Classifications

• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
  • F21S8/00—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation
  • F21S8/02—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation of recess-mounted type, e.g. downlighters
  • F21S8/028—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation of recess-mounted type, e.g. downlighters being retractable, i.e. having two fixed positions, one recessed, e.g. in a wall, floor or ceiling, and one extended when in use
• • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
  • F21—LIGHTING
  • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
  • F21S8/00—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation
  • F21S8/04—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation intended only for mounting on a ceiling or the like overhead structures
• • 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
  • F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
  • F21V21/02—Wall, ceiling, or floor bases; Fixing pendants or arms to the bases
  • F21V21/03—Ceiling bases, e.g. ceiling roses
• • 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
  • F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
  • F21V21/36—Hoisting or lowering devices, e.g. for maintenance
  • F21V21/38—Hoisting or lowering devices, e.g. for maintenance with a cable
• • 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
  • F21V23/00—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices
  • F21V23/06—Arrangement of electric circuit elements in or on lighting devices the elements being coupling devices, e.g. connectors

Definitions

• the present invention provides a remote-controlled, retractable accessibility device for ceiling and wall fixtures, such as for lighting fixtures, ceiling fans, and other electrical devices, and the like.
• the device allows for the raising and lowering of the fixture via a wireless control.
• the core of the device is a winch system contained in a housing, which, via a motorized pulley array, allows for the lowering and raising of the fixture.
• the device is designed with male/female electrical connectors that automatically disengage to cut off the flow of electricity when the fixture is lowered so that the fixture can be safely accessed when in the lowered position and automatically engage to restore the flow of electricity when raised.
• the present invention overcomes the disadvantages and limitations of other proposed solutions and provides an accessibility device for safe, convenient, and cost- effective means to service, maintain, and clean a wide array of normally inaccessible ceiling and wall fixtures. Furthermore, these devices are adaptable for both new construction installation as well as for aftermarket installation to modify existing fixtures.
• the present invention provides a remote-controlled, descendable and retractable accessibility device for ceiling and wall fixtures.
• the present invention provides an electrical fixture accessibility device comprising: a stationary component that attaches to [is capable of affixing to] an electrical junction box on a ceiling, wall, or other structure [supporting structure], the stationary component including at least one support cable that winds around a rotatable, motor-driven spool capable of extending and retracting the support cable, one or more power terminals electrically connected to a power supply, and one or more power connectors connected to the one of more power terminals; and a moveable component that attaches to the electrical fixture, the moveable component including one or more power contacts [pads] configured to both connect electrically with and disengage from the power connectors; wherein the moveable component is connected to the at least one support cable and is moveable between (i) a docked state in which the cable is retracted [in the docked state the cable is typically fully retracted] and the moveable component is engaged physically and electrically with the stationary component and (ii) an undocked state in which the cable is extended [the
• the present invention provides the accessibility device wherein the power connectors of the stationary component are elastically deformable [compressible]. In another aspect, the present invention provides the accessibility device wherein the contacts of the moveable component are contacts [pads] that make contact with [can touch] the connectors, which can be elastically deformable.
• the present invention provides the accessibility device wherein the elastically deformable power connectors of the stationary component are springs that electrically connect with [make electrical contact with] the power connector pads of the moveable component when the moveable component and the stationary component are in the docked state.
• the present invention provides the accessibility device further comprising one or more safety lock mechanisms that hold [secure] the moveable component and the stationary component when in the docked state.
• the present invention provides the accessibility device, wherein the one or more safety lock mechanisms comprise one or more piston mechanisms on the stationary component and a corresponding number of mating receptacles [e.g., orifices or recesses] on the moveable component.
• the one or more safety lock mechanisms comprise one or more piston mechanisms on the stationary component and a corresponding number of mating receptacles [e.g., orifices or recesses] on the moveable component.
• the present invention provides the accessibility device wherein the motor is a reversible motor [capable of operating or driving in both directions].
• the present invention provides the accessibility device further comprising a belt wherein the belt mechanically couples the reversible motor and the one or more spools [wherein the belt drives and rotates the spools in the desired direction based upon the direction of torque provided by the reversible motor.]
• the present invention provides the accessibility device wherein the power supply is located in the electrical junction box.
• the present invention provides the accessibility device further comprising a control unit configured to instruct the motor-driven spool to unwind, wind, or halt the support cable.
• the present invention provides the accessibility device further comprising a proximity sensor that signals the control logic when the moveable component is proximate to the stationary component.
