US3328576A

US3328576A - Lighting fixture and method of installing same

Info

Publication number: US3328576A
Application number: US425400A
Authority: US
Inventors: Arthur F Jacobs
Original assignee: Prudential Lighting Corp
Current assignee: Prudential Lighting Corp
Priority date: 1965-01-14
Filing date: 1965-01-14
Publication date: 1967-06-27
Anticipated expiration: 1984-06-27

Description

June 27, 1967 A. F. JACOBS 3,328,576

LIGHTING FIXTURE AND METHOD OF INSTALLING SAME Filed Jan. 14, 1965 I N VE NTOR.

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United States Patent 3,328,576 LIGHTING FIXTURE AND METHOD OF INSTALLHNG SAMTE Arthur F. Jacobs, Los Angeles, Calif., assignor to Prudential Lighting Corporation, Los Angeles, Caiifi, a

corporation of California Filed Jan. 14, 1965, Ser. No. 425,400 12 Claims. (Cl. 2405i.11)

The present invention relates to a lighting fixture and a method of installing the same, and more particularly to a unitary fluorescent lighting fixture adapted for rapid and simplified installation on a suspended grid-type ceiling without the use of tools.

Suspended ceilings comprised of panels laid on a grid assembly of T-bars offer many advantages, such as attractive appearance, simplicity of construction and the provision of an easily accessible space above the ceilings for running conduits, power lines and the like. Ceilings of this .type are frequently, employed in new building construction, as well as in the modernization of old buildings by lowering the ceiling line.

Fluorescent lighting fixtures are invariably used with this type of ceiling and various types of connecting means have been employed heretofore for installing such fixtures on the ceiling; for example, hooks or hangers connected to the T-bars with the fluorescent tubes suspended therebelow. The installation of lighting fixtures with prior art connecting means, however, has been 1aborious and time consuming. The ceiling connections are often located in an awkward place for working, particularly when installation requires the use of tools. Further, the location of the mounting means, as well as wireways, below the ceiling line detracts from the appearance of the ceiling.

The present invention provides a unitary lighting fixture which can be easily and quickly installed on a gridtype ceiling. In a matter of seconds, one end of the lighting fixture is fastened and then the other end is pivoted into a fastened relationship without the use of any tools. Upon installation, the mounting means is completely concealed from view and only the fluorescent tubes and lamp support means are exposed below the ceiling. If desired, a light diffuser may be snapped on to the lamp support means. The exposed portion of the fixture is thus contained in a compact and relatively flat attractive structure suspended only a minimum distance from the ceiling.

A general object of the present invention is to provide a lighting fixture which overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of prior art structures.

Another object is to provide a lighting fixture adapted for fast and simplified installation on a grid-type ceiling without the requirement of tools.

A further object is to provide a fluorescent lighting fixture which is installed to a grid-type ceiling with the mounting means concealed from view.

Still another object is to provide a practical, simplified and economical method of installing an elongated lighting fixture on a grid-type ceiling.

Other objects and advantages will be readily apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary lighting fixture installed on a grid-type suspended ceiling;

FIG. 2 is a vertical side View of the lighting fixture installed on the ceiling with portions cut away and portions shown in cross-section to facilitate understanding;

FIG. 3 is a vertical end view of the lighting fixture taken along plane III--III of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 4 is a top .plan view of the lighting fixture and the ceiling showing the method of installation.

Referring now to the drawing wherein like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, there is shown in FIG. 1 an exemplary lighting fixture 10 which is installed on a suspended ceiling. The suspended ceiling may include a grid arrange-ment of T-shaped bars 12 which are spaced and disposed perpendicularly with respect to one another so as to define a plurality of rectangular openings 14 for receiving panels 16.

The T bars 12 may be disposed in an inverted position with flange portion 12a (FIG. 3) extending horizontally and flange portion 12b extending vertically therefrom. Flange portions 12a of the perpendicularly disposed T bars provide a ledge about the periphery of each opening 14 to support panels 16. The panels may be constructed of any suitable material such as cork, Masonite, plastic, fiberboard, wood and the like.

