GB2477301A - Light fitting with provision for changing light source. - Google Patents
Light fitting with provision for changing light source. Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2477301A GB2477301A GB1001384A GB201001384A GB2477301A GB 2477301 A GB2477301 A GB 2477301A GB 1001384 A GB1001384 A GB 1001384A GB 201001384 A GB201001384 A GB 201001384A GB 2477301 A GB2477301 A GB 2477301A
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- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- light
- fitting
- casing
- holder
- light holder
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
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- 238000009429 electrical wiring Methods 0.000 description 2
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- 230000001012 protector Effects 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
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- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003822 epoxy resin Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
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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
- F21V19/00—Fastening of light sources or lamp holders
- F21V19/04—Fastening of light sources or lamp holders with provision for changing light source, e.g. turret
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
Abstract
A light-fitting has a light holder 2 for attachment to a light bulb and a casing 1 for housing the light holder 2. The casing 1 may be a can and may be an enclosed, cylindrical casing with an open and closed end. The light holder 2 is moveable relative to the casing 1 between a first (fig 1c) and second position (fig 1b). In the second position (fig 1b) the light holder 2 is positioned to be more user-accessible for attaching to a light bulb than in the first position (fig 1c). The light-fitting has means 4 to apply a force to the light holder 2 to bias the light holder 2 toward the first position (fig 1c). The means 4 may be an elastic sheath, spring or motor and spool.
Description
Light-fittings and associated methods
Technical Field
The present disclosure relates to the field of light-fittings, mechanisms for light-fittings, and associated methods.
Background
There are various types of light-fittings and light bulbs known in the art. For example, downlighters often comprise a casing within which a light bulb is tightly enclosed. It can be difficult for a user to access the interior of these downlighter casings to attach or replace a light bulb.
The listing or discussion of a prior-published document or any background in this specification should not necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that the document or background is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge. One or more aspects/embodiments of the present disclosure may or may not address one or
more of the background issues.
Summary
In a first aspect, there is provided a light-fitting comprising: a light holder for attachment to a light bulb; and a casing for housing the light holder, wherein the light-fitting is configured to allow the light holder to be movable relative to the casing so as to define: a first position; and a second position in which the light holder is positioned to be more user-accessible for attachment to a light bulb than in the first position, and wherein the light-fitting is configured to apply a force to the light holder to bias the light holder toward the first position.
The light-fitting may comprise a resilient element configured to apply the force to the light holder to bias the light holder to the first position.
The resient element may be configured to be elasticaUy compressible/expandable against a non-user-exposed/closed end of the casing. The resilient element may be compressthle against a reverse/exterior surface of the non-user exposed end of the casing or may be expandable against an interior surface of the non-user exposed end of the casing. The resilient element may be an elastically compressible sheath, or a spring, or the like. Other resilient elements may be used that allow for applying a force to the light holder to bias the light holder to the first position (for example, a reel, a motor, or the like).
A retainer may attach the resilient element to the reverse non-user-exposed end of the casing, and this can allow the resilient element to be elastically compressed. The non-user-exposed end of the casing may be considered to be the end of the casing that is not typically exposed to the user during use.
The light-fitting may comprise a conductive element electrically connected to the light holder to provide power to a light bulb that is connected to the light holder. The conductive element may be configured to allow the light holder to be movable relative to the casing. This may be standard electrical wiring/cabling, or a plurality of smaller wires, means for electrically connecting the light holder (and light bulb) to a mains supply, or the like.
The resilient element may be fixedly attached to a portion of the conductive element, or the conductive element and resilient element can be attached to a common component such that they are fixed relative to each other. This can allow the resilient element to be elastically compressed, which can provide for the biasing of the light holder. A first end of the resilient element may be fixed relative to the conductive element and a second end of the resilient element may be movable relative to the conductive element so that the resilient element can compress and expand as the second end of the resilient element moves relative to the conductive element.
The casing may comprise an aperture for receiving the conductive element, the conductive element being configured to extend through the aperture and also configured to be movable through the aperture to allow the light holder to be movable relative to the casing. The aperture may be in the non-user-exposed/closed end of the casing. The second end of the resient element may be fixed relative to the aperture casing.
In the first position, the light holder may be positioned to be substantially proximate to the aperture, and wherein in the second position the light holder may be positioned further away from the aperture, which may be towards and/or beyond the opening.