• the present invention provides the accessibility device further comprising a control unit configured to instruct the motor-driven spool to unwind, wind, or halt the support cable and to engage or disengage the piston from the receptacle.
• the present invention provides the accessibility device further comprising a proximity sensor that signals the control logic when the moveable component is proximate to the stationary component.
• the present invention provides the accessibility device wherein the electrical fixture is selected from one or more of the group consisting of a lighting fixture, a fan, a mobile, a speaker, a microphone, a monitor, a video monitor, a television, a surveillance camera, a safety device, a fire detector, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector, an oxygen detector, a noxious gas detector, a heat detector, a cold detector, a gauge, a communication device, a temperature measuring device, and combinations of the foregoing.
• the electrical fixture is selected from one or more of the group consisting of a lighting fixture, a fan, a mobile, a speaker, a microphone, a monitor, a video monitor, a television, a surveillance camera, a safety device, a fire detector, a smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector, an oxygen detector, a noxious gas detector, a heat detector, a cold detector, a gauge, a communication device, a temperature measuring device, and combinations of the foregoing
• the present invention provides the accessibility device wherein the electrical fixture is a lighting fixture.
• the present invention provides the accessibility device wherein the electrical fixture is a fan.
• the present invention provides the accessibility device wherein the electrical fixture is a combination lighting fixture and fan.
• the present invention provides the accessibility device wherein the electrical power is AC power.
• the present invention provides an electrical fixture accessibility system comprising: A. a stationary component that attaches to [is capable of affixing to] an electrical junction box on a ceiling, wall, or other structure [supporting structure], the stationary component including at least one support cable that winds around a rotatable, motor- driven spool capable of extending and retracting the support cable, one or more power terminals electrically connected to a power supply located in the electrical junction box, one or more power connectors connected to the one of more power terminals, and a control unit;
• a moveable component that attaches to the electrical fixture, the moveable component including one or more power contacts [pads] configured to both connect electrically with and disengage from the power connectors, wherein the moveable component is connected to the at least one support cable and is moveable between (i) a docked state in which the cable is retracted [in the docked state the cable is typically fully retracted] and the moveable component is engaged physically and electrically with the stationary component and (ii) an undocked state in which the cable is extended [the cable can be partially or fully extended in some use instances] and the moveable component is physically and electrically disengaged from the stationary component, and wherein the moveable component supplies power to the electrical fixture only when in said docked state; and
• a remote control [user operable] to operate the motor-driven spool to lower or raise the moveable component between the docked state and the undocked state.
• the present invention provides the accessibility system wherein the remote control is [user operable] and configured to transmit a fixture- identifying code to the control unit such that when said code matches the user- programmed fixture-identifying code, the motor-driven spool is rotated so as to either (i) descend the support cable and moveable component to facilitate user access of the electrical fixture or (ii) retract the support cable so as to raise the moveable component into the docked state with the stationary component and supply electrical power to the electrical fixture.
• the present invention provides a method of enabling access to an electrical fixture comprising using the aforementioned electrical fixture accessibility device to access an electrical fixture when the device is in the undocked state.
• the present invention provides the method of enabling access to an electrical fixture comprising using the aforementioned electrical fixture accessibility system when the system is in the undocked state.
• FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the ceiling fixture accessibility device disclosed herein with the stationary component and the moveable component connected physically and electrically in a docked state.
• FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the ceiling fixture accessibility device disclosed herein with the stationary component and the moveable component disconnected physically and electrically in an undocked state.
• FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment along direction 3A as shown in FIG. 1.
• FIG. 3B is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 3A.
• FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the stationary component along direction 4A as shown in FIG. 2. Note that the depth of the various levels of the stationary component are illustrated with radially drawn shading lines.
• FIG. 4B is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 4A.
• FIG. 5 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 showing an access plate and three plate retaining screws removed so as to permit user access to the stationary component.
• FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the ceiling fixture accessibility device disclosed herein mounted on a non-horizontal surface with the device in an undocked state.
• FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 showing in detail mounting screws that physically connect the stationary component to a ceiling junction box.
• FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the connection of the stationary component to the ceiling junction box and the connection of the ceiling junction box to a ceiling joist.
• FIG. 9 is an electrical schematic of an embodiment of the ceiling fixture accessibility device disclosed herein.
• FIGS. 10A and 10B are front and back views, respectively, of an embodiment of a wireless remote-control device for controlling a single ceiling fixture accessibility device.