The lighting fixture 10' is comprised of a novel arrangement of elements in novel relationship to provide a structure which can be easily and quickly installed on the ceiling. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, fixture 10 may be provided with an elongated horizontally extending light mounting means, such as mounting bar 18, which may be disposed transversely across the top edges of a parallel series of the T bars 12 of the suspended ceiling so that the longitudinal axis of the mounting bar 18 extends substantially normal to the longitudinal axes of the T bars on which it rests. The load of the lighting fixture is therefore distributed equally on all of the T bars located between the ends of the mounting bar.

Mounting bar 18 may include an elongated hollow channel 18a opening upwardly and having upwardly extending legs diverging slightly from one another and terminating in outwardly turned longitudinal flanges. An elongated top 18b with inwardly turned longitudinal flanges may slidably engage channel 18a along the tops of its legs so that the channel can be opened and closed as desired. The enclosed channel will provide an ideal space or wireway for receiving the wires required for connecting the lamps, such as fluorescent lighting tubes 20, to a power source.

A pair of lamp support means 22 may be provided to support fluorescent tubes 20 and contain the sockets therefor. The lamp support means are oppositely disposed horizontally in spaced relationship, each lamp support means being connected to a respective end of the mounting bar 18 by a pivotal connecting means 24 (FIG. 2), described in detail hereinafter. Each lamp support means 22 may include a socket platform 22a and lamp sockets 22b secured to each platform in a laterally spaced relationship with respect to the longitudinal axis of the mounting bar 18. The socket platform 22a may contain electrical terminals and wiring from the sockets 22b. The number of lamp sockets employed may be varied with the number of lamps or fluorescent tubes desired on the fixture.

It is desirable that the lighting fixture 10 be adapted for quick and easy installation on the ceiling. This may be accomplished by providing each lamp support means 22 with bar fastening means 26, which will releasably fasten each lamp support means to a respective T bar flange 12a. A pair of bar fastening means, exemplified by the flexible Clips 26 shown in FIG. 2,'may be secured to the top of the socket platform 22a and may extend outwardly horizontally to overlap and slidabiy engage horizontal T bar flange 12a so that the flange is snugly received between the clip and the top of the socket platform. The bar fastening means 25 should be sufficiently flexible to enable the lampsupport means 22 to be fastened and unfastened many times and to allow a workman to slide the lamp support means. along the T bar flange 12a when in the fastened condition. However, the bar fastening means should be sufficiently rigid to snugly retain the lamp support means in the fastened condition. A number of bar fastening means may be employed, depending upon the requirements. They may be laterally spaced from one another with respect to the longitudinal axis of the mounting bar 18. If desired, the bar fastening means may be formed from the socket platform itself, for example, by cutting a portion of the top surfaces of the socketplatform 22a in the form of a tongue and lifting the cut portion away from the horizontal plane of the platform.

The pivotal connecting means support means 22 to the mounting bar 18, and permits lighting fixture to be easily and quickly installed on the suspended ceiling in a manner such that only the lamp support means and fluorescent tubes are visible below the ceiling. As shown in FIG. 2, the connecting means 24 I may pivotally connect each lamp support means 22 located below the mounting bar 18 to opposite end portionsof the mounting bar, witheach pivotal axis extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mounting bar and extending vertically when the mounting bar rests transverse the T-bars.

Pivotal connecting means 24 may also position each lamp support means 22 below and adjacent the bottom of the T-bar flanges 12a when the mounting bar 18 is resting transversely on the top edges of the vertical flange portions 12b. In order to accomplish this the height of connecting means 24 is such that when placed in position in the manner described hereinafter the resultant vertical distance between the top of the socket platform 22a and the bottom of the mounting bar 18' is at least as great as the height of the T-bars 12. Accordingly, this arrangement will expose below the ceiling only that portion of the lighting fixture 10 which is located below the top of the socket platform 22a.