The resilient element may comprise a sheath configured to surround the conductive element and to be elastically compressible against the casing by movement of the light holder from the first position to the second position. In this way, the sheath can store elastic potential energy and release the elastic potential energy to apply the force to the light holder to bias the light holder to the first position. The resilient element may also comprise a spring, or be a spring.
The casing may comprise an opening configured to allow for a user to be able to gain access to the light holder. The opening may also be configured to allow light emission from a light bulb connected to the light holder. The opening may be in a user-exposed end of the casing.
The casing may be configured to house a light bulb fitted to the light holder. The casing may alternatively be configured to house a portion of a fitted light bulb, or to house all of a fitted light bulb. This housing may occur in the first position, or the first and second position.
The casing may be configured to encase an attachment end and lateral/radial sides of a fitted light bulb when the light holder is in the first position. The casing may alternatively be configured to partially encase the attachment end and lateral radius sides of a fitted light bulb.
The light-fitting may be a down-lighter/wall-lighter, standard light-fitting, a lamp, a ceiling light, skylight, or other type of light-fitting.
In another aspect, there is provided a method of operating a light-fitting, the light-fitting comprising: a light holder for attachment to a light bulb; and a casing for housing the light holder, wherein the method comprises: moving the light holder against a biasing force from a first position to a second position relative to the casing for attachment to a light bulb; and releasing the light holder to allow the light holder to be biased toward the first position.
In another aspect, there is provided a method of operating a light-fitting, the light-fitting comprising: a light holder for attachment to a light bulb; and a casing for housing the light holder, wherein the light-fitting is configured to allow the light holder to be movable relative to the casing so as to define: a first position; and a second position in which the light holder is positioned to be more accessible for attachment to a light bulb than in the first position, and wherein the light-fitting is configured to apply a force to the light holder to bias the light holder to the first position, wherein the method comprises: moving the light holder from the first position to the second position for attachment to a light bulb; and releasing the light holder to allow the light holder to be biased toward the first position.
In another aspect, there is provided a method for assembling a light-fitting, the light-fitting comprising: a light holder for attachment to a light bulb; and a casing for housing the light holder, wherein the method comprises assembling the light holder and the casing together such that the light-fitting is configured to allow the light holder to be movable relative to the casing so as to define: a first position; and a second position in which the light holder is positioned to be more accessible for attachment to a light bulb than in the first position, and wherein the light-fitting is configured to apply a force to the light holder to bias the light holder toward the first position.
In another aspect, there is provided a light-fitting comprising: a means for holding and attaching to a light bulb; and a means for housing the means for holding and attaching, wherein the light-fitting is configured to allow the means for holding and attaching to be movable relative to the means for housing so as to define: a first position; and a second position in which the means for holding and attaching is positioned to be more accessible for attachment to a light bulb than in the first position, and wherein the light-fitting is configured to apply a force to the means for holding and attaching to bias the means for holding and attaching toward the first position.
In another aspect, there is provided a mechanism for a light-fitting, the light-fitting comprising: a light holder for attachment to a light bulb; and a casing for housing the light holder, wherein the mechanism is configured to allow the light holder to be movable relative to the casing so as to define: a first position; and a second position in which the light holder is positioned to be more accessible for attachment to a light bulb than in the first position, and wherein the mechanism is configured to apply a force to the light holder to bias the light holder toward the first position.
The present disclosure includes one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation. Corresponding means for performing one or more of the discussed functions are also within the present disclosure.
The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting.
Brief Description of the Figures
A description is now given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-Figures la-ic illustrate the various stages of operation of a light-fitting according to a first
embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 illustrates a further embodiment of a light-fitting according to the present
disclosure.
Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method of operating of one or more light-fitting
embodiments of the present disclosure.
Description of Example Aspects/Embodiments
In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure there is described a light-fitting.
The light-fitting comprises a light holder for attachment to a light bulb and a casing for housing the light holder. The casing may be known as a can and may be an enclosed, possibly cylindrical, casing with an open and closed end. The light-fitting allows the light holder to be movable relative to the casing between a first and second position. In the second position the light holder is positioned to be more user-accessible for attachment to a light bulb than in the first position. Also, the light-fitting is configured to apply a force to the light holder to bias the light holder toward the first position.
