GB2400987A

GB2400987A - Light fitting connector

Info

Publication number: GB2400987A
Application number: GB0309149A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Neil Mearns
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-04-23
Filing date: 2003-04-23
Publication date: 2004-10-27
Also published as: GB0309149D0

Abstract

A light fitting comprises a socket connector 200 for connecting to the mains and a plug connector 100 for connecting to a light fitting. The plug connector 100 may have plug contacts 110,112, 114 with heads for engaging behind slots 210, 212, 214 in the socket connector thereby to make connection with the corresponding socket contacts. The heads may have different sizes to ensure properly orientated connection.

Description

1 2400987

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO ELECTRICAL LIGHT FITTINGS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to electrical light fittings, to installations including electrical light fittings, and to methods of installing electrical light fittings.

lo Background to the Invention

There is presently a vast range of light fittings that can be utilised to provide lighting in structures such as buildings. There is particularly a huge range of domestic light fittings, both in the UK and internationally. A range of styles of light fittings exist, allowing a home- owner to choose and install the light fitting most suitable to match the rest of the decor.

The majority of light fittings comprise a central rose unit, which houses the basic wiring to make a connection with the mains electricity supply, whilst sometimes also acting to provide support to the light fitting when it is installed on the ceiling or a wall. A light source (i.e. a light bulb or a fluorescent tube) attached to the light fitting may then provide illumination as desired.

When decorating a room, a home-owner frequently desires a change in the style of the light fittings. In such cases, the home-owner may use his or her DIY (Do It Yourself) skills to de-wire and physically remove the existing light fittings, and wire in and fit the new light fittings, often guided by small diagrams provided in the instructions provided with the new light fittings.

Installation of such new light fittings thus involves handling mains electricity supply wiring, and carries with it the risk of electric shock. When installing such light fittings, the domestic mains supply should be turned off (not just at the light switch, but at the mains electricity supply distribution box), an action that is lo not always successfully performed. Further, most light fittings are difficult to install due to the need to conceal the wires within the body of the fitting, whilst simultaneously supporting the light fitting itself whilst trying to fix the support rose to the ceiling. If the light fitting is heavy, the job is made even more difficult.

It is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to provide a light fitting and a method of installation that addresses one or more of the problems of the prior art, whether referred to herein or otherwise.

Statements of Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a mounting element for a light fitting, the element comprising: a mains electrical connector arranged to be electrically connected to an electricity supply; a lighting element support for removably attaching a corresponding lighting element to the mounting element so as to mechanically support the lighting element; and a lighting element electrical connector for detachably connecting the mains electrical connector to the corresponding lighting element.

Preferably, the mounting element further comprises attachment means for attaching the mounting element to at least one of: a wall, a ceiling, or a lamp.

Preferably, the lighting element support comprises the lighting element electrical connector.

Preferably, the lighting element support comprises at least one slot having a wide portion and a narrow portion, the wide portion being arranged to receive a protruding member of the corresponding lighting element, with the narrow portion being sized to securely engage the member.

Preferably, the lighting element electrical connector is recessed within the mounting element.

A lighting element for a light fitting, the element comprising: a mounting element support for removably attaching the lighting element to a corresponding mounting element for mechanical support of the lighting element; wiring for connecting to at least one of: a light source, and a light socket for receiving a light source; and a mounting element electrical connector for detachably connecting the wiring to the corresponding mounting element.

Preferably, the mounting element electrical connector comprises the mounting element support.

Preferably, the mounting element support comprises at least one protruding member, the head of the member being wider than the body of the member.

Preferably, the mounting element electrical connector comprises at least a first protruding member for forming an electrical connection to a live electrical cable, and a second protruding member for forming a connection to a neutral electrical cable, the protruding members being lo arranged, by at least one of: location, size or shape, to only be connectable to the desired portion of a lighting element electrical connector within the corresponding mounting element.

Suitably, the lighting element further comprises a third protruding member for forming a connection to an earth electrical cable as described above.

