AU2015202273B2 - A lighting fixture and lighting system - Google Patents

Abstract

A lighting fixture for connecting to an electrical cable. The lighting fixture has a main body providing an open passage through which the electrical cable may extend, a 5 connector pin or pins protruding into the passage and being configured to pierce into and terminate with the cable, and a seal or seals encapsulating each pin to provide a sealed connection of the pins into the cable. A clamping assembly is also provided that is releasably coupled to the main body and to substantially enclose the passage and clamp the cable within the passage to the main body. The lighting fixture also has a 10 light holder that is mounted to or within the main body and which is electrically connected to the connector pin or pins, the light holder being configured to retain and receive a lighting element. An outer enclosure is mounted to the main body to surround and enclose any light element installed in the light holder. 1/20 10 12 FIGURE A

Description

1/20

10

12

FIGURE A A LIGHTING FIXTURE AND LIGHTING SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a lighting fixture and lighting system. In particular, although not exclusively, the lighting fixture and lighting system may be suited for applications in which temporary lighting is required.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Temporary lighting is required in various applications. One common example is construction sites where temporary lighting is suspended throughout the construction site and within a partially constructed building to enable construction work to continue and progress throughout the night. In such applications, temporary lighting must be weather-proof and robust.

One type of temporary lighting system currently on the market comprises a length of cable which is provided with a series of uniformly spaced apart lighting fixtures. The manufacture of such temporary lighting system is labour-intensive as each lighting fixture is individually soldered and/or connected by screw terminals to the conductors of the cable. The electrical terminations of each lighting fixture to the cable are protected by an outer plastic housing that is either moulded or otherwise permanently encased around the terminals. This temporary lighting system configuration, from a manufacturing viewpoint, is not easily customisable in terms of the lighting fixture interspacing distance and it is also difficult to repair individual lighting fixtures or to add additional lighting fixtures to an existing cable without compromising the integrity of the cable and lighting system.

In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated otherwise, reference to such external documents is not to be construed as an admission that such documents, or such sources of information, in any jurisdiction, are prior art, or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved lighting fixture for use in a temporary lighting system, or to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

In a first aspect, the invention broadly consists in a lighting fixture for connecting to an electrical cable, comprising: a main body providing an open passage through which the electrical cable may extend, a connector pin or pins protruding into the passage and being configured to pierce into and terminate with the cable, a seal retaining recess provided in a lower surface of the passage that is shaped and sized to receive and retain a seal, the seal surrounding each pin to provide a watertight sealed connection around the pierced regions of the pins into the cable, the seal being formed of a resiliently deformable material that is configured to compress against and around the connector pin penetration point(s) into the cable and wherein the seal is configured to at least partially protrude into the passage and to allow terminating ends of the surrounded connector pin or pins to protrude above the seal in the passage; a clamping assembly that is releasably coupled to the main body and which is configured to substantially enclose the passage and clamp the cable within the passage to the main body; a light holder that is mounted to or within the main body and which is electrically connected to the connector pin or pins, the light holder configured to power one or more lighting elements mounted to or retained by the light holder; and an outer enclosure mounted to the main body that is configured to enclose the one or more lighting elements.

In an embodiment, the main body comprises an upper part (upper body part) and a lower part (lower body part) that are coupled together. In one form, the upper body part and lower body part of the main body are releasably coupled together. In another form, the upper body part and lower body part of the main body are permanently coupled together or integrally formed.

In one configuration, the passage extends through the upper body part. In one form, the passage extends from one side to the opposite side of the upper body part, in an upper region of the upper body part. In one example, the connector pin or pins protrude into the passage from a lower surface of the passage. In this configuration, the clamping assembly is releasably coupled to the upper body part above the passage.

In an embodiment, the passage is elongate in that it is longer than it is wide. The passage extends between an entry aperture on one side of the upper body part and an exit aperture on the opposite side of the upper body part.

In one configuration, one or more ramp protrusions or formations are provided on the upper body part adjacent the entry and exit apertures of the passage to guide the cable into the passage.

In one configuration, one or more ridges or protrusions are provided on a lower surface of the passage that are configured to engage into a lower surface of the cable to assist in preventing the cable from slipping within the passage. In one form, the ridges are tapered with a pointed edge and are transversely orientated relative to the longitudinal direction of the passage.

In an embodiment, a single seal is provided that surrounds the or each connector pin. In one configuration, the thickness of the seal is greater than the depth of the seal retaining recess such that the seal protrudes into the passage from the lower surface of the passage. In this configuration, the thickness of the seal is selected to allow the terminating ends of the surrounded connector pin or pins to protrude above the seal in the passage.

In one configuration, the seal may be formed of silicone, rubber, or other such materials.

In an embodiment, each connector pin as a pointed or sharp or tapered end for piercing into the cable in the passage of the upper body part. In one configuration a pair of connector pins are provided, a phase pin and a neutral pin, for terminating with respective conductors of a multi-core cable, such as a 2-core, 3-core, or 4-core electrical cable, for example, although a cable with any number of conductors could be used in alternative configurations. In this configuration, the pair of pins may have an offset location relative to the center of the passage such that each pin protrudes into the passage on an opposite side relative to the longitudinal center of the passage. Additionally, each pin of the pair of pins may have an offset location relative to a transverse centre line extending across the passage such that each pin protrudes into the passage on an opposite side of the transverse centre line relative to the other pin of the pair. The number and layout of pins may be altered to suit any single or multi-core cable. Connector pins may be configured to connect selectively to one, some or all of the conductors a multi-core cable, in various embodiments.