By allowing the light holder to be movable to a more user-accessible position for attachment to the light bulb (for example, to be outside the casing), it is possible to make it easier for a user to attach a light bulb to the light holder than when the light holder is not movable (for example, permanently in a first use position). Further, by configuring the light-fitting to apply a force to the light holder it is possible to cause the light holder to return to the first position (for example, for the light bulb to be in use). This provides for a light-fitting that improves ease of attachment of a light bulb to the light holder and also provides for return of the light holder to the first position (for example, a first use position).
A first embodiment of such a light-fitting with reference to Figures la-ic will now be described. In this embodiment the light-fitting 100 is a downlighter intended for fitting to a cavity in a wall, ceiling, or an uplighter for the floor.
The ght-fitting 100 comprises a casing 1, a light holder 2, a conductive element 3 and a resient element 4.
The casing 1 is, in this embothment, shaped to be a hollow cylinder with an open end 5 and a closed end 6. The casing 1 is dimensioned to be able to receive and house a downlighter light bulb as illustrated in Figures lb & lc. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the casing is approximately 55mm so as to accommodate downlighter light bulbs with an outer diameter of 50mm. The open end 5 is also dimensioned so as to allow a downlighter light bulb intended for the light-fitting to be received by the casing (that is, the inner diameter of the open end is at least slightly larger than the outer diameter of the light bulb to be fitted -in this embodiment the inner diameter of the open end 5 is also 55mm so as to be the same as the inner diameter of the rest of the casing I). In this embodiment, the length of the casing 1 is approximately 150mm. However, the skilled person will appreciate that light bulbs can be a variety of different sizes and shapes, and therefore the casing may, in other embodiments, be any dimension and shape to suit particular light bulbs.
The casing 1 is formed (for example, by extrusion or milling) from a lightweight metal (such as aluminium) and coated with a black insulative coating. As the casing 1 will be housing a light bulb that may have a high operating temperature, it is useful to form the casing 1 such that it does not overheat, melt, or interfere with the operation of the light bulb in normal operating conditions. Other materials and design options are available within the art and a skilled person would appreciate which would be appropriate given a particular application. As such design options are already known in the art this will not be discussed further.
The closed end 6 of the casing 1 comprises an aperture 7 that is shaped and dimensioned to receive the conductive element 3. In this embodiment the aperture 7 is circular in shape and has an inner diameter of approximately 10mm. The skilled person will appreciate that the shape and dimension of the aperture 7 is dependent on the size of the conductive element 3 to be used, and that the aperture should be dimensioned such that the conductive element 3 is able to pass through and be movable through the aperture 7. This aperture 7 can be considered to be an entry point/position through which the conductive element 3 enters the casing 1.
The dosed end 6 can be considered to be a non-user-exposed or closed end as this end wiU not typically be exposed to the user when in use. For example, in a downlighter, one end of the casing 1 is typically hidden (or at least parUy hidden) within a ceiling or wall fixture and is not exposed to the user. Such an end can be considered to be non-user-exposed.
The open end 5 can be considered to be a user-exposed end, as this end will be exposed to the user when the light fitting 100 is fitted to a walVceiling, and can al'ow for emission of light and access to the light holder 2. In some embodiments, the light holder 2 can be positioned outside the casing 1 via this opening 5. This opening 5 can therefore be considered to be an exit point/position for the light holder 2.
The light holder 2 is a standard light holder for attachment to a downighter light bulb as known in the art. The light holder 2 comprises an electrical terminal for attachment to the conductive element 3 so that the light bulb may receive electricity from a connected supply (for examp'e, mains supply, battery supp'y, generator supply). The light holder 2 in this embodiment attaches to a light bu'b via a bayonet-type fitting, but other alternatives (such as screw fittings) are known in the art. The light holder 2 can also have screw terminals (not shown) to hold the constituent parts of the light holder together, and can also serve to electrically connect and secure the light holder 2 and conductive e'ement 3 together. As light bulbs and their corresponding light holders are well known, further details and alternative examples will not be discussed in detail.
The conductive element 3 is a ength of standard electrical cabling/wiring for electrical connection between a power supply and the light holder 2. The length of the conductive element 3 is ultimately decided by the length needed for installation in a given application. The conductive element 3 is composed of one or more inner conductors (for example, a conductive core, such as copper) to allow for conduction of electricity along conductive dements 3 to and from the attachment/connection end for connection to the light ho'der 2. The conductive element 3 also has one or more outer insuative layers (such as electrically insulative plastic or the like) to ensure that each conductive core is electrically isolated. The conductive element 3 is typically around 5-10mm in diameter and uniform in dimension abng its full length. Such electrical wiring and other alternatives are well known in the art and will not be discussed in detail.