As shown in FIG. 3, pivotal connecting means 24 may further position the center 220 of the lamp support means in a laterally offset location with respect to a vertical plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the mounting bar 18. This offset distance maybe such that when the lamp support means 22 is fastened to the T-bar flanges 12a the center 22c of the lamp support means will lie directly beneath a cross T-bar which extends parallel to the mounting bar 18(see FIG. 3). Accordingly, upon installation, the lamp support means 22 will lie directly below this T-bar, resulting in an attractive and symmetrical appearance.

The pivotal connecting means 24 may further position the lamp support means 22 in a predetermined horizontally space relationship at opposite ends of the mounting bar 18 so that each pair of bar fastening means 26 is adapted to clip onto a respective and selected T-bar flange 12a. The mounting bar 18 may be cut to a proper length to provide for this distance or may be bayoneted or telescoped intermediate its ends so that its length can be selectively adjusted.

Pivotal connecting means 24 may include a cylinder, such as hollow cylinder 24a, with the top end extending through an opening 27 in the bottom of channel 18:: and the bottom end extending through an opening 28 in the top of socket platform 22a. The respective ends of cylinder 24a are rotatable within channel 18a and socket platform 22a, and may be flared outwardly to be retained therein.

Collars 2412 may be connected adjacent each end of 24 connects the lamp cylinder 240, with the top collar slidably engaging the bottom of channel 18a and the bottom collar slidably engaging the top of socket platform 22a. Collars 24b may be connected to the cylinder by any suitable means such as by press fitting, knurling or spot weldingpAccordingly, upon fastening one lamp support means-22 to a T bar at one end of the mounting bar 18, this type Of connection permits the oppositely disposed lamp support means to be pivoted about the fastened lamp support means for fastening to a selected T bar at the other end of the mounting bar.

The lighting fixture may also be provided with means adapted to restrain it from twisting movement when installed on the ceiling. The restraining means may include end plates 18c which may be connected at each end of mounting bar 18 to portions 18d of the channel top 18b which are slidingly separable therefrom. Each end plate 18c may have a downwardly directed lug for engaging the outer side T-bar as shown in FIG. 2. Top portions 18 d may he slid on and off the longitudinal flanges of the channel legs to engage or disengage the lug with a respective T-bar.

The separable channel top portions 18d may also provide quick access to the end portions of channel 18a for the purpose of making required electrical connections. A knock-out plug 186 may be provided in the end piece 18c so that wires may be run from the lighting fixture to an electrical power source.

Lighting fixture 10 may be further retained in its installed position by a weight 28 which may be constructed of a heavy material, such as lead, and may be grooved to conform substantially to the shape of channel top 18b so that it can he slid easily along the top of the mounting bar or removed therefrom.

Upon installation of the lighting fixture the mounting bar 18 is disposed on top of the T-bars 12 and lamp sup port means 22 are disposed therebelow. This may be accomplished by passing the lighting fixture 10 upwardly through one of the openings 14 and then bringing the lamp support means 22 down below the T-bars. As shown in FIG. 4 one end of the lighting fixture is fastened to a T-bar flange 12a by a pair of bar fastening means 26, with the center 220 of the lamp support means positioned directly below a vertical portion 12b of a T-bar (see FIG. 3). This will fasten one end of the lighting fixture. Next, the fixture is positioned with its longitudinal axis transverse a plurality of parallel T-bars 12 (as shown in the phantom position in FIG. 4) with the bar fastening means 26 on the socket platform 22a at the other end of the fixture still disengaged from horizontal portion 12a of its adjacent T-bar.