• FIGS. 11A and 11B are front and back views, respectively, of an embodiment of a wireless remote-control device for controlling up to eight ceiling fixture accessibility devices.
• FIGS. 12A and 12B are front and side views, respectively, of a hardwired control device for controlling a single ceiling fixture accessibility device.
• FIG. 13 shows a further alternative embodiment of an aftermarket version of the device showing the device connected to an already existing electrical junction box on a ceiling. The device is shown further connected to a light, ceiling fan, or other fixture.
• FIG. 14 shows a further alternative embodiment of an original construction version of the device showing the device attached to ceiling joists with adjustable brackets.
• the device is in a docked state with the moveable component in its fully retracted position with its bottom surface flush or close to flush with the ceiling surface. Flashing is shown attached to the moveable component.
• FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the device in a docked state on a ceiling or other out-of-reach surface. This embodiment shows two cables for lowering and raising the moveable component, which are each wound around a spool or drum that is electrically powered and controlled remotely.
• FIG. 16 shows a cross-section of FIG. 15 with the moveable component and associated fixture in a lowered position for access to the fixture. The fixture is shown as disconnected from the power supply when in a lowered position, i.e. an undocked state.
• FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of male and female connectors which can provide for adjustments based on angled orientation of the device, for example when the device is mounted on a non-level ceiling or angled surface.
• the male and female connectors are shown on the moveable component and stationary component, respectively, and can optionally be reversed. That is to say, the male connectors may alternatively be disposed on the stationary component and the female connectors may alternatively be disposed on the stationary component.
• the female connector is shown on a straight stationary track and is slidably adjustable.
• the male connector is shown on a grooved track to allow for a plurality of angular adjustments.
• FIG. 18 shows a cross-section of an embodiment comprising the male and female connectors of FIG. 17.
• the moveable component is shown in a lowered position (undocked state).
• FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of a piston-post piston-activated safety mechanism for disengaging and reengaging the components of the device.
• the safety mechanism can be incorporated into any embodiment to secure the stationary component to the moveable component in its docked state.
• FIGS. 20A shows a top view and FIGS. 20B and 20C show cross-sectional views of an embodiment with a moveable component comprising a recessed light.
• the embodiment utilizes concentric circular electrodes such that the moveable component can be retracted in any rotational position.
• the concentric electrodes may be spring- loaded as shown in the embodiment.
• FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional view of a different version of the embodiment shown in FIG. 20 having a light fixture attached to the bottom of the moveable component.
• FIG. 22 shows an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) embodiment excluding a moveable component and having the electrical connectors and cables attached directly to a fan or other fixture.
• FIG. 23 shows a cross-section of the device of FIG. 18 further including the piston-activated safety mechanism shown in FIG. 19. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• the present invention provides for both directly wired and remote-controlled, retractable accessibility devices for ceiling and wall electrical fixtures and those attached to other structural surfaces, such as for lighting fixtures, fans, ceiling fans, mobiles, speakers, microphones, monitors, video monitors, televisions, surveillance cameras, safety devices, fire detectors, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, oxygen detectors, noxious gas detectors, heat detectors, cold detectors, gauges, communication devices, and temperature measuring devices. Also, the invention provides for accessing combinations of fixtures, such as a combination light and fan fixture. It is contemplated that the accessibility devices of the present invention would be modified accordingly to accommodate different mounting and connection requirements or characteristics which can vary depending upon the electrical fixture one would want to be able to access with the installation and use of this device. For example, a lighting fixture could have different requirements or characteristics, versus a ceiling fan, versus a speaking, etc.
• the devices allow for the raising and lowering of a fixture via wireless or hardwired control.
• the devices may comprise one or more modules that enable wireless communication and/or winch control. Examples of the control can include a Wi- Fi/Bluetooth enabled mobile app (application) or a handheld radio control.
• the core of the device comprises a winch system concealed in a housing which, via a cable that winds or unwinds around a motorized pulley, spool, reel, or the like, lowers and raises the fixture.
• the device also may comprise a stabilizing system to maintain the fixture essentially level and to prevent rotation and twisting of the fixture as it is lowered and raised.
• the device is designed with mating electrical connections that automatically disengage and reengage to cut off the flow of electricity when the fixture is lowered and raised. This automatic cut-off of electricity to the fixture is an important safety feature so that the fixture can be safely accessed without a shock hazard.
• One embodiment of these connectors is an electrical connector, such as a deformable electrical connector, such as a spring or spring-loaded connector, provided on one surface and a corresponding contact or pad provided on an opposing surface.