It should be noted that although the conductive element 3 is standard electrical cabling/wiring, and that it may be made out of almost any electrically conductive wiring suitable for providing electricity to a light holder/light bulb, the conductive element 3 must also have sufficient tensile strength to support the weight of the attached light bulb and also to receive a user-applied force pulling on the light holder 2/light bulb. This is to ensure that, during operation of the light-fitting, the conductive element 3 does not break or perform incorrectly.
The resilient element 4 is, in this embodiment, an elastic sheath that is shaped and dimensioned to be able to enclose/envelope the conductive element 3. In this embodiment the sheath is approximately 100mm in length and approximately 5-10mm in diameter so as to match the diameter of the conductive element. The sheath that forms the resilient element 4 is formed from an elastic insulative material that is elastically compressible. Upon compression of the resilient element 4, the resilient element 4 stores elastic potential energy such that, upon release of the compressing force, the resilient element 4 will exert a restoring force so as to return the resilient element 4 to its original shape and position.
In other embodiments, the resilient element 4 can be a spring that provides for said storing of potential energy upon compression, and exertion of a restoring force after release of compression. In essence, the resilient element 4 can be considered as a component that provides a returning force to act on the light holder 2 to return the light holder 2 to the first position. Other alternatives and mechanisms for providing this resilience will be appreciated by the skilled person. For example, although the resilient element 4 is shown as acting against an exterior/reverse surface of the closed end 6 of the casing 1, in other embodiments, a resilient element could act against an interior surface of the casing 1.
The assembly of the embodiment of Figure 1 is described below.
For the purposes of illustration, the conductive element is approximately 150mm in length. The skilled person will appreciate that any dimensions given are only for illustrative purposes and are not limiting on the scope of the invention. The resilient element 4 (of length 100mm) is slid onto the conductive element 3 (electrical cabling/wiring) first, and then further slid along the length of the conductive element to leave a portion/length approximately of the conductive element 3 exposed from the resilient element sheath. In this embodiment, approximately 50mm of the conductive element 3 is left exposed (by the resilient element 4).
The exposed portion of the conductive element 3 is then passed through the casing aperture 7 in the closed/non-user-exposed end 6 of the casing 1. This causes an end of the resilient element 4 enclosing the conductive element 3 to abut the periphery of the aperture 7 in the non-user-exposed end 6 of the casing. In this embodiment, the abutting end of the resilient element 4 is affixed to the periphery of the aperture 7 using a retainer (such as a grommet or washer -not shown). This is to ensure that upon movement of the conductive element 3, this end of the resilient element 4 does not move with the conductive element 3 but stays stationary relative to the casing 1. In this embodiment the retainer is dimensioned to act as a snap fit into the aperture and, in doing so, clamp and secure the free end of the resilient element 4 to the casing aperture 7.
The other end of the resilient &ement 4 that is furthest from the casing, is fixed relative to the exterior of the conductive element 3, for example, using epoxy resin. Other methods of attachment are possible and would be readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art. This attachment of the relative resilient element 4 to the conductive element 3 can ensure that if the conductive element 3 is moved, at least the fixed end of the resilient element 4 does not move relative to the neighbouring portion of the conductive element 3.
The end of the exposed portion of the conductive element 4 (approximately 50mm in length) that is within the casing is then electrically connected to the light holder 2.
The electrical connection between the conductive element 3 and the light holder 2 enables an electrical supply to be provided to a light bulb attached to the light holder 2 using the conductive element 3.
In alternative embodiments, the conductive element 3 may extend out from the aperture 7 and away from the casing 1, and be attached to a mounting fixture for providing power to the light-fitting 100. In such embodiments, the end of the resilient element 4 furthest from the casing I may be attached to the mounting fixture so that this end does not move relative to the conductive element 3 or the mounting fixture. This arrangement allows for substantiaHy the same result as in the first embodiment, namely, the end of the resilient element 4 furthest from the casing 1 does not move relative to the conductive element 3, whilst the other end of the resilient element 4 nearest to the casing 1 can move relative to the conductive element 3.
The operation of this embodiment will now be described with references to Figures 1 a-Ic.
