GB2358743A

GB2358743A - Lighting apparatus with two-part ceiling rose

Info

Publication number: GB2358743A
Application number: GB0002055A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Joe Solera
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-01-28
Filing date: 2000-01-28
Publication date: 2001-08-01
Anticipated expiration: 2020-01-28
Also published as: GB0002055D0; GB2358743B

Abstract

A lighting apparatus includes a main part 50 and a part 80 removable therefrom, which are normally in electrical contact, this contact being broken when the removable part 80, which has contacts for connection to a light bulb 20, is removed. The removable part can be tethered to the main part, and can fit into a recess (58, Fig 4) on the main part. The removable part may have spring-loaded contacts (82, 84, Fig 4) which connect to annular tracks on the main part. The removable part may have a handle (106).

Description

1 2358743 LIGHTING APPARATUS The present invention relates to a lighting

apparatus, and more particularly to a domestic lighting apparatus having a ceiling rose, in which the process of replacing a bulb is made easier.

In domestic lighting systems, rooms are commonly lit by means of a light bulb which f its into a holder suspended from the ceiling of the room by a cable. The cable is connected to the domestic electricity supply, and the connections are hidden by or contained within a mounting on the ceiling, referred to as a "ceiling is rose". The holder normally can also hold a lampshade or the like.

Light bulbs of course have a limited life span, and must be replaced on reaching the end of their working life. As the bulb is suspended from the ceiling, it is necessary to reach up and remove the bulb. This is normally done with one hand, while the holder is steadied with the other hand. It is then of course necessary to insert a replacement bulb into the holder.

If the ceiling of the room is relatively low, it is sometimes possible for a user to remove and replace the bulb while standing on the floor. However, for high ceilings, it is necessary to stand on a. chair, a ladder or the like. It will be appreciated that for the elderly, the infirm, and in particular people in wheelchairs, standing on a chair or a ladder to replace a light bulb may not be possible.

It would be desirable to provide a lighting system which allowed the bulb to be removed from the holder without the need to reach the ceiling.

Apparatus for lowering and raising chandeliers to allow maintenance to be carried out is known (see, for example, US 5105349 to Falls et al). However, as the masses which must be controlled by such apparatus are considerable, they tend to be large, and use motor drives to move the chandelier. They are normally unsuitable for use in most domestic situations.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a lighting apparatus comprising a ceiling rose having a main part and a part removable therefrom, the main part having contacts for connection to an electricity supply, and the removable part having contacts for connection to a light bulb, the main part and the removable part both having electrical contacts which are automatically disconnected when the removable part is removed from the main part.

Forming the ceiling rose with a main part and a removable part to which the light bulb is connected makes it easier to change a light bulb, as the removable part can be removed from the main part, which remains attached to the ceiling, and brought down to a comfortable level for a user. This removes the need for a user to stand on a chair or the like, and so reduces the risk of accidents occurring as a result of falls.

Further, the automatic disconnection of the contacts reduces the risk of a user receiving a shock.

In a preferred f orm, the main part and the removable part are tethered together, and the main part is provided with means for returning the removable part to its position where it is in electrical contact with the main part. This allows the removable part to be returned to its operating position without the user having to physically replace it.

Preferably, the removable part fits into a recess in the main part, the inner surface of the recess and the outer surface of the removable part being provided with said electrical contacts. In this way, the contacts are hidden from view when the removable part is in its operating position. This further reduces the risk of accidents, as the contacts cannot be touched during normal use. It also improves the appearance of the rose.

In a preferred form, the contacts on one part are formed as circumferential contacts extending around the part. This ensures that electrical contact can be made irrespective of the relative rotational position of the removable part in the recess.

In one embodiment, the circumferential contacts are grooves which extend around the part, into which the other contacts fit. In an alternative embodiment, the contacts have flat surfaces, which contact each other face to face.

In a preferred form, the circumferential contacts are provided in the recess, and the removable part is provided with spring-loaded contacts. Of course, the circumferential contacts could instead be provided on the removable part, and spring-loaded contacts for engaging with the circumferential contacts can be provided in the recess.