The unfastened end of the lighting fixture is then pivoted about pivotal connecting means 24 at the fastened end and bar fastening means .26 of the unfastened end is brought into fastening engagement with flange 12a of the T-bar adjacent that end. The bar fastening means 26 may he slid along the T-bar flange during the pivoting operation until the center of the second lamp support means is positioned directly below the T-bar. The lighting fixture is now in its installed position. Thereafter the'weight 28 may be mounted and wiring connections made. The mounting bar top portions 18d may then be slid into place so that the end plates will further prevent twisting of the lighting fixture.

After installation of the lighting fixture panels 16 may be easily laid in place. No alteration is required of the panels except for the panel adjacent each end of the lighting fixture which may be pre-slotted to receive the cylinder 24a, the slot remaining concealed above the socket platform 22a.

The fluorescent lighting tubes 20 may be mounted during any part of the installation, but are preferably mounted after the, ceiling has been completed.

The instant invention is not limited to fixtures using fluorescent tubes-but may be adapted for fixtures in which of thevertical portion 12b of the a number of ordinary light bulbs are supported at each end. Further, the invention is not limited to fixtures for ceilings which have a grid arrangement of T-bars but may be adapted for any ceiling comprised of spaced apart structural members.

It is apparent that the present invention provides a unitary lighting fixture adapted for rapid and simplified installation on a suspended ceiling whereby the mounting means is not exposed below the ceiling line. The present invention further provides a quick and economic method of installation which obviates the necessity for tools. The lighting fixture of the present invention is also adapted for simple and economic construction and maintenance.

It is to be understood that various modifications and variations may be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof and the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A unitary fluorescent lighting fixture adapted for rapid and simplified installation on a suspended ceiling having a grid arrangement of inverted T-bars and cross T-bars comprising:

(a) an elongated mounting means adapted to rest transversely across the tops of a plurality of the T-bars arranged in parallel in horizontally spaced relationship;

(b) a pair of lamp support means oppositely disposed in horizontally spaced relationship for receiving opposite ends of at least one fluorescent tube;

(c) means pivotally connecting each lamp support means to opposite end portions of the mounting means, with each pivotal axis extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mounting means and extending vertically when the mounting means rests transverse the T-bars;

(d) said pivotal connecting means being adapted to position the lamp support means below and adjacent the T-b-ars on which the opposite end portions of the mounting means rest transversely;

(e) said connecting means being further adapted to locate each lamp support means in a position laterally oifset from the longitudinal axis of the mounting means so that when the lamp support means is fastened to a T-bar the center of the lamp support means will lie directly beneath a respective cross T-bar which extends parallel to the mounting means;

(f) bar fastening means carried by each lamp support means for leasably fastening the lamp support means to a flange of a respective T-bar;

(g) said bar fastening means being positioned a predetermined distance apart by said connecting means so that the pair of lamp support means are adapted to be fastened to selected spaced apart T-bars; and

(h) means slidable on each end portion of the mounting means along its longitudinal axis for engaging a side of a respective cross T-bar to restrain longitudinal movement of the lighting fixture.

2. A unitary lighting fixture adapted for rapid installation on a suspended ceiling having spaced apart elongated structural members comprising:

(a) an elongated mounting means adapted to rest transversely across the tops of the structural members;

(b) a pair of lamp support means for receiving at least one lighting element;

(c) means connecting each lamp support means to the mounting means so that the lamp support means are located below said suspended ceiling when the mounting means rests on the ceiling structural members;

(d) at least one of said connecting means being a pivotal connection With the pivotal axis thereof extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mounting means and extending vertically when the mounting means rests on the ceiling structural members; and

(e) means carried by the elongated mounting means for fastening each lamp support means to a respective ceiling structural member;

whereby the lighting fixture can be easily and quickly installed by fastening a pivoted lamp support means toa first ceiling structural member and then pivoting the other lamp support means about the pivotal connection to fasten the other lamp support means to a second ceiling structural member.