Figure Ia illustrates a first position of the light holder 2 of this light-fitting. In this position, the light holder 2 is positioned to be near/substantially proximate to the aperture 7. This can be considered to be a use' or in-use' position, where an attached ight bulb is intended to be positioned for operation. Based on the illustrative dimensions discussed above, the conductive element 3 protrudes approximately 50mm into the casing from the aperture 7 of the non-user-exposed end 6 of the casing 1 the casing 1 is 150mm in length). The light holder 2 attached to the end of the conductive element 4 is therefore approximately 100mm back within the casing I relative to the opening 5 of the casing I. This positioning makes the light holder in known light-fittings (particularly downlighters) quite difficult to access given how far back into the casing 1 the light holder 2 is positioned. In this light-fitting 100 however, it is possible to make the light holder 2 more user-accessible via the described arrangement. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the conductive element 3 may protrude far into the casing 1, such that the first position of the light holder 2 brings a light bulb attached to the light holder 2 to a position that is only a few millimetres away from the opening 5.
A user can reach into the casing 1 and grasp the light holder 2 which is positioned in the first use' position (shown in Figure la). The user can then pull the light holder towards the casing opening 5, and possibly beyond. This is because the light holder 2 is attached to the conductive element 3 which is able to pass freely through the casing aperture 7. In this embodiment, the portion of the conductive element which is within the resilient element 4, and positioned outside the casing, is slack and not taut. Due to this slack in the conductive element, the light holder 2 can be pulled and the slack length of the conductive element 3 will be pulled through the aperture 7. Therefore, upon pulling on the light holder 2, the conductive element 3 also experiences the pulling force and more of the length of the conductive element 3 is pulled through the aperture 7, thereby allowing the light holder to be moved toward the casing opening 5 and/or beyond said opening 5. This positioning is illustrated in Figure lb. The end of the resilient element 4 affixed to the conductive element 3 moves with the conductive element 3 due to the affixing of this end. However, the other end of the resilient element 4 affixed to the retainer/casing 1 does not move with the conductive element 3 and stays stationary.
This means that one end of the resilient element 4 is being moved towards the other, and the resilient element 4 is thereby being elastically compressed and storing elastic potential energy.
The position of the light holder 2 in Figure lb can be considered to be a second position in which the light holder 2 is positioned towards and/or beyond the opening. In this embodiment, the light holder 2 is positioned outside the casing I just beyond the casing opening 5. In other embodiments, the second position may still be within the casing but just more user-accessible than the first position. In still other embodiments, the light holder 2 may be positioned substantially far away from the casing (for example a distance on the order of the length of the casing or greater).
As shown in Figure 1 b, the casing I no longer encloses/encapsulates the light holder 2 to the same extent as in the first position. A purpose of this is to allow for ease of attachment of a light bulb to the light holder 2. Once in this position, a user can more easily attach the light bulb to the light holder 2 without being encumbered by the casing 1 to the extent that would be the case in the first position. In other embodiments, the second position of the light holder 2 is not actually outside the casing I, but is closer to the opening 5 of the casing than the first position, so as to still allow for improved user-access to the light holder 2 for attachment of a light bulb. The skilled person will appreciate that the light holder 2 may be positioned in a variety of different ways relative to the first position so as to be more user-accessible for attachment to a light bulb than the first position.
Now, according to Figure 1 b, the resilient element 4 has been compressed by this action of moving the light holder 2 and accordingly the conductive element 3. This has stored elastic potential energy in the resilient element 4. Arrows F and F' illustrate that there are two directly opposing forces keeping the system in a state of equilibrium. F represents the force exerted by the user in moving the light holder to the second position, and F' represents the force exerted by the resilient element 4 in opposition to this movement by the user. Once the force exerted by the user is removed, the elastic potential energy stored in the resilient element 4 will be released. We wl now describe this with reference to Figures lb & lc.
Once the user has attached the light bulb, the user can then release the light holder 2 thereby removing force F. When this happens, force F' will apply a bias to the light holder 2/conductive element 3 system to move the light holder 2 towards the first position. In this embodiment, the resilient element 4 applies a sufficient force to the light holder 2/conductive element 3 so as to return the light holder 2 to the first position irrespective of the increased mass on the system due to the attached light bulb. This return to the first position is illustrated in Figure lc. The release of the potential energy stored in the resilient element 4 has caused the resilient element 4 to return to its original shape and to be uncompressed. In other embodiments, the resilient element 4 may only return the light holder 2 towards the first position, i.e. the light holder 2 may stop slightly short of the initial light holder position (when no light bulb is attached) due to balancing of forces.