Suitably, the lighting element further comprises a light socket connected to the wiring as described above.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a light fitting comprising a mounting element and a lighting element as described above.

Preferably, the lighting element is arranged to be removably attached to the mounting element by engaging the mounting element support with the lighting element support, and sliding or rotating the lighting element with respect to the mounting element.

Preferably, the mounting element electrical connector and the lighting element electrical connector are positioned to engage when the lighting element is supported by the lighting element support of the mounting element.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a building comprising a mounting element as described above.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method of installing a light fitting, the method comprising engaging a lighting element with a mounting lo element.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of attaching the mounting element to at least one of a ceiling, a wall or a lamp.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a mounting element substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying figures.

In a further aspect, the present invention provides a lighting element substantially as described herein, with reference to the accompanying figures.

In another aspect, the present invention provides a light fitting comprising a mounting element and a lighting element substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying figures.

Brief Description of Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a light fitting in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with the two elements forming the light fitting separated; Figures 2A, 2B and 2C show respectively a side view (partially cut-away), a plan view and a cross-sectional view of a first element of the light fitting shown in Figure 1; lo Figure 3 illustrates a plan view of a second element of the light fitting shown in Figure 1; Figures 4A and 4B illustrate cross-sectional views of the second element whilst it is being installed on a ceiling; and Figure 5 illustrates a partial cross-sectional view from the side of a connector for use in the second element.

Detailed Descrintion of Preferred Embodiment The present inventor has realised that many of the problems of existing light fittings can be overcome by providing a light fitting comprising two removably attachable elements. For instance, the light fitting can comprise a mounting element for permanent installation (e.g. in a ceiling) connected to the mains electricity supply, and a lighting element arranged to simply plug into the mounting element for both electrical connection and physical support. A light source (e.g. a bulb) may then simply be wired into the lighting element.

Consequently, if a user wishes to change the style of a room, then the light fitting appearance can simply be changed by plugging in a different kind of lighting element e.g. to change a pendant light fitting to a decorative pendant light fitting. Such a change could be performed in a few seconds rather than requiring a lengthy DIY procedure.

Further, there need not be the same requirement to disconnect the mains electricity supply before changing the light fitting, thereby reducing the risk of the consumer being electrocuted. As the present invention lo allows the provision of a light fitting for which it is much easier to change the appearance, if desired the lighting element could be changed for one of a different style on a daily basis.

A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures.

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a light fitting comprising a lighting element 100 and a mounting element 200. In this particular embodiment, the lighting element can be regarded as a plug (the male connector) as it has three protruding members 110, 112, 114.

The mounting element can be regarded as the socket (female connector), as it has three receptors formed as holes or recessions, 210, 212, 214, in the form of slots or channels. Each channel 210, 212, 214 is arranged to receive and engage with a respective protruding member 110, 112, 114.

In use, each of the male members 110, 112, 114 is inserted into a respective female receptor 210, 212, 214 (i.e. as indicated by the arrows) . The lighting element 100 is then rotated such that the members move along the channels, allowing the lighting element to be mechanically supported by the mounting element. Preferably, this rotation makes the electrical connection between the lighting and mounting elements.

The light element also includes the facility to wire in a light socket or ornate light fitting which may itself incorporate a light socket. The wiring 130 is arranged to lo receive an electrical light source e.g. a light bulb or a fluorescent tube. Alternatively, the light element may also include a light socket.

In this particular embodiment, the protruding members 110, 112, 114 not only act as the mounting element support, but also act as the mounting element electrical connector i.e. they detachably connect the lighting wiring 130 and any attached socket to the mounting element 200 (and hence connect via the mounting element 200 to the mains electricity supply). Consequently, the members 110, 112, 114 may also be referred to as pins.

Figures 2A-2C show respective views of the lighting element 100 in more detail.

In this particular embodiment, the light fitting is arranged for connection to a domestic electricity supply comprising live, neutral and earth cables. Consequently, three pins 110, 112, 114 are provided, each pin being arranged for connection to a respective cable. The pins may be formed partially of an electrically conducting material, but are preferably formed entirely of an electrically conducting material e.g. a metal such as brass.