• a deformable electrical connector and corresponding contact or pad are advantageous because they will be able to engage and form an electrical connection over a wide range of orientations.
• the device can be constructed in various forms.
• the device can be an aftermarket device that can be connected to an existing ceiling- or wall-mounted electrical junction box of standard size and shape to convert a stationary electrical fixture (e.g., a light, fixture, ceiling fan, etc.) into a moveable and accessible fixture.
• the device can be designed as an original construction device, with an incorporated electrical junction box for installing an electrical fixture so that it is moveable and accessible, or as an OEM [original equipment manufacturer] device.
• the aftermarket version of the device will allow for the device to be attached to and incorporated into an originally installed junction box in the ceiling or wall, etc.
• the device can comprise a decorative cover or veneer for aesthetic purposes. The fixture would then attach to the device.
• the junction box must at least be compliant with National Electric Code 314.27 regarding supportable weight.
• the version of the device designed for original construction is designed such that the device itself is integrated into a junction box and comprises the overall device.
• This overall device that is integrated into a junction box is readily installed to supporting features such as ceiling joists, studs, posts, or other appropriate structural features.
• the device incorporates both the junction box to which the building electrical supply will be attached as well as the device itself to which the fixture will be attached.
• the version of the device for OEM applications includes lights, fixtures, fans, etc. that have the appropriate electrical connectors and cable/winch attachments to electrically and releasably engage with the stationary base component directly.
• the device may be constructed with more than one junction box and may combine, for example, an original construction junction box for connection to a fixture with an aftermarket ceiling junction box that is supplied with electric power and has been affixed to support joists or the like.
• standard as used herein in reference to an electrical junction box means a ceiling junction box of substantially rectangular or circular shape and size as is commonly used in the construction industry.
• multi-positionable and “multi-positional” as used herein mean that the device can be oriented and used so that the fixture can be located in different positions by a user as desired.
• fixture is used herein to include a wide range of electrical products such as lighting fixtures, fans, ceiling fans, mobiles, speakers, microphones, monitors, video monitors, televisions, surveillance cameras, safety devices such as fire detectors, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, oxygen detectors, noxious gas detectors, heat detectors, and cold detectors, etcetera, gauges, communication equipment, and temperature measuring devices.
• fixture is intended to include any kind of electrical device that can be mounted on a ceiling, wall, post, overhang, rafter, eave, or other structural location that is not completely vertical where more ready and convenient access of the fixture is desired.
• retracttable means that the device provides for raising or retracting the fixture back to its docked position on a ceiling, wall, or other structural feature.
• wall as used herein is used in its standard terminology to describe the side of a room, building or structure and means an upright y structure that encloses, divides, or protects an area.
• ceiling as used herein is used in its standard terminology. That is to say, the term “ceiling” as used herein refers to the upper surface of a room, compartment, or overhead structure. Ceilings include flat ceilings (essentially horizonal and parallel to a floor) as well as vaulted or cathedral ceilings.
• infinitely adjustable means that a component is continuously adjustable across a smooth continuum of positions across the entire mechanical limit of the adjustment.
• one or more pre-marked adjustments may be present and a component may be infinitely or continuously adjustable both in-between the one or more pre-marked adjustments and in-between the entire mechanical limit of the adjustment.
• the present invention provides an ergonomic, descendable and retractable device for providing access to a fixture for maintenance, servicing, cleaning, and other purposes.
• the terms ceiling and wall are used herein with respect to the fixture, the present invention contemplates that the fixture can be located on a wide range of structural features including posts, beams, overhangs, rafters, eaves, trusses, scaffolding, catwalks, walkways, etc.
• the device can be used for providing safe and convenient access to fixtures that are not readily accessible to or are out of arm’s reach to a user when the user is located on a ground surface or is otherwise located such that ready access to the fixture is not available.
• the present invention provides a descendable and retractable device for lowering and raising a fixture from a ceiling wall or other inaccessible supporting structure.
• Cables Cables capable of supporting the weight of the descendable/ascendable moveable component and any attached fixture are attached on one end to a spool.
• a belt connected to a reversible motor drives the belt to rotate the spools.
• the cable winds or unwinds about the spools according to the direction of rotation.
• the other end of the cable (the end not attached to a spool) passes through an elbow shaped guide and is attached to a moveable component below. Winding or unwinding the cables about the spools will cause the fixture and the moveable component to be rise or descend.