This arrangement allows for a greater ease of attachment of light bulbs to light holders in such ight-fittings. Similar advantages are also obtained when light bulbs need to be removed, replaced or examined.
A further advantage that can be provided by some embodiments is that the resilient element 4 helps to remove some/any excess length of conductive element 3 from inside the casing 1 of the downlighter 100. When there is excess length of conductive eement 3 inside the casing, contact between the conductive element 3 and the light bulb and/or light holder 2 may occur. This contact could present a risk of overheating or snagging of the conductive element 3. By providing the resilient element 4 to bias the light holder and conductive element 3 towards the first position, such excess length of the conductive element 3 within the casing 1 can be reduced, and associated problems also reduced.
One or more corresponding advantages can also be achieved by a mechanism that can be used with known downlighters. The skilled person will appreciate from the above description how such a mechanism may be implemented with known downighters or other such light-fittings in order to appy the necessary biasing force to a light holder.
The embodiment depicted in Figure 2 has been provided with reference numerals that correspond to similar features of those of Figure 1. For example, feature number 1 can correspond to feature number 201 in Figure 2.
Figure 2 illustrates a downlighter 200 of another embodiment.
Downlighter 200 comprises similar features to that of downlighter 100 shown in Figure 1, and also comprises securing springs and protectors 208, cable grommet 209, front fire activated washer 211, ventilation fire activated washer 212, terminal block housing 210, and folding mounting bracket 213.
Securing springs and protectors 208 are spring loaded levers for securing and mounting the downlighter 200 in a mounting cavity (for example a wall, a ceiling, etc). These are fixedly mounted at one end on the exterior surface of the casing 201 via mounting slots integrally formed on the exterior surface of the casing 201.
Cable grommet 209 is a retainer for securing one end of the resilient element 204 to the periphery of the casing aperture 207 (as discussed in relation to the downlighter 100).
Front fire activated washer 211 is an intumescent safety washer that expands to seal or at least partially seal the opening 205 of the casing 201 upon fire. Ventilation fire activated washer 212 is also an intumescent safety washer that expands to seal or at least partially seal the aperture 207 in the casing 201 upon fire. In other embodiments washer 212 also serves to seal ventilation holes in the exterior surface of the closed end 206 upon fire.
In some embodiments the downlighter 200 may also comprise inner and outer moisture seals, or even a double layer front sealing washer positioned around the opening 205 of the casing 201 to prevent moisture from seeping into the interior of the casing 201.
There is also a twist and lock mechanism (not shown) that fits within the opening 205 of the casing 201 via a complementary screw fitting. This mechanism can be twisted and locked/unlocked for attachment/removal from the casing 201 of the downlighter 200. The twist and lock mechanism may also utilise a securing clip that serves to secure a light bulb attached to the light holder in place when in the first position, which can help to prevent the light bulb from moving relative to the casing of the downlighter. In embodiments where the twist and lock mechanism has such a securing clip for the light bulb, the light-fitting is constructed such that the light bulb can be clipped to the securing clip when the light holder is in the first position.
The terminal block housing 210 is a unit that can be connected to a power supply (specifically the live and neutral wires) so that power may be supplied to the downlighter 200. The mounting bracket 213 is a hinged bracket that is for mounting to the radial periphery of the casing, and to allow the terminal block housing 210 to be mounted to the downlighter 200.
Such downlighter light-fittings and such associated features are well known in the art and will not be discussed in further detail.
In this downlighter 200, the conductive element 203 is a defined length that extends from the light holder 202, through the aperture 207 to the terminal block housing 210. The terminal block housing 210 is wired to allow power to be supplied to the conductive element (and onward to the light holder) upon connection of a power supply to the terminal block housing 210.
The resilient element 204 is also a defined length that extends from the aperture 207 (and grommet/retainer 209) to the terminal block housing 210. The resilient element 204 is attached at one end to the grommet/retainer 209 and at the other end to the terminal block housing 210. It will be appreciated that a first end of the resilient element 207 is fixed relative to the conductive element 203 at the terminal block housing 210, and a second end of the resilient element 204 is moveable relative to the conductive element 203 at the aperture 207 in the casing 201. Also, the second end of the resilient element 204 is fixed relative to the casing 201 in the vicinity of the aperture 207.