Preferably, the main part is formed from a base member for fastening to a ceiling, and a cover member attached to the base member. In this way, the means for returning the removable part to its operating position can be positioned between the cover member and the base member, inside the main part.

It is preferred that the cover member and the base member have complementary means allowing them to be releasably attached. This allows the cover member to be removed in order to gain access to the returning means in the event of a malfunction. Any suitable means may be employed; however, in a preferred form, the means are in the form of complementary screw threads.

In one form, the base member is provided with contacts which extend through the cover member so that when the rose is assembled they engage with the contacts on the removable part. However, for simplicity of design, it is preferred that the base member and the cover member have electrical contacts allowing them to be electrically connected.

Preferably, one member has annular contacts and the other member has contacts positioned to electrically contact these contacts when the members are attached, such that electrical connection is made irrespective of the relative rotational positions of the members.

In previous ceiling roses, wires extend between the base member and the cover member. However, as the cover member is screwed onto the base member, these wires are twisted. This applies tension to the wires, which can lead to them being pulled out of place, thus causing the ceiling rose to malfunction. Forming the contacts in the manner described above avoids this, and also simplifies the installation of the rose, as there is no need to position the members in a particular orientation.

Preferably, for simplicity, the annular contacts are formed on the part of the base member facing the cover member. It is further preferred that the annular contacts are provided with terminals extending through the base member, allowing the annular contacts to be connected to an electricity supply.

Preferably, the main part comprises a reel mechanism for winding and unwinding a cord therefrom, the free end of the cord being attached to the removable part. This cord then serves as the tether connecting the main part and the removable part. The use of a reel mechanism allows the removable part to be pulled down, to simplify the changing of the bulb, and then retracted to its operating position.

It is preferred that the reel has a friction- controlled winding mechanism, to limit the speed at which the cord can be rewound onto the reel. This reduces the risk of damage to the bulb, the removable part or the main part when the removable part is drawn up. In particular, the filament of a light bulb is relatively fragile, and could easily be broken if the ascent of the removable part was uncontrolled.

It is further preferred that the reel has a locking mechanism. Without a locking mechanism, it would be necessary for a person changing the bulb to keep a hold on the holder while removing the dead bulb and inserting a new one, as otherwise the reel would pull the removable part back up to the ceiling. The locking mechanism obviates the need for this.

It is a further preferred feature that the removable part is connected to a holder for a light bulb, the apparatus also comprising a handle member attached to the holder, a force applied to said handle member serving to remove the removable part from the main part. With this arrangement, it is easier to pull on the removable part to remove it from the main part, and so the process of changing a bulb is further simplified.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a lighting apparatus using a first embodiment of the ceiling rose; Figure 2 is a side view of the lighting apparatus in a different position; Figure 3 is an exploded view of the ceiling rose of the lighting apparatus; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the parts of the ceiling rose of the lighting apparatus in their exploded state; Figure 5 is an underside view of the base member of the ceiling rose; Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 4 but showing a cable connected to a slightly different version of the ceiling rose; and Figure 7 is a view showing an alternative form of the contacts.

As best seen from Figure 1, lighting apparatus 10 is designed to be attached to a ceiling 12 of a room.

It comprises a ceiling rose 14, which will be described in more detail later, to which is attached a length of cable 16. A conventional light bulb holder 20 is attached to the lower end of the cable 16, for receiving a light bulb 24.

As best seen in Figures 3 and 4, the ceiling rose 14 is formed from three parts; a base member 30 which is fastened to a ceiling, a cover member 50 which fits over the base member 30, and a removable part in the form of an inner cone 80 which normally fits inside the cover member 50, but can be removed therefrom. These parts will be described in turn in more detail.

The base member 30 is generally circular, and is formed with an external screw thread 32 at its edge. It is preferably formed from an engineering plastic, such as nylon or polycarbonate, which is injection or compression moulded. It can be fastened to a ceiling by is any suitable method, and screwing is particular appropriate. Holes for the fastening screws are not shown in the Figures.

on its underside (ie the surface which faces downwardly when it is attached to a ceiling), the base member 30 is provided with electrical contacts 34, 36, in the form of concentric circles. The contacts are formed from a conductive material, such as brass, and fit into locating recesses on the underside of the base member 30.