3. A unitary fluorescent lighting fixture adapted for rapid and simplified installation on a suspended ceiling having a grid arrangement of inverted T-bars and cross T-bars comprising:

(a) an elongated mounting means adapted to rest transversely across the tops of a plurality of the T- bars arranged in parallel in horizontally spaced relationship;

(0) means connecting each lamp support means to the mounting means, said connecting means being adapted to position the lamp support means below and adjacent to the T-bars on which the opposite end portions of the mounting means rest transversely;

(d) the connecting means connecting at least one of said lamp support means being a pivotal connection with the pivotal axis extending substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the mounting means and extending vertically when the mounting means rests transverse the T-bars;

(e) bar fastening means carried by each lamp support means for releasably fastening the lamp support means to a flange of a respective T-bar;

whereby the lighting fixture can -be easily and quickly installed by fastening the pivoted lamp support means to a first T-bar and then pivoting the other lamp support means about the pivotal connection to fasten the other lamp support means to a second T-bar.

4. A lighting fixture as claimed in claim 3 wherein the mounting means includes an elongated hollow channel opening upwardly with upwardly extending legs and an elongated top slidably engaging the tops of the channel legs to open and close the channel.

5. A lighting fixture as claimed in claim 3 wherein the bar fastening means includes clips slidably engaging the horizontal flange portion of a respective T-bar.

6. A lighting fixture as claimed in claim 3 wherein the connecting means are further adapted to locate each lamp support means in a position laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the mounting means so that when the lamp support means is fastened to a T-bar, the center of the lamp support means will lie directly beneath a respective cross T-bar which extends parallel to the mounting means.

7. A lighting fixture as claimed in claim 3 wherein the mounting bar includes restraining means to preclude twisting movement of the lighting fixture when installed on the ceiling.

8. A lighting fixture as claimed in claim 3 wherein weight means is releasably mounted on top of the mounting means.

9. A lighting fixture as claimed in claim 4 wherein the pivotal connecting means includes a cylinder rotatable within the hollow channel and lamp support means.

10. A lighting fixture as claimed in claim 4 wherein each lamp support means includes a socket platform and at least one lamp socket.

11. A lighting fixture as claimed in claim 5 wherein the clips are formed from a surface of the lamp support means.

12. A lighting fixture as claimed in claim 7 wherein the restraining means includes end plates on the mounting 7 means provided with lugs for engaging the vertical portions of adjacent T-bars.

ReferencesCited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,291,489 '7/ 1942 Naysmith 24051.1 1 2,440,603 3/ 1947 Guth 240-147 2,463,046 3/ 1949 Naysmith 2402 8 Schwartz 52-28 Pascucci 248-343 Kalbrunner 24078 Waller 2409 NQRTON ANSHER, Primary Examiner.

W. M. FRYE, Assistant Examiner.

Claims

2. A UNITARY LIGHTING FIXTURE ADAPTED FOR RAPID INSTALLATION ON A SUSPENDED CEILING HAVING SPACED APART ELONGATED STRUCTURAL MEMBERS COMPRISING: (A) AN ELONGATED MOUNTING MEANS ADAPTED TO REST TRANSVERSELY ACROSS THE TOPS OF THE STRUCTURAL MEMBERS; (B) A PAIR OF LAMP SUPPORT MEANS FOR RECEIVING TO REST ONE LIGHTING ELEMENT; (C) MEANS CONNECTING EACH LAMP SUPPORT MEANS TO THE MOUNTING MEANS SO THAT THE LAMP SUPPORT MEANS ARE LOCATED BELOW SAID SUSPENDED CEILING WHEN THE MOUNTING MEANS RESTS ON THE CEILING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS; (D) AT LEAST ONE OF SAID CONNECTING MEANS BEING A PIVOTAL CONNECTION WITH THE PIVOTAL AXIS THEREOF EXTENDING SUBTANTIALLY PERPENDICULAR TO THE LONGITUDINAL AXIS OF THE MOUNTING MEANS AND EXTENDING VERTICALLY WHEN THE MOUNTING MEANS RESTS ON THE CEILING STRUCTURAL MEMBERS; AND