As discussed in relation to the first downlighter 100, the conductive element 204 of this downlighter 200 has some slack in its length. This means that when a user pulls down on the light holder 202 and exerts a force on the light holder 202, the conductive element 204 can pass through the casing aperture 207 and allow the light holder 202 to be moved toward the opening 205 of the casing 201 andlor beyond. As before, the resilient element 204 experiences compression as a result of the movement of the conductive element 203 forcing the resilient element 204 to become shorter and be compressed.
This stores elastic potential energy which is released upon release of the light holder 202, which in turn returns the light holder 202 to the first position.
Figure 3 illustrates a method of operation of the abovedescribed embodiments. The method comprises: 301 -moving the light holder from the first position to the second position for attachment to a light bulb -As discussed in relation to the downlighters 100 & 200, a user can exert a force on the light holder to cause it to be moved towards the opening of the casing and/or beyond. This exerts a force on the conductive element which in turn results in compression of the resilient element. Whilst the user exerts a force on the light holder, the resilient element will remain compressed. This mechanism can allow the light holder to be positioned so as to more user-accessible for attachment to a light bulb than in the first position; and 302 -releasing the light holder to allow the light holder to be biased toward the first position -Once the user releases the applied force, the compressed resilient element will release its stored potential energy, and bias the light holder back to (or just toward) the first position.
The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole, in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that the disclosed aspects/embodiments may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of
the disclosure.
While there have been shown and described and pointed out fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the devices and methods described may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform substantially the same function in substantiaHy the same way to achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention. Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment as a general matter of design choice. Furthermore, in the claims means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structura' equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures.
Claims (26)
- Claims 1. A ght-fitting comprising: a light holder for attachment to a light bulb; and a casing for housing the ght holder, wherein the light-fitting is configured to allow the light holder to be movable relative to the casing so as to define: a first position; and a second position in which the light holder is positioned to be more user-accessible for attachment to a light bulb than in the first position, and wherein the light-fitting is configured to apply a force to the light holder to bias the light holder toward the first position.
- 2. The light-fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the casing comprises an opening configured to allow for a user to be able to gain access to the light holder, the light holder to be moved to the second position for attachment to a light bulb.
- 3. The light-fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the light-fitting comprises a resilient element configured to apply the force to the light holder to bias the light holder to the first position.
- 4. The light-fitting of Claim 3, wherein the resilient element is configured to be elastically compressible/expandable against a non-user-exposed end of the casing.
- 5. The light-fitting of any of Claim 4, wherein the resilient element is configured to be elastically compressible against an exterior surface of the non-user-exposed end of the casing.
- 6. The light-fitting of any of Claims 3 to 5, wherein the light-fitting comprises a retainer configured to attach the resilient element to the reverse non-user-exposed end of the casing.
- 7. The light-fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the light-fitting comprises a conductive element electrically connected to the light holder to provide power to a fitted light bulb, and configured to allow the light holder to be movable relative to the casing.
- 8. The light-fitting of Claim 7, wherein the casing comprises an aperture for receiving the conductive element, the conductive element being configured to extend through the aperture and also configured to be movable through the aperture to allow the light holder to be movable relative to the casing.
- 9. The light-fitting of any of Claims 7 to 8, wherein the light-fitting comprises a resilient element configured to apply the force to the light holder to bias the light holder to the first position, wherein the resilient element comprises a sheath configured to surround the conductive element and to be elastically compressible against the casing by movement of the light holder from the first position to the second position to store e'astic potential energy, and to release the stored elastic potential energy to apply the force to the light ho'der to bias the light holder to the first position.
- 10. The light-fitting of any of Claims 8 to 9, wherein in the first position the light holder is positioned to be substantially proximate to the aperture, and wherein in the second position the light holder is positioned towards and/or beyond an opening in the casing.
- 11. The light-fitting of any of Claims 9 to 10, wherein a first end of the resilient element is fixed relative to the conductive element, and a second end of the resilient element is movable relative to the conductive element to thereby allow the resilient element to be elastically compressible and expandible with movement of the conductive element.
- 12. The light-fitting of C'aim 11, wherein the first end of the resilient element is fixedly attached to a portion of the conductive element to allow the first end of the resilient element to be fixed re'ative to the conductive &ement
- 13. The light-fitting of any of C'aim 11 to 12, wherein the light-fitting comprises a retainer configured to attach the second end of the resilient element to an exterior surface of the non-user-exposed end of the casing to allow the conductive element to be movable relative to the casing.