Connected to the contacts 34, 36 are terminals 38, 40, which are also formed from a conductive material such as brass. The terminals extend through the base member 30, and at their top ends are provided with screw connectors 42, 44, to allow the terminals 38, 40 (and thus the contacts 34, 36) to be put into electrical contact with a domestic electricity supply. While only two terminals and contacts are shown in the drawings, it will be appreciated that three (live, neutral and earth) will be required in certain situations.

The cover member SO is generally in the form of two hollow coaxial frustums 52, 54, a smaller one (54) arranged below a larger one (52) so that the cover member generally tapers downwardly. The axis of the frustums 52, 54 is the same as the axis of the base member 30.

The maximum diameter of the larger frustum 52 is slightly greater than the diameter of the base member 30, and it is formed with an internal screw thread 56 for engagement with the external screw thread 32 on the base member 30. The cover member 50 can thus be screwed onto the base member 30 to retain it in place. Of course, other means for attaching the cover member to the base member, such as snap-fitting, could also be used.

The smaller frustum 54 is formed with an internal recess 58, as best shown in Figure 4. The recess 58 is frustum-shaped, and has two circumferential grooves 60, is 62 formed facing into the recess 58. The grooves 60, 62 are axially spaced from one another, and are lined with a conductive material such as brass or silver to form circumferential contacts extending around the recess.

An alternative arrangement for the contacts in the recess is shown in Figure 7. Here, the contacts in the recess are again formed as circumferential bands.

However, the surface of the contact which faces into the recess is f lat, rather than being in the shape of a groove.

Each of the circumferential contacts extending around the recess is in electrical connection with an electrical contact 64, 66, again formed from a conductive material such as brass. These contacts extend from the recess 58 to the upper end of the larger frustum 52. The ends of the contacts 64, 66 are spaced from the central axis of the cover member 50, such that the end of one of the contacts 64 is the same distance from the central axis as one of the circular contacts 34 on the base member 30, and the end of the other of the contacts 66 is the same distance from the central axis as the other of the circular contacts 36 on the base member. Further, the ends of the contacts 64, 66 in the cover member are spring-loaded.

As the cover member 50 is screwed onto the base member 30, the springloaded contacts 64, 66 come into contact with the circular contacts 34, 36 on the base member 30. It will be appreciated that this electrical contact will occur irrespective of the final relative rotational position of the base member on the cover member, because the base member contacts are circular. Further, the springs in the cover member contacts will be compressed as the cover member is screwed on, thus preventing damage to the contacts.

It will also be appreciated that when the cover member 50 is fully screwed on to the base member 30, the contacts in the recess 58 will be electrically connected to the terminals 38, 40 on the base member 30, and thus is to the domestic electricity supply.

Also disposed inside the cover member is a springloaded reel mechanism 68. Wound onto the reel is a length of nylon cord 70 or similar, the free end of which passes through an opening 72 in the cover member 50 and into the recess 58. The reel mechanism has a friction-controlled winding action, and can also have a locking action, the significance of which will become apparent later.

The cover member 50 is preferably formed from an engineering thermoset plastic, such as urea resin and phenolic plastics, and can again be formed by compression or injection moulding.

The free end of the nylon cord 70 is connected to the inner cone 80. As can be seen from the drawings, the inner cone 80 is also generally frustum-shaped, and has a common axis with the base member 30 and cover member 50. It is sized so that it fits closely within the recess 58 in the cover member 50.

The inner cone 80 is provided with two spring- loaded electrical contacts 82, 84, positioned on its opposite sides. This gives an evenly balanced weight distribution for the cone. The contacts 82, 84 are spaced along the length of the inner cone 80 and are positioned so that they come into contact with the circumferential contacts in the recess 58. It will be appreciated that because the circumferential contacts extend around the recess, electrical contact is made irrespective of the relative rotational alignment of the inner cone and the cover member.