• the cables may be constructed of any suitable material that provides sufficient strength for supporting and lifting the moveable component and fixture, and sufficient size and flexibility for winding and unwinding around spools.
• Some embodiments may comprise one or more motorized spools of cable attached to both the stationary component and the moveable component to lower and raise the moveable component and thereby lower and raise the electrical fixture.
• the motorized spools of cable may be alternatively denoted as winches, winch systems, motorized reels, and the like.
• Various motor designs can be employed to unwind and wind the spools of wire to control the movement of the moveable or descendable portion of the base unit.
• Some embodiments employing continuous or semi-continuous concentric electrodes may comprise a single spool.
• the motorized spools or winches may be powered directly by the power source [e.g., AC power] and may be controlled by one or more spool control modules.
• the one or more spool control modules may be controlled by one or more wireless or wired communication modules.
• the wireless communication and spool control aspects may be performed by a single module.
• wireless communication and/or spool control modules may comprise a DC converter or may be supplied with DC power from a DC converter.
• the motorized spools or winches are supplied with DC power from an incorporated or external converter.
• the motorized spools or winches may be driven by belt connected to a motor.
• the motorized spools or winches may comprise one or more locking or braking mechanisms so that the moveable component is held in place when fully retracted.
• the one or more locking mechanisms may be disengaged to allow the moveable component to be lowered.
• the locking mechanisms may comprise one or more actuation components that are electrically controlled by the wireless communication and/or spool control modules. It can be appreciated that any of the control, communication, or power features can be incorporated into any number of modules or can be incorporated directly into the motorized spools or winches.
• the motorized spools or winches and optional locking or braking mechanisms thereof are the primary means to keep the moveable component retracted.
• an additional or further safety feature is used to maintain the moveable component in a retracted position.
• 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more spools may be included.
• one or more of the winches may have a higher load capacity than the others.
• 2 spools are included.
• 3 spools may be included.
• 4 spools are included.
• the spools are arranged symmetrically around the dimensions of the moveable component that they are attached to.
• the spools may be non- symmetrically arranged around the dimensions of the moveable component.
• the spools are fixed in place.
• the spools are attached to tracks or brackets that allow for the spool positions to be adjusted based upon the application.
• the positions of the spools may be fully configurable with respect to the dimensions of the moveable component.
• the device may be modifiable so that one or more spools can be added to support heavier fixtures.
• the spools are modular and the number of spools can be changed in a given device that is pre-wired and configured to control and power the spools. It can be appreciated that the number of spools may be changed based upon the particular application and upon the size and weight of the fixture that the device is designed to support. Electrical safety feature
• the device is designed with electrical connectors that automatically disengage and reengage to cut off the flow of electricity when the moveable component and/or fixture is lowered and raised. This automatic cut off of electricity to the fixture is an important safety feature so that the fixture can be safely accessed.
• FIGs. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of the device having a moveable component and electrical connectors [deformable connectors such as springs] and contacts [pads] that automatically disengage when the moveable component is lowered.
• Power may be supplied to the fixture via power lines in the ceiling that are connected to a ceiling junction box.
• terminal strips are provided on the stationary component for supplying local power to the device and the connected fixture.
• Each device is provided with a user configurable DIP switch to set a unique device identifying code.
• the device may be operated (raised or lowered) by remote control, either via a wireless remote control or a hardwired switch such as a wall switch.
• remote control either via a wireless remote control or a hardwired switch such as a wall switch.
• Figs. 10A-12B Embodiments of these forms of remote control are shown in Figs. 10A-12B.
• One or more DIP switches provided on the remote control allow the user to pair a remote control with a particular device and its associated fixture.
• a single remote control may control the operation of up to eight devices.
• the aftermarket version will allow for the device to be attached to the originally installed junction box in the ceiling or wall, utilizing a decorative veneer for aesthetic purposes. The fixture would then attach to the device.
• junction box itself to house the unit, which will then be installed in the ceiling joists. There will be no need for a traditional junction box as the unit will be both the junction box to which the building electrical supply will be attached as well as the device itself to which the fixture will be attached.
• OEM embodiments may exclude a retractable base component and instead comprise a fixture having electrical connectors, including any slidable or angular adjustment mechanisms, and cable attachments.
• An example embodiment is shown in FIG. 22 with a fan having the male connectors of FIG. 17 that can engage with the female connectors on the stationary base component when the fixture is retracted.