In one configuration, the passage is configured to receive and retain a cable having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional profile. In another configuration, the cable may have a round cross-sectional profile.

In an embodiment, the lighting fixture further comprises an attachment part that is shaped and/or configured to enable the lighting fixture to be suspended, hung or otherwise attached to a structure, hook, suspension cable, or similar. In one form, the attachment part comprises a body having a central aperture.

In one configuration, the attachment part is mounted to the upper body part of the main body, for example centrally or elsewhere. In one form, the attachment part is mounted to the upper body part of the main body by the clamping assembly. In one embodiment, the attachment part is rotatably mounted to the upper body part. In one such example, the attachment part is rotatably mounted relative to a rotation axis extending longitudinally through the center of the main body from top to bottom. In this example, the attachment part may comprise a central rotation shaft that is received and retained for rotation within a complementary receiving aperture formed by the clamping assembly. In one arrangement, the rotation shaft of the attachment part may terminate with an oversized protuberance relative to the receiving aperture of the clamping assembly to prevent the attachment part from being dislodged from the upper body part.

In an embodiment, the upper body part comprises a retaining recess that is configured to receive and retain the clamping assembly. In this embodiment, the clamping assembly may be releasably coupled within the retaining recess formed in the upper body part by fixing devices, such as screws or similar. In one configuration, the passage extends below or forms part of the retaining recess for the clamping assembly. In one configuration, the clamping assembly is a 2-part assembly comprising two opposed annular parts that when fitted together on the upper body part form the receiving aperture for the rotation shaft of the attachment part.

In an embodiment, the upper and lower body parts of the main body are each substantially frusto-conical in shape, with the reduced diameter ends of the parts being at opposing ends of the main body and the larger diameter ends of the parts being adjacent each other. In this embodiment, each of the upper and lower body parts of the main body are substantially hollow and defined by a peripheral wall, each wall extending between a small-end diameter rim at the reduced diameter end that defines a small-end aperture and a large-end diameter rim at the larger diameter end that defines a large-end aperture.

In one configuration, the upper and lower body parts are releasably coupled together by fixing devices such as screws or similar.

In an embodiment, the lower body part of the main body is configured to receive and retain the light holder. In one configuration, the light holder comprises a terminals end that is located at or toward the larger diameter end of the lower body part and a socket end that is located at or toward the reduced diameterend of the lower body part. In this configuration, the connector pin or pins are electrically coupled to or extend from the terminals end of the light holder, and the socket end of the light holder provides a socket for receiving and retaining a lighting element, the socket being accessible through the small end of the lower body part.

In an embodiment, the outer enclosure is an openable enclosure. In one configuration, the outer enclosure comprises an upper enclosure part that is releasably coupled to a lower enclosure part. In one example, the lower enclosure part is pivotably or hingedly coupled at one side to the upper enclosure part and releasably securable to the upper enclosure part by a clipping mechanism. In this example, the lower enclosure part may be pivoted and clipped into a closed position with the upper enclosure part or unclipped and pivoted away from the upper enclosure part into an open position to allow access to the light holder and/or any installed lighting element.

In one configuration, the outer enclosure is substantially circular in cross-section along its length between a top end mounted or secured to the main body and a bottom end, with its diameter progressively increasing from its top end toward an intermediate point and then progressively reducing toward the bottom end. In one configuration, the outer enclosure may be substantially oval or egg-shaped with each of the upper and lower parts each forming substantially half of the enclosure.

In one embodiment, outer enclosure is defined by a peripheral wall or walls. In one form, peripheral wall(s) are solid to provide a solid enclosure. In another form, the wall(s) may be mesh or similar to provide a cage enclosure.

In one configuration, the top end of the outer enclosure is defined by an aperture having an internal peripheral ledge that is configured to sit or rest upon a complementary annular seat surface provided by the lower body part of the main body. In this configuration, the annular seat surface of the lower body part may be the large-end diameter rim of the lower body part. In this configuration, the internal peripheral ledge of the outer enclosure is sandwiched between large-end diameter rims of the upper and lower body parts when assembled together.

In one configuration, an annular seal is provided between the internal peripheral ledge of the outer enclosure and large-end diameter rim of the upper body part. In this configuration, the upper surface of the internal peripheral ledge of the outer enclosure may provide an annular seat surface for receiving the annular seal.

In one embodiment, the outer enclosure is formed from transparent walls to provide an outer enclosure in the form of a lens. In other embodiments, at least a portion or portions of the peripheral wall of the outer enclosure may be opaque. Additionally, at least a portion or portions of the internal surface of the peripheral wall of the outer enclosure may be reflective.

In one embodiment, the light holder is configured to power two or more lighting elements, and wherein the two or more lighting elements are light emitting diodes mounted to the light holder. In another embodiment, the light holder is configured to power a single lighting element, and wherein the lighting element is an incandescent or fluorescent light bulb or lamp that is retained by the light holder.