The contacts are formed from a conductive material, and are preferably formed from brass, optionally silver plated. As can be seen f rom Figures 4 and 6, the ends of the contacts 82, 84 inside the inner cone 80 have screw connectors 86, 88, allowing the contacts to be put into electrical contact with the wires 18 of cable 16.

The inner cone preferably includes some means for gripping the cable, such as a cable grip similar to is those found in domestic three-pin plugs. If such means are not provided, then the weight of the bulb and the bulb holder has to be borne by the screw connectors, which can lead to the cables being pulled from the connectors.

With the arrangement shown in the Figures, where the contacts in the recess 58 are in the form of two circumferential members which are positioned relatively near to each other, it is possible for accidental electrical connection between the contacts to be made when the removable part is removed from the recess.

Thus, in some circumstances, it may be preferable to locate the circumferential contacts on the inner cone.

These would then engage with spring-loaded contacts projecting into the recess. There is less chance of accidental contact being made between the two spring loaded contacts than there is with two circumferential contacts.

The inner cone 80 has a removable base 90, which can be removed to allow access to the screws of the screw connectors 86, 88. When the base 90 is in position on the inner cone 80, it helps to retain the cable 16, as well as covering the screws. Of course, the cable is mainly held in place by the cable grip mentioned above.

Like the base member 30, the inner cone 80 is preferably formed from an engineering plastic, such as nylon or polycarbonate, which is injection or compression moulded.

As mentioned above, a conventional light bulb holder 20 is connected to the lower end of the cable 16. As is well known, conventional light bulb holders have a lower collar 22 which can be unscrewed from the main part of the holder 20. An annular member can be clamped between the collar 22 and the main part of the holder 20, and this allows lamp shades and the like to be attached to the holder.

In the preferred embodiment, the lighting apparatus is provided with a handle 100. This handle comprises an annular member 102 at its upper end, and a strap member 104, whose ends are attached to opposite sides of the annular member 102. The strap member is sized such that it is still possible to remove dead bulbs from the holder 20 and to insert fresh bulbs thereinto when the handle is attached to the holder.

As a result of its size, there is a gap 106 between the lower part of the strap 104 of the handle and the lowermost part of the light bulb 24, into which a hook or the like can be inserted. This gap is best shown in Figures 1 and 2.

As is well known, most of the energy emitted by a light bulb is in the form of heat, and it is therefore important that the gap is of sufficient size for the strap member to be unaffected by the heat generated by the light bulb.

Under normal circumstances, the lighting apparatus is used in exactly the same way as a conventional ceiling light, with a conventional ceiling rose.

Electricity is supplied to the terminals on the base member, and passes via the circular contacts, the contacts in the cover member, the circumferential contacts in the recess, the spring-loaded contacts on the inner cone and the wires in the cable to the light bulb.

The advantages of the preferred embodiment of the invention become clearer when it is necessary to change the light bulb.

As mentioned above, there is a gap 106 between the lower part of the strap 104 of the handle and the lowermost part of the light bulb 24, into which a hook or the like can be inserted. The hook is preferably provided on the end of a pole or similar member, to allow a user (who may be confined to a wheelchair or otherwise unable to use a ladder or the like) to reach the lighting apparatus. The hook is engaged in the gap 106, and a downward force is applied to the handle 100.

The gap must be of sufficient size to minimize the chance of the bulb being hit and possibly damaged by the hook during insertion, in addition to being large enough to prevent the strap being affected by the heat of the bulb.

The inner cone 80 is normally retained in the recess 58 by the reel. when a downward force is applied to the handle 100, the inner cone 80 is pulled from the recess 58 against the force of the spring. Further, this also serves to cut off the supply of electricity to the inner cone 80 and thus the bulb 24, and so reduces the risk of the user receiving a shock.

However, as the inner cone 80 is connected to the cord 70 of the reel mechanism 68, it cannot simply fall from the remainder of the ceiling rose 14. Instead, the downward force applied to the inner cone 80 forces the reel mechanism 68 to pay out the cord 70 as the inner cone 80 is pulled down by a user. The cone can be pulled downwardly until the holder 20 and the dead bulb 24 are at a comfortable level for the user. The locking mechanism of the reel 68, if provided, then engages to prevent the cone 80 from being pulled back up. The holder 20 thus remains at its pulled-down position.