• a further embodiment is shown in FIG. 20 which has a single winch and uses concentric electrodes so that the recessed light fixture can electrically engage with the stationary base component at any rotational position. It can be appreciated that such embodiments are exemplary and any OEM application or embodiment relying upon any combinations of the features of the present disclosure are within the scope of the present disclosure.
• Fig. 1 shows a stationary component 100 of the fixture accessibility device affixed to a ceiling junction box 120 by screws or other affixing means (not shown).
• the stationary component 100 includes a reversible motor 125 that drives a belt 140 that drives spools 130 to wind or unwind a respective suspension cable.
• the embodiment of Fig. 1 shows three spools 130, but other numbers of spools and suspension cables is contemplated.
• the suspension cables are shown as fully retracted, each cable being wound on its respective spool 130 so as to raise a moveable component 200 of the fixture accessibility device into a docked state in which the moveable component 200 is physically and electrically connected to the stationary component 100.
• the moveable component 200 also includes an auxiliary junction box 250 to which the fixture 300, shown as an overhead light in this drawing, is connected physically and electrically.
• deformable power connectors 180 In the docked state, deformable power connectors 180, shown in this embodiment as four connectors arrayed on both the left and right sides of the stationary component 100, compress against and make electrical contact with respective mating pads disposed on the moveable component 200.
• a locking mechanism 170 shown in this embodiment as a piston disposed on the left and right sides of the stationary component 100, engage with corresponding recesses on the moveable component to securely hold the moveable component in place and maintain the docked state.
• An optional decorative face plate 260 on the bottom face of the moveable component 200 conceals the stationary component 100 when is the docked state.
• Fig. 2 shows the stationary component 100 and the moveable component 200 in an undocked state.
• the moveable component 200 suspended below the stationary component 100 by suspension cables 150 that descend from spools 130 and pass though flanged elbows 160.
• Locking mechanisms 170 have been retracted from corresponding recesses 230 so as to allow the moveable component 200 to descend.
• the deformable power connectors 180 on the stationary component 100 are disconnected from respective mating pads 220.
• the pads 220 are further connected to power lines 225 for supplying power to the fixture 300 at the auxiliary junction box 150.
• Figs. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of the stationary component 100 along direction 3A as shown in Fig. 2.
• Figs. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of the stationary component 100 along direction 3A as shown in Fig. 2. Figs.
• 3A and 3B show the positioning of the three spools 130 and their associated guiding elbow 160 and suspension cable 150, the belt 140, and reversible motor 125 in relation to an opening 120’ for the ceiling junction box 120.
• three suspension cables 150 and a corresponding number of spools 130 and elbows 160 are used to provide adequate strength and stability to support the moveable component 200 and the fixture 300.
• the belt 140 defines a perimeter of a user access area that, as will be explained below and in reference to Fig. 5, facilitates the physical mounting of the device to the ceiling junction box 120, attachment of AC power lines to power strips 185, and the setting of a fixture-identifying code via a 4-position DIP switch 189.
• Screw mounting tabs 122 are provided around the edges of the opening 120’. Mounting screws (shown in Fig. 7) can be threaded through these tabs 122 to physically secure the stationary component 100 to the ceiling junction box 120. For additional mounting strength, holes or slots 110 are provided outside the junction box opening 120’ to more securely fasten the stationary component 100 to the ceiling or wall when extra support is needed for heavier electrical fixtures. A toggle bolt or other secure fastening system may be used to fasten the stationary component 100 through slots 110 to the ceiling or joists. On left and right sides of the opening 120’ are disposed terminal strips 185 to which a user can connect AC power lines that have been fed from the junction box 120 and through the opening 120’.
• This embodiment shows two terminal strips 185 to accommodate two AC power lines for use with fixture 300 that combines, for example, a ceiling light and a ceiling fan, each with its own supply of power.
• fixture 300 that combines, for example, a ceiling light and a ceiling fan, each with its own supply of power.
• Other embodiments having a fewer or greater number of terminal strips 185 are also contemplated in accordance with the requirements of a particular application.
• a control unit 191 that includes the user settable 4-position DIP switch 189 is shown within the user access area bounded by the belt 140.
• the DIP switch 189 is set by the user to establish a fixture-identifying code that, when transmitted by a wireless remote control or wired switch, will allow remote controlled operation of the accessibility device.
• Figs. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional views of the stationary component 100 along direction 4A as shown in Fig. 2.
• the deformable power connectors 180 are arrayed in an offset configuration to provide greater distance between the connectors 180 and thus greater safety from electrical hazards.