In a second aspect, the invention broadly consists in a lighting system comprising: a length of electrical cable for terminating to a power source; and a plurality of lighting fixtures according to the first aspect installed on the cable in a spaced-apart manner.

The second aspect of the invention may comprise any one or more of the features mentioned in respect of the first aspect of the invention.

The phrase "lighting element" as used in this specification and claims is intended to mean any type, style or form of light bulb or lamp, such as, but not limited to, incandescent, light emitting diode (LED), fluorescent, high-intensity discharge (HID), low-pressure sodium, and including any type, style or form of connector such as, but not limited to, screw base, bayonet styles, bi-post, bi-pin connector, wedge base or the like.

The term "comprising" as used in this specification and claims means "consisting at least in part of'. When interpreting each statement in this specification and claims that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

Number Ranges

It is intended that reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (for example, 1 to 10) also incorporates reference to all rational numbers within that range (for example, 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and also any range of rational numbers within that range (for example, 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5 and 3.1 to 4.7) and, therefore, all sub-ranges of all ranges expressly disclosed herein are hereby expressly disclosed. These are only examples of what is specifically intended and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated are to be considered to be expressly stated in this application in a similar manner.

As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

The invention consists in the foregoing and also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples only.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example only and with reference to the drawings, in which:

Figure la is a rendered perspective view of a lighting fixture in accordance with an embodiment; Figure lb is a schematic view of the lighting fixture of Figure la employed in a chain or string lighting system for a temporary lighting system in accordance with an embodiment; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the lighting fixture;

Figure 3 is a lower perspective view of the lighting fixture; Figure 4 is an upper perspective view of the lighting fixture; Figure 5 is a side elevation view of the lighting fixture; Figure 6 is a front end elevation view of the lighting fixture; Figure 7 is a close-up front elevation view of area AA of Figure 6, showing the cable passage of the main body without the cable; Figure 8 is an underside view of the lighting fixture; Figure 9 is a plan view of the lighting fixture; Figure 10 is the plan view of the lighting fixture as shown in Figure 9 but with the rotatable attachment part omitted from view; Figure 11 is an upper perspective view of the lighting fixture as shown in Figure 10 but with screw covers of the clamping assembly omitted from view; Figure 12 is an upper perspective view of the lighting fixture as shown in Figure 11 but with half of the clamping assembly omitted from view; Figure 13 is an upper perspective view of the lighting fixture as shown in Figure 12 but with the entire clamping assembly omitted from view; Figure 14 is an upper perspective view of the main body of the lighting fixture as shown in Figure 13 but with the cable omitted from view; Figure 15 is an upper perspective view of the main body of the lighting fixture as shown in Figure 14 but with the connector pins seal omitted from view; Figure 16 is an upper perspective view of an upper part of the main body of the lighting fixture; Figure 17 is a lower perspective view of the upper part of the main body of Figure 16; Figure 18 is an upper perspective view of a partially assembled lighting fixture with the upper part of the main body omitted from view, showing the light holder installed in the lower part of the main body; Figure 19 shows the partially assembled lighting fixture as shown in Figure 18 but with the connector pins seal omitted from view; Figure 20 shows the partially assembled lighting fixture as shown in Figure 19 but with the main body seal omitted from view; Figure 21 is an upper perspective view of the lower part of the main body of the lighting fixture with the light holder installed;

Figure 22 is an underside view of the lower part of the main body of the lighting fixture as shown in Figure 21; Figures 23-25 show upper perspective, lower perspective and underside views respectively of the lower part of the main body of the lighting fixture but with the light holder removed; Figures 26 and 27 show lower and upper perspective views respectively of the lower part of the main body with a lighting element installed; Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting fixture through line BB of Figure 9; Figure 29 is a cross-sectional view of the lighting fixture through line CC of Figure 9; Figure 30 is an upper perspective view of the lighting fixture but with the lower part of the outer enclosure omitted from view; Figure 31 is an upper perspective view of the lighting fixture but with the outer enclosure and lighting element omitted from view; Figures 32 and 33 show upper perspective and side elevation views respectively of the outer enclosure of the lighting fixture in accordance with an embodiment; Figure 34 shows a side elevation view of an upper part of the outer enclosure of Figure

33; Figure 35 shows an upper perspective view of a lower part of the outer enclosure of Figure 33; and Figure 36 is a front elevation view of the attachment part of the lighting fixture in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Overview

The invention relates to a lighting fixture, typically although not exclusively for use in a chain or string lighting configuration, such as for temporary lighting applications. Although the lighting system is primarily configured for temporary lighting applications, it will be appreciated that the lighting system may also be employed as permanent lighting for certain applications if desired. The lighting fixture may be used in indoor or outdoor applications and is provided with a weather-proof design configuration.