With the holder 20 in this position, it is easy f or a user to change the bulb 24.

Once the bulb has been changed, the handle 100 can be pulled slightly downwardly to release the locking mechanism. Once this is done, the reel 68 will rewind the cord 70. However, as the reel has a frictioncontrolled winding mechanism, the inner cone 80 is drawn up at a controlled speed. It is not drawn up so quickly that the impact with the cover member 50 will cause any damage, either to the cover member, the inner cone or the bulb.

Further, the shapes of the inner cone 80 and the recess 58 mean that the cone 80 is "self -centring", and will automatically seat correctly in the recess 58 when it is drawn back up.

is It will be appreciated that it is far easier to replace a dead bulb using the preferred embodiment than it would be with a conventional ceiling light, which cannot be lowered from the ceiling.

It should be noted that there is a maximum weight which the winding mechanism can pull up, and this maximum weight is determined by the strength of the spring in the reel mechanism. If the combined weight of the inner cone, cable, holder, light bulb and handle, together with the weight of any lampshade attached to the holder, exceeds this maximum weight, then the winding mechanism may not function correctly. In practice, this imposes a weight limit on any lampshade which is to be used with the lighting apparatus. It is envisaged that the ceiling rose will be supplied with springs of differing strengths, which will be suitable for differing weights of lampshade.

Claims

1. A lighting apparatus comprising a ceiling rose having a main part and a part removable theref rom, the main part having contacts for connection to an electricity supply, and the removable part having contacts for connection to a light bulb, the main part and the removable part both having electrical contacts which are normally electrically connected and which are automatically disconnected when the removable part is removed from the main part.

is

2. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main part and the removable part are tethered together, and the main part is provided with means for returning the removable part to its position where it is electrically connected to the main part.

3. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the removable part fits into a recess in the main part, the inner surface of the recess and the outer surface of the removable part being provided with said electrical contacts.

4. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the contacts on one part are circumferential contacts extending around the part.

5. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the circumferential contacts are in the form of grooves into which the other contacts fit.

6. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the circumferential contacts have flat surfaces.

7. A lighting apparatus as claimed in any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the circumferential contacts are provided on the recess, and the removable part is provided with spring-loaded contacts.

8. A lighting apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the main part is formed from a base member for fastening to a ceiling, and a cover member attached to the base member.

9. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said cover member and said base member have complementary means allowing them to be releasably attached. i

10. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein said means are in the form of complementary screw threads.

11. A lighting apparatus as claimed in any of claims 8 to 10, wherein said base member and said cover member have electrical contacts allowing them to be electrically connected.

12. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein one member has annular contacts and the other member has contacts positioned to electrically contact these contacts when the members are attached, such that electrical connection is made irrespective of the relative rotational positions of the members.

13. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein said annular contacts are formed on the part of the base member facing the cover member.

14. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein said annular contacts are provided with terminals extending through the base member, allowing the annular contacts to be connected to an electricity supply.

15. A lighting apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said main part comprises a reel mechanism for winding and unwinding a cord therefrom, the free end of the cord being attached to said removable part.

16. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein said reel has a friction-controlled winding mechanism, to limit the speed at which the cord can be rewound onto the reel.

17. A lighting apparatus as claimed in claim 14 or claim 16, wherein said reel has a locking mechanism.

18. A lighting apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said removable part is connected to a holder for a light bulb, the apparatus also comprising a handle member attached to said holder, a force applied to said handle member serving to remove said removable part from said main part.

19. A lighting apparatus comprising a ceiling rose having a main part formed from a base member for fastening to a ceiling and a cover member attached to the base member, said base member and said cover member having electrical contacts allowing them to be electrically connected, wherein one member has annular contacts and the other member has contacts positioned to electrically contact these contacts when the members are attached, such that electrical connection is made irrespective of the relative rotational positions of the members.

20. A lighting apparatus substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.