• Other embodiments contemplate various alternative configurations of the deformable power connectors, such as radially about the opening 120’ or in a linear configuration.
• Fig. 5 shows an access plate 197 and three plate retaining screws 123B that are used to secure the plate 197 to the stationary component 100.
• a user is able to access the aforementioned user access area, which includes the holes and/or slots 110, screw mounting tabs 122, the terminal strips 185, and the DIP switch 189.
• Fig. 6 shows an embodiment in which the stationary component 100 has been mounted on a non-horizontal surface, such as the sloped portion of a ceiling.
• the suspension cables 150 will also extend and retract at a uniform speed and hence the moveable component 200 while suspended will maintain the same angle with respect to the horizontal as does the stationary component 100.
• the elbows 160 are provided with flanged ends that permit the cables 150 to drop vertically and accommodate a wide range of mounting angles.
• Fig. 7 shows in close detail the physical connection of the stationary component
• FIG. 9 is a schematic drawing that shows an embodiment of electrical connections between the power lines from the junction box 120 and the stationary component 100.
• two 4-wire AC power lines are used to provide power to, for example, a fixture 300 that includes both a ceiling fan and a ceiling light.
• a fixture 300 that includes both a ceiling fan and a ceiling light.
• other embodiments may contain a fewer or greater number of power lines and corresponding terminals and connectors on the stationary component 100.
• 4-wire AC power lines are connected from the junction box 120 to 4-wire terminal strips 185. A user would typically connect these power lines to the terminal strips 185 when first installing the accessibility device.
• Each individual terminal on the terminal strips 185 is connected to an individual deformable power connector 180.
• a set of power lines from one terminal strip 185 is connected to a control unit 191.
• the control unit would include an AC-DC converter (not shown), a 4-position DIP switch 189 and various control logic including a microcontroller 193.
• the microcontroller 193 and various control logic communicate with a remote-control device, such as a wireless remote control 400 (as shown) or, for example, a wired remote control device (as shown in Figs. 12A and 12B).
• a remote-control device such as a wireless remote control 400 (as shown) or, for example, a wired remote control device (as shown in Figs. 12A and 12B).
• the control unit 191 controls operation of the reversible motor 125 to raise or lower the fixture 300.
• the control unit 191 is also connected to a proximity sensor 195 that notifies the control unit when the cables 150 have been fully retracted so that the microcontroller 193 can instruct the reversible motor 125 to stop and the pistons 170 to engage with and protrude into the corresponding recesses 230.
• FIGS. 10A and 10B are front and back views, respectively, of an embodiment of a wireless remote-control device 400 for controlling a single ceiling fixture accessibility device.
• the front of the wireless remote control 400 includes a toggle switch 410 to control the rotational direction of the reversible motor 125 and thus the raising and lowering of the electric fixture 300.
• Mounted on the rear of the wireless remote control 400 is a 4-position DIP switch 415 that, when set to match the fixture-identifying code of the DIP switch 189 on the stationary component 100, configures the remote control 400 for controlling the fixture 300 attached to said stationary component 100.
• FIGS. 11A and 11 B are front and back views, respectively, of an alternative embodiment of a wireless remote-control device 400.
• the remote control 400 is provided with eight toggle switches 410 on the front and eight 4-position DIP switches on the rear, to enable control of up to eight ceiling fixture accessibility devices.
• FIG. 12A is a front view of a hardwired remote control 420 that is provided with a toggle switch and a dimmer.
• FIG. 12B is a side view of the hardwired control device and shows a 4- position DIP switch 415 for setting the fixture identifying code.
• FIGs. 13 -23 show additional embodiments of the disclosure. These embodiments are contemplated to various structures and junction boxes and to employ spools and connectors of various shapes and sizes. Yet further embodiments that comprise various sizes and shapes of connectors, motors, connectors and safety locking mechanism may also be contemplated without departing from the gist and scope of the disclosure.
• Housing (alternatively referred to as stationary base unit) o Contains the fixed-component portions of the device o Comprises slidably adjustable electrical connectors o For the original construction version
• ⁇ May have a junction box incorporated and may be mounted above the ceiling or on the wall between the joists or studs
• ⁇ May not have a junction box incorporated and may be fastened to the junction box installed in the ceiling of the structure.