Three wires 130 (shown in partial cutaway view in Figure 2A) can be used to connect each of the electrically conductive pins 110, 112, 114 to a light socket. The wires 130 are connected to the pins 110, 112, 114 via a standard electrical clamp fitting 120.

lo It will be seen that the pins are essentially T-shaped in crosssection, with the head of the pin being wider than the body of the pin. Typically, the head comprises a circular disc mounted substantially perpendicular to the cylindrical body of the pin. In this particular embodiment, each of the pins is of a different size. In particular, each of the heads of the pins has a different size, with each head being arranged to engage with a respective receptor 210, 212, 214 within the mounting element. These different sizes are used to prevent the incorrect electrical connections being made between the mounting and lighting elements.

In this particular embodiment, the body of the lighting element 100 takes the form of a plastic housing. If desirable, the perimeter of the housing may have protrusions 150, so as to ensure that the lighting element, in use, completely covers the external facie of the mounting element. This is particularly important if the lighting element is of a different decorative style than the mounting element.

Preferably, the lighting element 100 is arranged to be fitted into a rose (an example of a cone-shaped rose 400 is shown in Figure 2A) of a decorative light fitting.

Preferably, the lighting element is arranged to be secured to such a rose by way of mechanical fixings, such as screws or clips.

Figures 3, 4A and 4B show different views of the mounting element 200.

As can be seen in Figure 3, the receptors 210, 212, 214 lo may be regarded as being formed in two portions. A first, wider portion (210a, 212a, 214a) arranged to allow the heads of the pins 110, 112, 114 to be inserted into the body of the mounting element. The second portion takes the form of a narrower channel (210b, 212b, 214b) of a suitable width to accept the body of the respective pin (110, 112, 114), but of narrower width than the head of the relevant pin.

Thus, once the pins are inserted in the wider portion 210a, 212a, 214a and the lighting element rotated such that the pins move along the channel, then the channels act to entrap (securely engage) the pins, thus allowing the mounting element to support the lighting element.

Preferably, this rotational action is also sufficient movement for each of the pins 110, 112, 114 to engage a respective lighting element electrical connector 250 within the mounting element.

The mounting element 200 is preferably provided with attachment means for attaching the mounting to a desired position e.g. on a wall or a ceiling. In this particular embodiment, the attachment means takes the form of holes 220 protruding through the body of the mounting element.

These holes allow the insertion of screws 222, the screws 222 acting to fix the mounting element to the desired position e.g. on a ceiling 300.

A junction box 240 is provided within the body of the mounting element, to allow the connection of electricity cables 310a, slob, 310c from an electricity supply (such as a mains electricity supply) to the mounting element.

Each cable (310a, 310b, 310c) corresponds to a different lo electrical connection e.g. live, neutral and earth. It will be appreciated that domestic mains wiring may include more than 3 cables, which can be connected as appropriate to the standard junction box 240 within the mounting element. Further wiring 230 is then utilised to connect each cable to a respective lighting element electrical connector 250. Each connector 250 does, in this embodiment, correspond to a respective receptor 210, 212, 214.

Figure 5 shows an example of a lighting element electrical connector 250. This connector is preferably formed of brass, and arranged for detachably connecting a cable 230 of the mains electricity supply to the relevant pin (110, 112, 114) within the lighting element. Preferably, the head of the relevant pin 110, 112, 114 is arranged to engage the respective lighting element electrical connector 250 when the pin is rotated along the relevant channel 210b, 212b, 214b.

The connector 250 is preferably formed of brass, and may additionally incorporate some insulation material as required. A normal screw tightener 252 is preferably arranged to form a firm electrical contact with the wiring 230 for connection of the connector to the standard junction box 240. A channel 256 within the connector 250 is arranged to guide the head of the pin to the position 254 where it can engage with a spring loaded retaining bearing. The bearing acts to both lock in place the head of the relevant pin (110, 112, 114) as well as provide an electrical connection between the wiring 230 and the pin.