Figure la shows an embodiment of the lighting fixture 10 installed on a flexible electrical cable 12. Referring to Figure 1b, in typical use, a series of spaced apart lighting fixtures 1a-10c would be installed on the electrical cable as shown to form chain or string lighting. The temporary lighting system would then be mounted or suspended at the desired location at the site, for example in the context of a construction site, the temporary lighting may be suspended from roofing or wall components within a building structure or suspended from poles or other structures around the external of a building or other locations requiring temporary lighting. The electrical cable is terminated at each end and connectable to a power source, such as mains power, via a plug or other electrical connector. It will be appreciated that the length of the cable is indefinite and can be customised to suit various applications. Also, lighting fixtures may have a uniform or non-uniform spacing along the cable, and the density or number of lighting fixtures per metre of cable may be modified to alter the overall lighting output to the intensity required for particular applications.

The configuration of a single lighting fixture and its installation or coupling to the cable will now be described, but it will be appreciated that this configuration is repeated along the length of cable for other like lighting fixtures.

Main componentry of lighting fixture

Referring to the exploded view in Figure 2 and Figures 3-8, the lighting fixture 10 in this embodiment comprises a main body comprising an upper part 14a (upper body part) and a lower part 14b (lower body part) that are releasably coupled together. In this embodiment, a set of screws is used to couple the upper body part 14a to the lower body part 14b as will be explained in further detail later, although it will be appreciated that any other coupling mechanism may be used, including a clipping mechanism, screw thread coupling. Alternatively the upper and lower parts may be integrally formed as a single main body part or otherwise permanently coupled in other alternative embodiments.

An open cable passage 18 is provided at or toward the upper region of the upper body part 14a of the main body. The cable passage is configured to receive a cable 12 such that the cable extends through the main body. The cable 12 is clamped within the passage 18 via a cable clamping assembly 20a, 20b that is configured to be releasably secured to the top of the upper body part 14a via a set of screws 22 or other fixing members. The cable clamping assembly 20 is configured to substantially enclose the passage 18 and clamp against the cable such that the cable is fixed relative to the main body.

Extending into the passage 18 from the lower surface of the passage are one or more connector pins 24. When a cable 12 is clamped within the passage 18 of the main body by the clamping assembly 20, the pins 24 are configured to pierce and protrude through the plastic sheath of the cable and into the conductors of the cable to terminate the lighting fixture to the cable.

A connector pins seal or seals 26 encapsulate the connector pins and compress against the underside of the cable to form a watertight seal around the pierced regions or penetration points of the pins into the cable.

The lower body part 14b of the main body is configured to receive and retain a light holder 30. The light holder 30 may be configured to snap-fit or friction-fit into the lower body part 14b or alternatively may be clamped or secured in position once the lower body part 14b is assembled to the upper body part 14a. The light holder 30 at its top end receives and terminates to the other ends of the connector pins 24 terminated to the cable. At its bottom end, the light holder comprises a socket for receiving, retaining and electrically connecting the pins to a lighting element 34, such as a light bulb or lamp. The light holder 30 may be comprised of any form, type or style of socket fitting for any type of lighting element such as, but not limited to, screw base, bayonet styles, bi-post, bi-pin connector, wedge base or the like. In this embodiment, the lighting fixture is configured to receive a single lightning element, but it will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments each lighting fixture may be configured to receive and power two or more lighting elements.

An outer enclosure to protect an installed lighting element from weather, such as rain or other water or liquid exposure, or being knocked or otherwise broken by impact or exposure, is provided. In this embodiment, the outer enclosure is a two-part openable enclosure formed with an upper part 28a that is releasably secured to a lower part 28b. The outer enclosure 28a,28b is suspended or supported by the main body. In this embodiment, the upper enclosure part 28a is clamped or secured or sandwiched between the upper body part 14a and lower body part 14b of the main body.

An attachment part 32 is provided which extends upwardly from the upper body part 14a. The attachment part is shaped and/or configured to enable the light fitting to be mounted, secured or attached to a hook, hanger or suspension cable.

More detail on each of the components of this embodiment will now be provided.

Main body

Referring to Figures 3-7 and 31, in this embodiment, the upper 14a and lower 14b body parts of the main body are each substantially frusto-conical in shape, with the reduced diameter end of each part being at opposing ends of the main body and the larger diameter end of each part being adjacent each other when assembled together. In this embodiment, each of the upper and lower body parts of the main body are substantially hollow and defined by a peripheral wall, each wall extending between a small-end diameter rim 13a, 13b defining a small-end aperture and large-end diameter rim 13c, 13d defining a large-end aperture. In this embodiment, the upper and lower body parts are releasably coupled together by fixing devices such as screws 16 or similar. Referring to Figure 17, in this embodiment, the set of screws 16 extend through the lower body part 14b and into complementary threaded recesses or formations 50 which extend and are provided on the underside of the upper body part 14a.

Passage

Referring to Figures 14-17, the cable passage 18 of the upper body part 14a will be described in further detail. Figure 14 shows the upper body part with cable clamping assembly 20a,b and attachment part 32 removed from view. This exposes the cable passage 18 which extends from one side of the upper body part 14a to the opposite side in an upper region of the upper body part. As shown in this embodiment, the cable passage 18 is an elongate recess or valley extending through the upper body part 14a. Typically the passage 18 extends centrally across the upper body part, and is longer than it is wide. The passage 18 can be considered to extend between an entry aperture 18a on one side and an exit aperture 18b on the opposite side, or vice versa, as shown in Figure 15.