• Flashing surrounds it such that there is a clean look at the circumference of the device when raised flush with the ceiling o
• Contains angularly-adjustable electrical connectors o Attaches to the fixture via connections in the same size, orientation, and manner as if it were the junction box in the ceiling to which the fixture is attached o Out of the box ceiling white, but of a material which allows customer to paint custom colors
• two (2) or more motorized spools of wire attached affixed to the ceiling mount and to the decorative cover, which will be raised and lowered by engaging the motors with the remote app o
• the fixture will be kept in the same relative position to the plate/motors mounted to the junction box due to it having two anchor points, one for each spool o
• the fixture will be kept level as the end of each wire will attached to a splitter, which will then have two wires which will extend to the corners on their respective side of the inside of the decorative cover. This design allows for four (4) points of contact, keeping the cover to which the fixture is mounted at the same relative angle
• Safety mechanism o This will be independent of the raising/lowering mechanism to enable independent and redundant safety in conjunction with the tension provided by the motorized spools o This will be a piston/stem mechanism that will be engaged:
• the device may comprise a switch or sensor to determine whether the fixture is fully raised.
• the switch or sensor may trigger the piston to close or may communicate with the app to determine whether the piston should be closed.
• the stem will be attached to the inside of the decorative cover and have a hole to receive the piston which will be positioned such that the housing and decorative cover are fully mated when in the closed position o
• the piston and stem will be mounted on similar mechanisms as the electrical connections to allow for a variable angle of the ceiling
• Control App o This will be an iOS/Android app to allow for:
• the male and female electrical connectors may be adjustable so that the moveable component can properly engage with the stationary component when it is mounted on a non-horizontal surface.
• An embodiment of adjustable male and female connectors is shown in FIG. 17. The view shown in FIG. 17 is cross-sectional.
• the male connector may have a conical shape and may engage with a female connector having a conical cavity.
• the conical cavity of the female connector may be larger than the conical male connector so that the female connector can accommodate the male connector at multiple orientations.
• the female connector may be attached to the stationary base component via a track or equivalent mounting system that allows for the connector to be slidably adjusted.
• the track may be mounted to the stationary base component in an orientation that provides for slidable adjustment of the female connector in the desired direction. In some embodiments, the track may be rotated or attached in different orientations so that the female connector can be secured in various positions.
• the male connector may be attached to the moveable component via an angular adjustment mechanism.
• the angular adjustment mechanism may comprise a grooved track with pre-marked adjustments and may be infinitely adjustable in-between the limits of the angular adjustment mechanism and in-between the pre-marked adjustments.
• the pre-marked adjustments may be at common ceiling or mounting surface angles such as 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60° from vertical as depicted in FIG. 17. It can be appreciated that various designs for the male connector and angular adjustment mechanism are contemplated so long as the male connector can be angularly adjusted in at least one direction.
• the angular adjustment mechanism may also comprise a vertical adjustment mechanism that allows the male connector or the angular adjustment mechanism to be moved vertically relative to the moveable component while maintaining electrical connection to the fixture.
• the angular adjustment mechanism may be rotated or attached to the moveable component in different orientations to give the male connector a hemispherical range of adjustment.
• the male connector and angular adjustment mechanism is not restricted to being mounted on the moveable component and may be mounted to the stationary base component instead.
• the female connector and adjustment track may be mounted on the moveable component.
• the female connector may further comprise an angular adjustment mechanism.
• the directionality of connectors may be mixed, meaning that a particular component has one or more male and one or more female connectors and the complementary connectors are arranged appropriately on the other component to make an electrical connection when the moveable component is retracted.
• the male and female connectors are engaged when the moveable component is fully retracted.
• the engaged connectors rotationally lock the moveable component so that a fan or other fixture with moving components can be attached.
• one or more non-electrical engaging connectors may be included to rotationally lock the moveable component in its retracted position.
• the attached winch cables may primarily or further prevent rotational movement of the moveable component.
• weight all percentages and ratios used herein, unless otherwise indicated, are by weight. It is recognized the mass of an object is often referred to as its weight in everyday usage and for most common scientific purposes, but that mass technically refers to the amount of matter of an object, whereas weight refers to the force experienced by an object due to gravity. Also, in common usage the “weight” (mass) of an object is what one determines when one “weighs” (masses) an object on a scale or balance.

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• 2022
  • 2022-03-20 CA CA3212525A patent/CA3212525A1/en active Pending
  • 2022-03-20 EP EP22776371.1A patent/EP4308852A1/de active Pending
  • 2022-03-20 WO PCT/US2022/021054 patent/WO2022203974A1/en active Application Filing

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