It will be appreciated that the above embodiment is lo provided by way of example only. For instance, the pins of the male connector and the corresponding receptors of the female connector can be made in any configuration of size or shape, and with any quality conducting metal.

Preferably, the pins and/or the receptors are arranged (either by location, size or shape) so as to ensure that no incorrect electrical connections are made between the mounting element and the lighting element.

If desired, additional non-electrical pins and corresponding receptors could be added as necessary to support the light fitting. Such additional pins may be required if the light fitting is relatively heavy.

The elements may be formed of any suitable material.

Preferably, the housings for the elements are formed of plastic, such a plastic is preferably arranged to meet the necessary installation standards required for any given level of voltage and current being used. Alternatively, the housings could be made of any insulator.

Although the light fitting has been described in relation to a light fitting for a ceiling, it will be appreciated that the light fitting could equally be utilised on a wall. Alternatively, a mounting element could be formed that is arranged to be positioned on a standard lamp. The corresponding lighting element could then be used to facilitate the fixing of the light source and shade in the lamp.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this lo specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features

disclosed in this specification (including any

accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A mounting element for a light fitting, the element comprising:

a mains electrical connector arranged to be electrically connected to an electricity supply; a lighting element support for removably attaching a corresponding lighting element to the mounting element so as to mechanically support the lighting element; lo and a lighting element electrical connector for detachably connecting the mains electrical connector to the corresponding lighting element.
2. A mounting element as claimed in claim 1, further comprising attachment means for attaching the mounting element to at least one of: a wall, a ceiling, or a lamp.
3. A mounting element as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the lighting element support comprises the lighting element electrical connector.
4. A mounting element as claimed in any one of the above claims, wherein the lighting element support comprises at least one slot having a wide portion and a narrow portion, the wide portion being arranged to receive a protruding member of the corresponding lighting element, with the narrow portion being sized to securely engage the member.
5. A mounting element as claimed in any one of the above claims, wherein the lighting element electrical connector is recessed within the mounting element.
6. A lighting element for a light fitting, the element comprising: a mounting element support for removably attaching the lighting element to a corresponding mounting element for mechanical support of the lighting element; wiring for connecting to at least one of: a light source, and a light socket for receiving a light source; and a mounting element electrical connector for detachably lo connecting the wiring to the corresponding mounting element.
7. A lighting element as claimed in claim 6, wherein the mounting element electrical connector comprises the mounting element support.
8. A lighting element as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the mounting element support comprises at least one protruding member, the head of the member being wider than the body of the member.
9. A lighting element as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the mounting element electrical connector comprises at least a first protruding member for forming an electrical connection to a live electrical cable, and a second protruding member for forming a connection to a neutral electrical cable, the protruding members being arranged, by at least one of: location, size or shape, to only be connectable to the desired portion of a lighting element electrical connector within the corresponding mounting element.
10. A lighting element as claimed in claim 9, further comprising a third protruding member for forming a connection to an earth electrical cable.
11. A lighting element as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 10, further comprising a light socket connected to the wiring.
12. A light fitting comprising a mounting element as lo claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 and a lighting element as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 11.
13. A light fitting as claimed in claim 12, wherein the lighting element is arranged to be removably attached to the mounting element by engaging the mounting element support with the lighting element support, and sliding or rotating the lighting element with respect to the mounting element.
14. A light fitting as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the mounting element electrical connector and the lighting element electrical connector are positioned to engage when the lighting element is supported by the lighting element support of the mounting element.
15. A building comprising a mounting element as claimed in claim 1, or any claim dependent thereto.
16. A method of installing a light fitting, the method comprising engaging a lighting element as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 11, with a mounting element as claimed in claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5.
17. A method as claimed in claim 16, further comprising the step of attaching the mounting element to at least one of a ceiling, a wall or a lamp.
18. A mounting element substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying figures.
19. A lighting element substantially as described herein, lo with reference to the accompanying figures.
20. A light fitting comprising a mounting element and a lighting element substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying figures.