longitudinal axis of the base.
  3. 3. A lamp body according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the moveable end cap is mounted on at least one shaft, one end of the leach shaft being anchored to the lamp base.
  4. 4. A lamp body according to Claim 3 wherein the I a resilient biasing means mounted on the/each shaft tends to hold the moveable end cap in the closed configuration.
  5. 5. A lamp body according to Claim 3 of Claim 4 wherein two shafts are provided, in substantially parallel corresponding end alignment.
  6. 6. A lamp body according to any of Claims 3 to 5 inclusive wherein one end of the/each shaft is retained by a bracket on the moveable end cap.
  7. 7. A lamp body according to any of Claims 1 to 6 inclusive further comprising a fluorescent tube lamp.
  8. 8. A lamp base substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in any combination of the drawings.
  9. 9. A fluorescent tube lamp incorporating a lamp body according to any of Claims 1 to 8 inclusive.Amendments to the Claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A lamp body for a fluorescent tube lamp, said lamp body comprising;- (i) an elongate base having a longitudinal axis; (ii) a substantially transparent or translucent cover; (iii) a first end cap and a second end cap where at least one of the end caps is movable and connected to the base by a resiliently biasing means such that the moveable end cap can move between a first closed configuration, in which the moveable end cap holds the cover in place, and a second, open configuration in which the cover is free to be removed.2. A lamp body according to Claim 1 wherein the moveable end cap is constrained to move along the longitudinal axis of the base.3. A lamp body according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the moveable end cap is mounted on at least one shaft, one end of the leach shaft being anchored to the lamp base.4. A lamp body according to Claim 3 wherein the I a resilient biasing means mounted C') on the/each shaft tends to hold the moveable end cap in the closed configuration.(Y) 5. A lamp body according to Claim 3 of Claim 4 wherein two shafts are provided, in (\J substantially parallel corresponding end alignment.6. A lamp body according to any of Claims 3 to 5 inclusive wherein one end of the/each shaft is retained by a bracket on the moveable end cap.7. A lamp body according to any of Claims 1 to 6 inclusive further comprising a fluorescent tube lamp.8. A lamp base substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in any combination of the drawings.9. A fluorescent tube lamp incorporating a lamp body according to any of Claims 1 to 8 inclusive.
GB1019543.6A 2010-11-18 2010-11-18 Light cover release system Expired - Fee Related GB2475613B (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1019543.6A GB2475613B (en) 2010-11-18 2010-11-18 Light cover release system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1019543.6A GB2475613B (en) 2010-11-18 2010-11-18 Light cover release system

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201019543D0 GB201019543D0 (en) 2010-12-29
GB2475613A true GB2475613A (en) 2011-05-25
GB2475613B GB2475613B (en) 2012-01-04

Family

ID=43431651

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1019543.6A Expired - Fee Related GB2475613B (en) 2010-11-18 2010-11-18 Light cover release system

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2475613B (en)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2581652A1 (en) * 2011-10-12 2013-04-17 Thorn Lighting Limited Mounting arrangement
CN104214548A (en) * 2013-05-31 2014-12-17 深圳市海洋王照明工程有限公司 Lamp
WO2019192994A1 (en) * 2018-04-05 2019-10-10 Signify Holding B.V. Spring loaded lens retainers

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB917601A (en) * 1960-10-03 1963-02-06 Gen Electric Co Ltd Improvements in or relating to electric lighting fittings
WO1991016571A1 (en) * 1990-04-17 1991-10-31 Alexander Engineering Co. Ltd. Lamp housing assembly
US5727869A (en) * 1996-06-17 1998-03-17 Boyd Lighting Company Fluorescent light fixture with breakaway socket

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB917601A (en) * 1960-10-03 1963-02-06 Gen Electric Co Ltd Improvements in or relating to electric lighting fittings
WO1991016571A1 (en) * 1990-04-17 1991-10-31 Alexander Engineering Co. Ltd. Lamp housing assembly
US5727869A (en) * 1996-06-17 1998-03-17 Boyd Lighting Company Fluorescent light fixture with breakaway socket

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2581652A1 (en) * 2011-10-12 2013-04-17 Thorn Lighting Limited Mounting arrangement
WO2013053875A3 (en) * 2011-10-12 2013-06-20 Thorn Lighting Ltd. Mounting arrangement
CN103930717A (en) * 2011-10-12 2014-07-16 索恩照明有限公司 Mounting arrangement
US9157620B2 (en) 2011-10-12 2015-10-13 Thorn Lighting Ltd. Mounting arrangement and method for mounting an optical member to an oblong luminaire
CN103930717B (en) * 2011-10-12 2018-12-14 索恩照明有限公司 Mounting assembly, combination, lamps and lanterns and optical component is installed to the method for lamps and lanterns
CN104214548A (en) * 2013-05-31 2014-12-17 深圳市海洋王照明工程有限公司 Lamp
CN104214548B (en) * 2013-05-31 2017-01-25 甘肃荣宝科技股份有限公司 Lamp
WO2019192994A1 (en) * 2018-04-05 2019-10-10 Signify Holding B.V. Spring loaded lens retainers
US11287111B2 (en) 2018-04-05 2022-03-29 Signify Holding B.V. Spring loaded lens retainers

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2475613B (en) 2012-01-04
GB201019543D0 (en) 2010-12-29

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
GB2475613A (en) Light cover release system
CA2804563A1 (en) Downlight support
EP3115686A1 (en) Engagement system and method for mounting lighting fixture
AU2011353162A1 (en) Attachment means, light fittings, use of a roller-type spring and a method for mounting of light fittings
KR20110110522A (en) Flashlight-loom lamp for vehicle
WO2017007747A1 (en) Engagement mechanism and method for mounting lighting fixture
EP1433996A3 (en) Electric light for Work
CN201377691Y (en) Vehicle-mounted working lamp
CN210912146U (en) Cup fixing device and vehicle-mounted cup stand
CN108506899B (en) Lighting lamp holder
KR102020526B1 (en) Mounting apparatus for ceiling type illuminator
CN103158806A (en) Rotating bicycle light
CN207569719U (en) A kind of panel light
CN205140932U (en) Bulb detacher
CN202328059U (en) Convenient lamp of hydraulic flat car
CN219493487U (en) Transmitter coil skeleton
CN213040429U (en) Assembled lamp
CN105108480A (en) Copper pipe clamping device
CN113324206B (en) Lighting device
CN216202738U (en) Movable adsorption type lighting lamp
CN203223874U (en) Flashlight sucking support
CN208729618U (en) The drive circuit board of LED filament lamp positions and bulb fixing device
CN109175940B (en) Positioning mechanism and connecting pipe production equipment with same
CN109058850B (en) Down lamp of convenient installation
CN218813295U (en) Construction warning device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20141118