In this embodiment, one or more ramp protrusions or formations 42 are provided at the entry and exit apertures 18a,18b of the cable passage 18. In this embodiment, the ramps 42 are ribs that extend in the same longitudinal direction as the passage 18 to guide the cable into the passage (see Figures 14 and 16).

Connector pins 24 extend upwardly into the passage from the lower surface of the passage for piercing into the electrical cable 12 clamped within the passage by the clamping assembly to terminate the lighting fixture to the cable as previously described, and which is shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 28 for example. Each connector pin is typically provided with a sharp, tined, or tapered end for piercing and penetrating into the cable. In this embodiment, a pair of pins 24 is provided for connecting to the phase and neutral conductors of a two or three-core electrical cable 12. In particular, neutral and phase connector pins are provided, each for terminating with a respective neutral or phase conductor of the cable. In this embodiment, the passage is configured to receive flat cable having a substantially cross-sectional area, with the phase and neutral conductors extending along respective opposite sides of the cable. As such, the pair of connector pins are displaced or offset relative to the longitudinal center of the passage toward a respective side of the passage to align with their respective conductor of the cable. Additionally, the pins are spaced apart from each other along the length of the passage for isolation reasons. For example, each pin of the pair of pins may have an offset location relative to a transverse centre line extending across the passage such that each pin protrudes into the passage on an opposite side of the transverse centre line relative to the other pin of the pair. It will be appreciated that the number and layout of the connector pins may be modified or adapted for any other single or multi-core cable, including those with rectangular or round cross-sectional profiles. It will be appreciated that the connector pins may be configured to selectively terminate to one, some or all of the conductors of a multi-core cable, whether 2-core, 3-core, 4-core or a higher number of conductors.

A seal or seals are provided which encapsulate the connector pins 24 for forming a watertight seal around the pins in the piercing regions or penetration points into the cable. In this embodiment, a single seal 26 is provided that encapsulates both pins 24 and which is of a thickness that is sufficient to extend above the lower surface of the cable passage 18 but still allowing the connector pins 24 to protrude or be exposed above the upper surface of the seal 26. When the cable is clamped securely into the passage 18 of the main body with the cable clamping assembly 20, the cable is forced to engage with the pointed connector pins which pierce into the cable to terminate into a respective conductor of the cable and under the clamping force, the seal typically compresses vertically and expands horizontally to form a seal around these penetrating terminations into the cable. In the preferred embodiment, the seal is formed of any resiliently deformable material, such as silicon, rubber or the like. In one example, the seal is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) such as, but not limited to, a OnFlexTM -S FR thermoplastic elastomer provided by PolyOne.

Referring to Figure 16, in this embodiment, the passage 18 is provided with a seal retaining recess 44 which extends below the lower surface of the passage 18 and which is a complementary shape to receive and retain the seal 26. In one configuration, the thickness of the seal is greater than the depth of the seal retaining recess 44 such that the seal 26 protrudes into the passage 18 from the lower surface of the passage. In this configuration, the thickness of the seal is selected to allow the terminating ends of the encapsulated connector pin or pins to protrude above the seal in the passage. As shown, pin apertures 46 are provided in the base of the seal retaining recess 44, through which the connector pins 24 may protrude. Referring to Figure 17, the underside of the seal retaining recess 44 can be seen along with the connector pin apertures 46.

Referring to Figures 15 and 16, in this embodiment, ridges or protrusions 48 with engagement or pointed edges are provided on the lower surface of the passage each side of the connector pins 24. The ridges 48 are configured to engage with or grip against a lower surface of the cable to assist in preventing and/or resisting cable slippage through the passage when the clamping assembly is installed, as can be seen in the cross sectional view of Figure 29. In this embodiment, the ridges 48 are transversely oriented relative to the longitudinal direction of the passage. It will be appreciated that other formations could be used, such as dimples or some other friction surface or formations. The underside surface of the clamping assembly parts 20a, 20b may also be provided with similar ridges or protrusions 49 for engaging and gripping the upper surface of the cable 12 as can be seen in the cross-sectional view of Figure 29.

Attachment part

Referring to Figures 4, 10, and 36, in this embodiment the attachment part 32 is configured to be rotatable about a longitudinal central axis DD extending through the lighting fixture, although it will be appreciated that the attachment part may be fixed in position in alternative embodiments. In this embodiment, the attachment part 32 comprises a main body 32b having a central aperture 32a through which, in use, a hook or suspension cable may extend for example or which could otherwise be used as a means to attach or suspend the lighting fixture to a structure if desired.

In this embodiment, a rotation shaft 32c extends downwardly from the main body 32b and terminates in a protuberance 32d. The rotatable attachment part 32 is secured or mounted to the upper body part 14a by the clamping assembly 20. In particular, the clamping assembly forms a receiving aperture 20c (see Figure 10) that is configured to receive and retain the rotation shaft 32c of the attachment part 32 to enable rotation.

The protuberance 32d is oversized or of a larger diameter than the receiving aperture 20c of the clamping assembly to prevent removal of the attachment part 32 from the upper body part of the main body when assembled.

It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments that attachment part may be any other type or form of attachment component such as, but not limited to, a hook or hook like component to enable the lighting fixture to be hung or supported from a structure at a desired location if required.

Clamping assembly

Referring to Figures 10-13, the cable clamping assembly 20a, 20b will be described in further detail. In an embodiment, the upper body part comprises a retaining recess 14c (see Figure 13) that is configured to receive and retain the clamping assembly above the passage 18. In this embodiment, the clamping assembly may be releasably coupled within the retaining recess 14c formed in the upper body part by fixing devices, such as screws 38 or similar, that are received in complementary threaded apertures 40 (also shown in Figure 17) provided in a base surface of the retaining recess 14c of the upper body part 14a. In this embodiment, the passage 18 extends below or forms part of the retaining recess 14c for the clamping assembly.

In this embodiment, the clamping assembly is a 2-part assembly comprising two opposed substantially annular parts 20a,20b that when fitted together on the upper body part 14a form the receiving aperture 20c for the rotation shaft 32c of the attachment part 32. As shown in Figure 10, screw caps or covers 20d, 20e are provided for snap or friction fitting onto the clamping assembly components 20a,20b to cover the screws from view in this embodiment.

It will be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, the clamping assembly may be multiple parts or alternatively a single unitary part if desired.

Lower body part and light holder

The lower body part 14b is substantially hollow and configured to receive and retain a light holder 30. In this embodiment, the small-end aperture of the lower body part 14b is provided with a plurality of spaced apart seat surfaces 58 upon which the socket end 60 of the light holder 30 rests or abuts as shown in Figure 22. As previously explained, the socket end 60 of the light holder 30 is configured to receive and retains a lighting element 34 such as a lamp or light bulb for example, as shown in Figures 26 and 27. Figures 20 and 21 shows the opposite terminals end 62 of the light holder 30 comprising the connection terminals from which the connector pins 24 are connected and extend as shown.

Referring to Figures 23-25, the apertures 56 through which fixing screws 16 extend to couple the lower body part 14b to the upper body part 14a are shown.

Outer enclosure

Referring to Figures 18-21, 30, and 32-35, the outer enclosure or housing of the lighting fixture will be explained in further detail. In this embodiment, the outer enclosure is a two-part openable housing comprising an upper enclosure part 28a and a lower enclosure part 28b that releasably fit or couple together to from the enclosure. The outer enclosure 28a, 28b is supported by or mounted to the main body 14a,14b such that it provides a protective enclosure around the lighting element 34 installed in the light holder 30. In this embodiment, the outer enclosure is substantially oval or egg-shaped. For example, the outer enclosure is substantially circular in cross-section along its length between a top end mounted or secured to the main body and a bottom end, with its diameter progressively increasing from its top end toward an intermediate point and then progressively reducing toward the bottom end. It will be appreciated that other shaped outer enclosures may alternatively be employed.

Referring to Figures 18-20, the outer enclosure 28a, 28b is intended to be mounted to or suspended from the lower body part 14b of the main body. In this embodiment, the top end of the upper enclosure part 28a is provided with an aperture having an internal peripheral ledge 52 (see Figures 20 and 32) that is configured sit or rest upon a complementary annular shoulder or seat surface 54 (see Figure 21) provided by or at the rim of the large-end aperture of the lower body part 14b. With this configuration, the ledge 52 of the outer enclosure is sandwiched between the large-end diameter rims of the upper and lower body parts 14a,14b of the main body.

In this embodiment, the annular peripheral ledge 52 of the upper enclosure part 28a itself forms a seat surface or annular recess upon which a main body seal 25, such as an annular seal, is retained and received (see Figure 19). The main body seal 25 may be formed of the same or similar material to the connector pins seal 26, or may be any form of resilient deformable material, including silicone, rubber or similar. When the upper body part 14a and lower body part 14b of the main body are fixed together with the screws 16, the main body seal 25 is compressed and forms a watertight seal to prevent entry of water inside the main body and outer enclosure in this region of the lighting fixture.

Referring to Figures 30 and 32-35, in this embodiment, the lower enclosure part is pivotably or hingedly coupled to the upper enclosure part 28a by a hinging or pivotal coupling assembly generally indicated at 70. As shown a in Figures 30, 34, and 35, a pivot rod or shaft 72 is provided on the upper enclosure part 28a that is configured to pivotally couple to a curved coupling member or hook 74 provided in an aligned location on the lower enclosure part 28b, such that when assembly together as shown in Figures 32 and 33, the lower enclosure part 28b may pivot into or away from engagement with the upper enclosure part 28a about the pivot axis or rod 72. It will be appreciated that any other suitable pivotable or hinging coupling or mechanism may alternatively be used in other embodiments.

A clipping system or mechanism, generally indicated at 80, is provided on the opposite side of the enclosure to the pivotable coupling, and is operable to secure the lower enclosure part 28b into a closed position with the upper enclosure part 28a. In this embodiment, the clipping mechanism comprises a resilient clip 82 provided on the lower enclosure part 28b (see Figure 35) that is configured to engage with a complementary catch or ledge 84 (see Figures 30 and 34) provided in an aligned location on the upper enclosure part 28a. It will be appreciated that any other clipping or securing mechanism may be used to secure the enclosure into a closed position in alternative embodiments, and that one or more clips or clipping mechanisms could be used.

In this embodiment, the outer enclosure is defined by solid peripheral walls to provide a solid enclosure. However, in alternative embodiments the walls or portions of the walls may be mesh or similar to provide a cage enclosure.

In this embodiment, the outer enclosure walls are transparent such that the enclosure is in the form of a lens. However, in alternative embodiments, at least a portion of the enclosure may be opaque, such as the upper enclosure part or some other portion of the enclosure. Additionally or alternatively, reflective material or surfaces may be provided on portions of the internal surface of the enclosure, such as the internal surface of the upper enclosure part 28a in other configurations of the lighting fixture.

In this embodiment, a drainage hole or aperture or apertures 90 are provided in at the bottom end of the lower enclosure part 28b to allow any water build-up to drain out of the enclosure in situations where water has penetrated into the enclosure at the interface between the upper and lower parts 28a, 28b. Alternatively, a seal may be provided between these parts at the interface to prevent such water penetration from occurring.

Materials

In this embodiment, the main body, clamping assembly, attachment part, light holder, and outer enclosure are primarily a hard or rigid plastics material formed by injection molding of any suitable plastics polymer, such as any thermoplastic polymer including but not limited to, for example, polycarbonate (PC), polyurethane, polymide, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), natural rubber or other such materials. As mentioned, the outer enclosure in some embodiments may be formed of a transparent plastics material such as, but not limited to, Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), or polycarbonate (PC), polyurethane, polymide, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), natural rubber or other such materials.

Construction and installation

In one example, the lighting fixtures may be installed onto pre-hung or suspended electrical cable at the required location to provide the necessary lighting.

In another example, the lighting fixtures may be pre-assembled or installed onto a length of electrical cable, and the cable is then attached at each end to a structure at the required location to suspend the chain lighting as desired.

The electrical cable may in many instances be of sufficient strength to hold the weight of the installed lighting fixtures with only being suspended between its attached end points. However, if a more complex layout of the cable and lighting is required or additional support for the chain lighting is required, one or more of the lighting fixtures may be individually coupled or suspended to hooks or other structures via their respective attachment parts to provide intermediate support to the chain lighting.

Summary of benefits and advantages

Some embodiments may have any one or more of the following benefits and/or advantages.

The lighting fixture provides a time-efficient mechanism for terminating the lighting fixture to the electrical cable at any desired location along the cable without requiring soldering or screw threaded terminals.

Customised chain lighting can be easily created using the lighting fixtures as they can be easily installed at uniform or non-uniform spacing along the cable, whether on site or in the factory.

The lighting fixture features a weather-proof design with seals protecting the electrical terminations and component from water or liquid damage.

The outer enclosure also provides weather and impact protection to the lighting elements, and the light holder is easily accessible for replacing blown or malfunctioning lighting elements.

The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred forms thereof. Modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims (30)

1. A lighting fixture for connecting to an electrical cable, comprising: a main body providing an open passage through which the electrical cable may extend, a connector pin or pins protruding into the passage and being configured to pierce into and terminate with the cable, a seal retaining recess provided in a lower surface of the passage that is shaped and sized to receive and retain a seal, the seal surrounding each pin to provide a watertight sealed connection around the pierced regions of the pins into the cable, the seal being formed of a resiliently deformable material that is configured to compress against and around the connector pin penetration point(s) into the cable and wherein the seal is configured to at least partially protrude into the passage and to allow terminating ends of the surrounded connector pin or pins to protrude above the seal in the passage; a clamping assembly that is releasably coupled to the main body and which is configured to substantially enclose the passage and clamp the cable within the passage to the main body; a light holder that is mounted to or within the main body and which is electrically connected to the connector pin or pins, the light holder configured to power one or more lighting elements mounted to or retained by the light holder; and an outer enclosure mounted to the main body that is configured to enclose the one or more lighting elements.

2. A lighting fixture according to claim 1 wherein the main body comprises an upper body part and a lower body part that are coupled together, and wherein the upper body part and lower body part of the main body are releasably coupled together or are permanently coupled together or integrally formed.

3. A lighting fixture according to claim 2 wherein the passage extends through the upper body part, and wherein the passage extends from one side to the opposite side of the upper body part, in an upper region of the upper body part.

4. A lighting fixture according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein the connector pin or pins protrude into the passage from a lower surface of the passage.

5. A lighting fixture according to any one of claims 2-4 wherein the clamping assembly is releasably coupled to the upper body part above the passage.

6. A lighting fixture according to any one of claims 2-5 wherein the passage extends between an entry aperture on one side of the upper body part and an exit aperture on the opposite side of the upper body part, and wherein one or more ramp protrusions or formations are provided on the upper body part adjacent the entry and exit apertures of the passage to guide the cable into the passage.

7. A lighting fixture according to any one of the preceding claims wherein one or more ridges or protrusions are provided on a lower surface of the passage that are configured to engage into a lower surface of the cable to assist in preventing the cable from slipping within the passage.

8. A lighting fixture according to claim 7 wherein the ridges are tapered with a pointed edge and are transversely orientated relative to the longitudinal direction of the passage.

9. A lighting fixture according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the passage is elongate in that it is longer than it is wide.

10. A lighting fixture according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the thickness of the seal is greater than the depth of the seal retaining recess such that the seal protrudes into the passage from the lower surface of the passage.

11. A lighting fixture according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the thickness of the seal is selected to allow the terminating ends of the surrounded connector pin or pins to protrude above the seal in the passage.

12. A lighting fixture according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the seal is formed from silicone, rubber, or a theremoplastic elastomer (TPE).

13. A lighting fixture according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the or each connector pin comprises a pointed end for piercing into the cable in the passage.

14. A lighting fixture according to any one of the preceding claims wherein one or more connector pins are provided for terminating with one or more selected conductors of a multi-core electrical cable.

15. A lighting fixture according to claim 14 wherein a pair of connector pins are provided for terminating with selected respective conductors of a multi-core electrical cable, and wherein each pin of the pair of pins has a respective offset location relative to the passage.

16. A lighting fixture according to claim 15 wherein each pin of the pair of pins has an offset location relative to the longitudinal centre of the passage such that each pin protrudes into the passage on an opposite side of the passage relative to the other pin of the pair, and/or wherein each pin of the pair of pins has a respective offset location relative to a transverse centre line extending across the passage such that each pin is located on an opposite side of the transverse centre line relative to the other pin of the pair.

17. A lighting fixture according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the passage is configured to receive and retain an electrical cable having a substantially rectangular cross-sectional profile.

18. A lighting fixture according to any one of claims 2-17 further comprising an attachment part that is shaped or configured to enable the lighting fixture to be attached to a structure or component.

19. A lighting fixture according to claim 18 wherein the attachment part is rotatably mounted to the main body.

20. A lighting fixture according to any one of claims 2-19 wherein the upper body part of the main body comprises a retaining recess that is configured to receive and retain the clamping assembly, and wherein the clamping assembly is releasably coupled within the retaining recess of the upper body part by fixing devices, and wherein the passage extends below or forms part of the retaining recess of the upper body part.

21. A lighting fixture according to any one of claims 2-20 wherein the upper and lower body parts of the main body are each substantially frusto-conical in shape, with the reduced diameter ends of the parts being at opposing ends of the main body and the larger diameter ends of the parts being adjacent each other, and wherein each of the upper and lower body parts of the main body are substantially hollow and defined by a peripheral wall, each wall extending between a small-end diameter rim at the reduced diameter end that defines a small-end aperture and large-end diameter rim at the larger diameter end that defines a large-end aperture, and wherein the lower body part of the main body is configured to receive and retain the light holder.

22. A lighting fixture according to claim 21 wherein the light holder comprises a terminals end that is located at or toward the larger diameter end of the lower body part and a socket end that is located at or toward the reduced diameter end of the lower body part, and wherein the connector pin or pins are electrically coupled to or extend from the terminals end of the light holder, and the socket end of the light holder provides a socket for receiving and retaining a lighting element, the socket being accessible through the reduced diameter end of the lower body part.

23. A lighting fixture according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outer enclosure is an openable enclosure, and wherein the outer enclosure comprises an upper enclosure part that is releasably coupled to a lower enclosure part, and wherein the lower enclosure part is pivotably or hingedly coupled at one side to the upper enclosure part and releasably securable to the upper enclosure part by a clipping mechanism.

24. A lighting fixture according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outer enclosure is substantially circular in cross-section along its length between a top end mounted or secured to the main body and a bottom end, with its diameter progressively increasing from its top end toward an intermediate point and then progressively reducing toward the bottom end.

25. A lighting fixture according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outer enclosure is defined by a peripheral wall or walls that are solid to provide a solid enclosure, or wherein the outer enclosure is defined by a peripheral wall or walls that comprise mesh to provide a cage enclosure.

26. A lighting fixture according to any one of claims 2-25 wherein a top end of the outer enclosure is defined by an aperture having an internal peripheral ledge that is configured to sit or rest upon a complementary annular seat surface provided by the lower body part of the main body, and wherein the internal peripheral ledge of the outer enclosure is sandwiched between the upper and lower body parts of the main body when assembled together, and wherein an annular seal is provided between the internal peripheral ledge of the outer enclosure and a rim of the upper body part, wherein an upper surface of the internal peripheral ledge of the outer enclosure provides an annular seat surface for receiving the annular seal.

27. A lighting fixture according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the outer enclosure is formed from a transparent peripheral wall or walls to provide an outer enclosure in the form of a lens; or wherein the outer enclosure is formed from a peripheral wall or walls comprising at least a portion or portions that are opaque, and wherein at least a portion or portions of the internal surface of the peripheral wall or walls of the outer enclosure are reflective.

28. A lighting fixture as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the light holder is configured to power two or more lighting elements, and wherein the two or more lighting elements are light emitting diodes mounted to the light holder.

29. A lighting fixture as claimed in any one of claims 1-27 wherein the light holder is configured to power a single lighting element, and wherein the lighting element is an incandescent or fluorescent light bulb or lamp that is retained by the light holder.

30. A lighting system comprising: a length of electrical cable for terminating to a power source; and a plurality of lighting fixtures according to any one of the preceding claims installed on the cable in a spaced-apart manner.