CA2665634A1 - Modular frame system for lighting fixtures - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a frame assembly for lighting fixtures having a plurality of connected frame members defining a pre-selected geometric frame shape. The frame members are selected from multiple pie shaped segments and/or multiple rectangular frame members. Lines or strands of materials are optionally hung from loops located on the underside of the frame.

Description

Modular Frame System inc.doc Modular Frame System For Lighting Fixtures FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention relates to overhead lighting fixtures, and, more particularly a customizable modular frame for decorative fixtures such as chandeliers.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Ornaments, for example, glass crystals are typically arranged in chandeliers and other ornamental fixtures using wire-like connectors or strands threaded through perforations in a frame or panel.

[003] Modern decorative fixtures have become more elaborate and more customized in their shape. The current practice is to create a unitary frame according to the desired shape, whether circular, oblong, rectangular, or race track shape.
Creating such custom designed crystal light fixtures for different installations is costly and time consuming. It is therefore desirable to have a lighting fixture with a frame readily adaptable by a installer to a variety of shapes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[004] The present invention may be further understood by reference to the description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[005] Figure 1A is a side view of a decorative light fixture having strands of crystals (without upper fixture connection shown).

[006] Figure 1 B is and end view of the fixture of 1A.

[007] Figure 1C is an underside view of the frame of 1A (without strands).

[008] Figures 2A to 2D are top views of individual pie segment shaped and rectangular frame members.

Modular Frame System inc.doc

[009] Figures 3A to 3D are top views of selected connected frame members forming circular or oblong shaped frames.

[0010] Figures 4A to 4D are top views of selected connected frame members forming oblong or race track shaped frames.

[0011] Figure 5A is a top view of selected connected frame members forming a multi-directional racetrack configuration.

[0012] Figure 5B is a top view of selected connected frame sections forming a triangular shaped frame.

[0013] Figures 6A to 6D are top views of selected frame members forming wave-like and S-shaped frames.

[0014] Figure 7 is view of part of a hung lighting fixture without crystals showing connectors used to join frame members.

[0015] Figure 8 is a close up view of a part of the frame of Figure 7 showing a connector.

[0016] Figure 9 is a side view of Figure 7.

[0017] Figure 10 is a bottom view of Figure 7.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION AND DESCRIPTION

[0018] Figure 1A is a side view of a decorative light fixture 10 without upper fixture hanging means that typically attaches to plate 20 in a conventional manner.
Plate 20 has frame 40 affixed to its lower surface. Frame 40 is comprised of connected modular or sectional frame members 45. Each frame member has apertures 30, shown in Figure 1C, dimensioned to hold lighting sockets. The frame members also have a plurality of underside loops or apertures 50 from which strands 60 bearing decorative glass crystals 70 may be optionally hung to create desired decorative effects.

[0019] Sectional frame members 45 shown in Figures 2A to 2D may be pie segment shaped having 60 or 45 degree angles with 13 inch, 18 inch or 23 inch radius, or rectangular shaped in a variety of lengths.

Modular Frame System inc.doc

[0020] An installer can create customized annular shaped frames shown in Figures 3A to 3D by connecting pie shaped frame segments. Connecting pie shaped frame members at the ends of rectangular shaped frame members results in racetrack configurations or shapes shown in figures 4A to E and 5A and 5B. Pie shaped frame members may also be combined to form wave like or S shaped frames as shown in Figures 6A to 6D. The frame members may be connected in a variety of ways such as bracket connectors 80 shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0021] Figures 7, 8, 9, and 10 show lighting fixture 10 having six pie segment shaped frame members 45 connected via brackets 80 to form an annular shaped frame. The fixture is shown supported by three rods 90 to the canopy.

[0022] Lines or strands of materials may be hung from loops located on the underside of the assembled frame. Materials may include crystals or combinations of crystals and other materials. Optionally, a completed fixture may have no crystals at all.

[0023] It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present invention. For example, other geometrically shaped frame members such as triangular shaped members could be used.

[0024] Although various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein in detail, it will be appreciated, by those skilled in the art that variations may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (2)

I CLAIM:

1. A frame assembly for lighting fixtures having a plurality of connected frame members defining a pre-selected geometric frame shape wherein the frame members are selected from multiple geometrically shaped frame members.

2. A frame assembly for lighting fixtures having a plurality of connected frame members defining a pre-selected geometric frame shape wherein the frame members are selected from multiple pie shaped frame segments and/or multiple rectangular frame members.