- 14. The light-fitting of any of C'aims 11 to 13, wherein the second end of the resilient element is fixed relative to the aperture of the casing.
- 15. The ght-fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the casing is configured to house a ght bulb fitted to the light holder.
- 16. The ght-fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the light-fitting is configured to bias a hght bulb that is fitted to the light holder toward the first position so that the fitted light bulb is substantially flush with an opernng in the casing.
- 17. The light-fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the casing is configured to encase the attachment end and lateral/radial sides of a fitted light bulb.
- 18. The light fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the casing is an enclosure having an open end and a closed end.
- 19. The light-fitting of any preceding claim, wherein the light-fitting is a down-lighter/wall-lighter.
- 20. A method of operating a light-fitting, the light-fitting comprising: a light holder for attachment to a light bulb; and a casing for housing the light holder, wherein the method compnses: moving the light holder against a biasing force from a first position to a second position relative to the casing for attachment to a light bulb; and releasing the light holder to allow the light holder to be biased toward the first position.
- 21. A method for assembling a light-fitting, the light-fitting comprising: a light holder for attachment to a light bulb; and a casing for housing the light holder, wherein the method comprises assembling the light holder and the casing together such that the light-fitting is configured to allow the light holder to be movable relative to the casing so as to define: a first position; and a second position in which the light holder is positioned to be more accessible for attachment to a light bulb than in the first position, and wherein the light-fitting is configured to apply a force to the light holder to bias the ght holder toward the first position.
- 22. A light-fitting comprising: a means for holding and attaching to a light bulb; and a means for housing the means for holding and attaching, wherein the light-fitting is configured to allow the means for holding and attaching to be movable relative to the means for housing so as to define: a first position; and a second position in which the means for holding and attaching is positioned to be more accessible for attachment to a light bulb than in the first position, and wherein the light-fitting is configured to apply a force to the means for holding and attaching to bias the means for holding and attaching toward the first position.
- 23. A mechanism for a light-fitting, the light-fitting comprising: a ight holder for attachment to a light bulb; and a casing for housing the light holder, wherein the mechanism is configured to aUow the light holder to be movable relative to the casing so as to define: a first position; and a second position in which the light holder is positioned to be more accessible for attachment to a light bulb than in the first position, and wherein the mechanism is configured to apply a force to the light holder to bias the light holder toward the first position.
- 24. A light-fitting substantially as hereinbefore described, and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
- 25. A method substantially as hereinbefore described, and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
- 26. A mechanism substantially as hereinbefore described, and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1001384A GB2477301A (en) | 2010-01-28 | 2010-01-28 | Light fitting with provision for changing light source. |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1001384A GB2477301A (en) | 2010-01-28 | 2010-01-28 | Light fitting with provision for changing light source. |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201001384D0 GB201001384D0 (en) | 2010-03-17 |
| GB2477301A true GB2477301A (en) | 2011-08-03 |
Family
ID=42084100
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1001384A Withdrawn GB2477301A (en) | 2010-01-28 | 2010-01-28 | Light fitting with provision for changing light source. |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2477301A (en) |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2793303A1 (en) * | 1999-05-04 | 2000-11-10 | Tahar Lahdiri | Mechanism to raise and lower suspended light sockets to allow changing of the bulb from ground or floor level, removing risk to operators, particularly infirm or handicapped people |
| FR2824624A1 (en) * | 2001-05-11 | 2002-11-15 | Tahar Lahdiri | Electric lighting column with motorized light bulb changing, use mobile bulb support running on column rack and pinion system transporting bulb from low level into high energized position |
| US20080130291A1 (en) * | 2005-02-02 | 2008-06-05 | Engel Hartmut S | Recessed Light |
-
2010
- 2010-01-28 GB GB1001384A patent/GB2477301A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2793303A1 (en) * | 1999-05-04 | 2000-11-10 | Tahar Lahdiri | Mechanism to raise and lower suspended light sockets to allow changing of the bulb from ground or floor level, removing risk to operators, particularly infirm or handicapped people |
| FR2824624A1 (en) * | 2001-05-11 | 2002-11-15 | Tahar Lahdiri | Electric lighting column with motorized light bulb changing, use mobile bulb support running on column rack and pinion system transporting bulb from low level into high energized position |
| US20080130291A1 (en) * | 2005-02-02 | 2008-06-05 | Engel Hartmut S | Recessed Light |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201001384D0 (en) | 2010-03-17 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |