GB2446430A

GB2446430A - Fitting for mounting electrical components in a surface

Info

Publication number: GB2446430A
Application number: GB0702478A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Mckeown
Original assignee: CONTACTUM Ltd; LEVELLO Ltd
Current assignee: CONTACTUM Ltd; LEVELLO Ltd
Priority date: 2007-02-09
Filing date: 2007-02-09
Publication date: 2008-08-13
Anticipated expiration: 2027-02-09
Also published as: GB2446430A8; GB2446430B; GB0702478D0; WO2008096014A1

Abstract

A universal fitting for mounting a component, such as a light, to a wall or ceiling, comprises an annular body permanently installed in a recessed aperture in the wall or ceiling, and a retaining means to hold the component within the annular body. The annular body defines an internal shoulder against which locates a mounting member 57 attached to or forming part of an associated component. A releasable retaining element 20 holds the mounting member against the internal shoulder to attach the associated component to the annular body. The retaining element may be one or more magnetic rings 20a, 20b that are attracted to the metal of the annular body. The fitting allows different components to be easily interchanged. For example, a light may be replaced by a smoke detector or speaker.

Description

Universal Fitting for Mounting Components

Description

The present invention relates to a universal fitting for interchangeably mounting one of a number of components to a wall or ceiling. The component in question may be electtical, such as a light or a smoke alarm, the fitting allowing the component to be readily replaced with another component as and when required.

Fixtures or fittings for electrical components are mounted to, or within, a wall or ceiling. Electrical supply cables are concealed within or behind the wall to supply electrical power to the electrical component, such as a light, attached to the fixture or fitting to hold it in place.

Conventional fittings are limited in that they can only mount a particular component, for example, a light fitting can only mount a particular type of light. If an alternative component is required, for example a smoke detector instead of a light or a different type of light, then the fitting itself must be completely removed from the wall or ceiling and replaced. This is a tune consuming and laborious process. It will also be appreciated that a single room may require a considerable number of different fittings to suit various different components.

The present invention seeks to provide a fitting which overcomes or substantially alleviates the problems discussed above and provides a universal fitting for interchangeable attachment of different components as and when necessary.

According to the present embodiment, there is provided a universal fitting for mounting a component to a wall or ceiling, comprising an annular body for permanent recessed installation in an aperture in a wall or ceiling, the annular body being configured to interchangeably receive one of a plurality of components and defining an internal shoulder against which locates a mounting member attached to or forming part of a component and, a releasable retaining element for maintaining a mounting member against the internal shoulder to attach said component to the annular body.

Preferably, the releasable retaining element is annular and is received within the annular body to maintain a mounting member of an associated component against the internal shoulder.

Advantageously, at least a portion of the releasable retaining element and/or the annular body axe formed from a magnetic material such that the retaining element and the annular body exhibit magnetic attraction.

to Preferably, the magnetic material is configured such that the retaining element and the annular body exhibit magnetic repulsion depending on the orientation of the retaining element relative to the annular body.

The universal fitting may include a mounting member attached to each associated component, wherein the retaining element is positionable between the shoulder in the annular body and the mounting member to connect the mounting plate to the annular shoulder.

Preferably, the universal fitting includes a plurality of retaining elements positionable between the shoulder in the annular body and the mounting member to space the mounting plate from the shoulder.

In one embodiment, the mounting member is positionable against the shoulder, the retaining element being locatable on the mounting plate to retain the mounting member in position between the shoulder and the retaining element.

Advantageously, the mounting member is made from a non-magnetic material, the retaining element being magnetically attracted to the shoulder of the annular body through the mounting member to retain the mounting member in position.

Preferably, a component attached to or forming part of the mounting member extends through the retaining element.

In a preferred embodiment, the mounting member is a plate.

The component system may include at least one light each having a mounting member attached thereto for releasable connection to the annular body of the universal fitting.

In one embodiment, the mounting member is a blanking plate for releasable connection to the annular body of the universal fitting in place of said at least one light.

In another embodiment, the mounting member is part of a spotlight bulb, the bulb being received in the annular body such that it seats against the shoulder, a retaining element being disposed on the bulb so as to be magnetically attracted to the annular body to retain the bulb in position in the annular body between the shoulder and the retaining element.

Exnbodinents of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a housing of a fitting for an electrical component in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a sectional view of the housing shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a fitting for an electrical component in accordance with the present invention; Figure 4 is a sectional view of a component holder shown in figure 3; Figure 5 is a sectional view of a magnetic ring shown in figure 3; Figure 6 is a plan view showing a cap of a fitting for an electrical component in accordance with the present invention; Figure 7 is a plan view showing an alternative embodiment of a cap of a fitting for an electrical component in accordance with the present invention; Figure 8 is lamp shade of a fitting for an electrical component in accordance with the present invention; Figure 9 is a sectional view of the fitting shown in Figure 3; Figure 10 is a sectional view of the fitting shown in Figure 9 with the lamp shade shown in Figure 8 disposed therein; Figure 11 is a perspective view of the fitting shown in Figure 9 with the lamp shade shown in Figure 8 disposed therein; Figure 12 is a perspective view of a second alternative component; Figure 13 is a perspective view of a fitting for an electrical component with the second alternative component shown in Figure 12 mounted therein; Figure 14 is a sectional view of a fitting for an electrical component with a third alternative component mounted therein; Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of the fitting shown in Figure 14; Figure 16 is a sectional view of a fitting for an electrical component with a fourth alternative component mounted therein; Figure 17 is a side view of the fitting shown in Figure 16; Figure 18 is a side view an alternative means of mounting the housing of a fitting for an electrical component; Figure 19 is an exploded view of the alternative mounting means shown in Figure 18; and Figure 20 is a sectional view of the alternative mounting means shown in Figure 18.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in Figures 1 and 2 a housing 2 of a fitting for an electrical component I according to an embodiment of the present invention. The housing 2 includes a tubular body 3 with upper and lower ends 3a, 3b, a tubular opening 4 and an inner surface 5. A ridge portion 6 protrudes into the tubular opening 4 at the upper end 3a and extends circumferentially around the inner surface 5 thereof. The ridge portion 6 has a lower face or shoulder 7 formed perpendicular to the inner surface 5 and an upper face forming an upper surface 8 of the tubular body 9.

Although in this embodiment the ridge portion 6 extends to the upper surface 8 of the tubular body 3, alternatively it is only required to provide sufficient support for a part or parts mounted thereto, as will become apparent later. A pair of holes 10 are formed diametrically opposite each other through the ridge portion 6, and they extend radially therethrough such that they communicate between an inner surface 11 of the ridge portion 6 and an outer surface 12 of the tubular body 3.

An outer shoulder 14 extends around the lower end 4 of the tubular body 3. An indent 15 is formed in the shoulder 14 proximate to the tubular opening 4 and extends circumferentially around such that the cross-section of the shoulder 14 is L-shaped. The shoulder indent 15 therefore has a base 16 and an outer sidewall 17 which are perpendicular to each other. The lower surface 18 of the shoulder 14, distal to the tubular body 3 forms the lower surface of the housing 2.

The housing is formed from a material attracted by a magnetic field, for example a ferrous material such as mild steel, for reasons which will become apparent later.

Referring now to Figure 3, it can be seen that the electrical component mounting 1 further comprises an electrical component holder 19, a magnetic ring portion 20a, 20b, 20c and a cap 21.

The holder 19 shown in Figure 4 comprises a circular base 23 with first and second sides 23a, 23b, an aperture 24 formed through the centre thereof communicating between first and second sides 23a, 23b and a tubular section 25 formed upstanding from the first side 23a of the holder circular base 23. The diameter of the circular base aperture 24 is smaller than the diameter of an inner surface 26 of the holder tubular section 25 such that an inner support ledge 27 extends therearound a first end 29a of a tubular opening 29 of the holder tubular section 25 and the outer diameter of the circular base 23 is larger than the outer diameter 28 of the holder tubular section 25 such that an outer support ledge 30 extends around the holder tubular section 25. The second end 29b of the tubular opening 29 is disposed distal to the holder circular base 23 and extends parallel thereto.

The magnetic ring portion 20 shown in Figure 5 has first and second faces 31, 32 and inner and outer surfaces 33, 34. A recess 35 is formed at the junction of the inner surface 33 and first face 31 and extends circumferentially around the ring portion 20. The recess base 36 extends parallel to the first face 31, and the recess wall 37 extends perpendicularly therefrom to meet said first face 31. The ring portion 20 is formed from a permanently magnetic material, such that it is magnetised.

In this embodiment, three magnetic ring portions 20a, 20b, 20c are utilised as will become apparent shortly. The first ring portion 20a has first and second faces 31a, 32a, inner and outer surfaces 33a, 34a, a recess 35a, a recess base 36a, and a recess wall 37a. The second ring portion 20b has first and second faces 31b, 32b, inner and outer surfaces 33b, 34b, a recess 35b, a recess base 36b, and a recess wall 37b. The third ring portion 20c has first and second faces 31c, 32c, inner and outer surfaces 33c, 34c, a recess 35c, a recess base 36c, and a recess wall 37c.

Each magnetic ring 20a, 20b, 20c has a multiple number of north and south magnetic poles, such that they are arranged at regular intervals around each magnetic ring 20a, 20b, 20c. Therefore, if two magnetic rings 20a, 20b, 20c are disposed in proximity to each other then they will attract or repel each other dependent on the relative position of their north and south poles.

The cap 21 shown in Figure 6 comprises a disc portion 38 with an aperture 39 formed therethrough. Although the cap 21 shown in Figure 6 has a circular aperture 39 formed therethrough, it will be appreciated that the cap may not have any aperture 39 and be a blank, or the aperture may be formed in any shape or size, for example the aperture 39a of a cap 21a may be oval as shown in Figure 7.

Alternatively, there may be a plurality of apertures formed therethrough, dependent on the component (not shown) that is to be disposed in the mounting I as will be explained hereinafter. The cap 21 is formed from a material attracted by a magnetic

field.

Referring now to Figure 8, a lamp shade 41 is shown. The lamp shade 41 comprises a disc portion 42 with an circular hole 43 formed therethrough the centre of the disc portion 42 to communicate between lower and upper sides 42a, 42b thereof and an extended portion 44 extends from a lower side 42a of the disc portion 42, perpendicular thereto. The extended portion 44 is tubular wherein the diameter of an inner surface 46 corresponds to the diameter of the circular hole 43. The lower end 44a of the extended portion 44 is inclined at an acute angle to the disc portion 42 as will become apparent later.

Referring to Figure 12, an alternative component 48 is shown. This second alternative component 48 is a hanging lamp 49 comprising a circular outer support ledge 50 with a terminal box 51 mounted on a first side 52 such that the support ledge 50 extends therearound. A cable 53 extends from the terminal box 51 through the support ledge 50 and a lamp 54 is removably mounted at the distal end of the cable 53.

A third alternative component 55 is shown in Figures 14 and 15. This third component 55 comprises a rotatable annular portion 56 mounted in an alternative component holder 57 similar to the component holder 19 discussed above. The alternative component holder 57 has a circular outer support ledge 58 which extends therearound a bottom end 59 of the component holder 57. An opemng 60 is formed in the component holder 57, extending arcuately therearound.

The rotatable annular portion 56 has a tubular opening 61 formed therethrough with a shoulder 62 formed at a lower end 56a extending into the tubular opening 61.

Prutruding portions 63 with holes 64 formed therethrough are formed diametrically opposite each other on an outer surface 64 of the rotatable annular portion 56 and are located relative to a pair of diametrically opposite corresponding holes (not shown) formed through the component holder 57. A pair of axial members (not shown) are frictionally mounted iii the protruding portion holes 64 and extend to the corresponding holes (not shown) in the component holder 57 such that the annular portion 56 is rotatable relative about the alternative component holder 57.

The third alternative component 55 further comprises a tubular spacer 66 and a lamp 67.

Referring to Figures 16 and 17, a fourth alternative component holder 68 is shown comprising a post 69 with a threaded portion 70 formed at one end and a tubular opening 72 formed therethrough. A lamp portion 73 is rotatably mounted to the post 69 by means of a swivel portion 74 and electrical cables 75 extend therefrom.

A corresponding alternative cap 76 is shown generally identical to the cap 21 described above, however in this alternative an aperture 77 formed therethrough is threaded and corresponds to the threaded portion 70 of the post 69.

Referring to Figures 18 and 19, the mounting I may alternatively further comprise a terminal bracket 78 with a resilient electrical connector 79 mounted proximate to one end and with a hole 80 formed therethrough the end distal to the terminal bracket 78. A pair of resilient grips 81, 82 are also shown with holes 83 formed therethrough and a flat portion 84, for reasons which will become apparent later.

The electrical connector 79 and pair of grips 81, 82 are formed from a thin steel plate or the like such that they are elastic.

Hereinafter, the operation of the above embodiment of the mounting for an electrical component according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 9 to 11. A hole (not shown) corresponding to the diameter of the outer surface 12 of the housing tubular body 2 is formed in a surface such as a wall or a ceiling (not shown), although the mounting I may be mounted in any suitable surface. The hole is formed to such a depth to receive the entire depth of the electrical component mounting 1 when assembled as will be explained hereinafter. Further, a ridge is circumferentially formed around the outer edge of the hole which corresponds to the outer dimensions of the housing shoulder 14.

Electrical cables, or any other requited wiring, and the like are supplied to the hole.

Thereafter, the housing 2 is fitted into the hole and slid such that the lower surface 18 of the shoulder 14 is planate with the surface of the wall or ceiling. Alternatively, a hole is formed in a surface without a ridge and the housing is slid into the hole until the shoulder abuts the surface. The surface may then be plastered or the like up to the level of the lower surface 18 of the shoulder 14 such that it is planate therewith.

The means of attaching the housing 2 to the wall or ceiling is dependent on the type of wall or ceiling. When a solid wall is used, wherein the depth of the wall extends beyond the depth of the housing 2 disposed in the hole, then the holes 10 formed through the ridge 6 may be threaded and headless screws or the like (not shown) mounted therein and into the wall by known means. Alternatively, if a hollow wall is utilised, wherein the depth of the wall is thinner than the depth of the housing 2, then three prong springs of known type acting on a rear side of the wall (not shown) may be used to fix the housing 2 therein.

The required component, which in this embodiment of the component holder is a light, is mounted in the component holder 19 by known means such that it abuts the inner support ledge 27 and is exposed at the first opening 29a of the holder tubular opening 29 through the holder circular base aperture 24. Dependent on the type of component, the component may extend through the aperture 24, an example of which is described shortly.

The holder 19 holds and supports a desired electrical component such that it may be mounted in the mounting for an electrical component 1. It will therefore be understood that the shape and make-up of the electrical component is not limited to the embodiment described above, and is dependent on the electrical component to be disposed in the mounting 1. In this embodiment the holder 19 is for an electrical light (not shown), however the holder 19 may be formed to support a smoke detector, other sensing devices, a speaker or the like. Alternatively, the component holder 19 may form part of the component (not shown) itself, although the outer support ledge 30 is required as will become apparent hereinafter.

A first magnetic ring 20a is then received in the housing 2, such that the second ring face 32a is disposed against the lower face 7 of the ridge portion 6. As the housing 2 and hence the ridge 6 are formed from, for example, mild steel, the first magnetic ring 20a is attracted thereto such that it is securely held in position. The dimensions of the three magnetic rings 20a, 20b, 20c are identical and so are interchangeable.

The outer diameter of the first magnetic ring 20a corresponds to the diameter of the tubular body inner surface 5 such that it is substantially located in position.

The component (not shown) mounted in the component holder 19 is then electrically connected to the appropriate electrical cables and the like (not shown) extending through the housing 2 by known means. The component holder 19, with -10 -the relevant component mounted therein, is then disposed in the housing 2 such that the outer support ledge 30 of the holder circular base 23 is disposed against the base 36a of the recess 35a in the first magnetic ring 20a. In this embodiment, the holder tubular section 25 extends through the upper end 2a of the housing 2. The diameter and depth of the outer support ledge 30 correspond to the diameter and depth of the recess base 36a and recess wall 37a respectively.

The second magnetic ring 20b is then inserted into the tubular opening 4 in the same orientation as the first magnetic ring 20a. The second magnetic ring 20b is positioned such that the poles thereof are placed relative to the poles of the first magnetic ring 20a and so the two rings 20a, 20b attract each other. The outer support ledge 30, and therefore the component holder 19 itself is then held securely in the recess 35a of the first magnetic ring 20a by the second magnetic ring second face 32b.

It will be appreciated that the orientation of the first and second magnetic rings 20a, 20b may be reversed such that the outer support ledge 30 is disposed therebetween in the recess 35b of the second magnetic ring 20b. In this embodiment the holder 19 is formed from a non-magnetic material such as aluminium and so is held in position by the attraction of the first and second magnetic rings 20a, 20b, however, the holder 19 may be formed from mild steel, for example, such that it is held in location in the recess 35a of the first magnetic ring 20a by means of magnetic attraction. Alternatively, the outer support ledge 30 may be disposed between the lower face 7 of the ridge portion 6 and the first magnetic ring 30a.

The third magnetic ring 20c is then inserted into the tubular opening 4 in the same orientation as the previous two magnetic rings 20a, 20b and is held in position due to the magnetic attraction therebetween. In the above embodiment three magnetic rings 20a, 20b, 20c are used which act as spacers and correspond to the depth between the ridge lower face 7 and the shoulder indent base 16. However, in an alternative embodiment a single magnetic ring may be used which extends between the ridge lower face 7 and the shoulder indent base 16 or any multiple of magnetic rings 20 may be used. -11 -

The cap 21 is then located such that it is positioned by the shoulder indent base 16 and sidewall 17. As the cap 21 is formed from a magnetically attracted material, such as mild steel, it is held in place by the third magnetic ring 20c.

The component (not shown) may then be operated. In this embodiment the component is a light and so, when operated, the light shines through the cap aperture 39 to illuminate the desired area. It will be understood that if an alternative illumination is desired then the cap 21 may be replaced by a similarly outer dimensioned cap 21 with a different sized aperture or multiple of apertures. Further, coloured translucent glass may be disposed over the cap aperture 39, such that the properties of illumination are altered.

To interchange a component for another the process is reversed. The cap 21 is removed by rotating the cap 21 so that at least two of the magnetic rings 20a, 20b, 20c rotate relative to each other and the relative positions of the rings magnetic poles 20a, 20b, 20c are such that the magnetic rings 20a, 20b, 20c repel each other.

The cap 21, magnetic rings 20a, 20b, 20c, and component 19 may therefore be removed from the housing 2 without the need for any tools.

A different component may then be disposed in the housing 19 and mounted therein. Alternatively, if the fitting I is no longer required then a blanking cap (not shown) in the form of an cap 21 without an aperture 39 may then be located over the housing 2 by means of the magnetic rings 20a, 20b, 20c. In this alternative, if the housing upper end 3a is fully mounted in the surface (not shown) as described above then the cap 21 will be planate with the surface. Further, the cap and therefore the housing may be painted over.

Further, an additional component such as the lamp shade 41 may be utilised. In this alternative the disc portion 42 of the lamp shade 41 is disposed against the base 36b of the recess 35b in the second magnetic ring 20b, prior to insertion of the third magnetic ring 20c. The extended portion 44 of the lamp shade 41 is disposed to extend through the lower end 3b of the housing tubular body portion 3. The lamp -12 -shade 41 is then held in position in the recess 35b by the attraction between the second and third magnetic rings 20b, 20c. A cap 21 with an aperture 39 corresponding to the outer diameter of the lampshade extended portion 44 is mounted in place such that the extended portion extends therethrough.

It will be understood that the component may then be easily changed for an alternative component. As they are not fixedly held in place the cap 21 and magnetic rings 20a, 20b, 20c may be easily removed and an alternative component disposed in the housing 2. Further, the cap 21 and any other article supported by the magnetic rings 20a, 20b, 20c, such as the lamp shade 44 may also be easily replaced.

Use of the second alternative component 48 is shown in Figure 13. The component 48 shown is the hanging lamp 49. The housing 2 is disposed in the required surface (not shown) as described above and the first magnetic ring 20a inserted. The support ledge 50 is located in the recess 35a of the first magnetic ring 20a such that the cable 52 extends through the lower end 3b of the tubular body portion 3, and the second magnetic ring 20b is disposed thereover as before. As the lamp 54 is removable from the cable 52, the second and third magnetic rings 20b, 20c and a cap 21c with an aperture 39c corresponding to the width of the cable 52 are located as before. The lamp 54 is then attached to the cable 52 and is allowed to hang freely, supported by the magnetic rings 20b, 20c.

Use of the third alternative component 55 will now be described with reference to Figures 14 and 15. The housing 2 is disposed in the required surface as described above and the first and second magnetic rings 20a, 20b inserted. The second magnetic ring 20b is inserted such that the second face 32b thereof is disposed towards the lower end 4 of the tubular body 3. The component holder 57 is then located therein with the lamp 67 positioned in the component holder 57 by means of the tubular spacer 66. The third magnetic ring 20c is then disposed thereover such that the support ledge 58 is held in the recess 35c of the third magnetic ring 20c. The annular portion 56 may then be rotated relative to the component holder 57 into a desired position and can rotate into the opening 60 to allow a greater angle -13 -of rotation. The cap 21a is then located with the oval aperture 39a diposed relative to the location of the annular portion 56.

Referring to Figures 16 and 17, use of the fourth alternative component will now be described. The housing 2 is disposed as described above and the three magnetic rings 20a, 20b and 20c inserted. The alternative cap 76 with the threaded aperture 77 is mounted onto the threaded portion 70 of the post 69. Subsequently, the electrical cables 75 are then threaded through the tubular opening 72 to emerge relative to the cap 76 such that they may be electrically connected as relevant. The cap 76 with post 69 and lamp portion 73 mounted thereto is then located as discussed above and held in position by the magnetic attraction of the third magnetic ring 20c. As the lamp portion 73 may be manoeuvred by use of the swivel portion 74, the light may then be positioned to illuminate the desired area.

An alternative means of holding the mounting I in position in a hollow surface will now be described with reference to Figures 18 to 20. The terminal bracket 78 and the first grip 81 are mounted to the housing 2 through their respective holes 80, 83 and 10 by known means, such as a rivet. Similarly, the second grip 82 is mounted diametrically opposite the first grip 81 by known means and the grips 81, 82 are disposed such that they cannot rotate thereabout by means of the flat portion 84 contacting the shoulder 14 of the tubular body 3.

The housing 2 is fitted into the hole in the hollow surface 85 by pushing the resilient grips 81, 82 against the outer surface 12 of the tubular body 3. Once inserted, as the grips 81, 82 are resilient, they spring outwards to hold the housing 2 in position.

The electrical connector 79 is electrically connected to the electrical cables supplied to the hole (not shown) such that to electrically connect the required component, or to remove the previously located component, the terminal bracket 78 may be pulled through the tubular opening 4 of the housing 2 to ease connection or disconnection thereof respectively. As the terminal bracket 78 is resilient it will return to its -14 -original position when released, away from the component located in the housing 2, such that the electrical cables are held away from the component.

Although a number of different components, component holders, caps and additional parts have been described above it will be appreciated that the invention relates to a modular system and so is not limited thereto. Therefore any component holder, cap or additional parts may be used which correspond to the basic dimensions to be held by the magnetic rings 20 in the housing 2. Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it

will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that these axe preferred embodiments only and that changes may be made to these embodiments, or alternative embodiments are included, within the scope of the invention which is defined in the claims hereafter.

Claims

-15 -Claims 1. A universal fitting for mounting a component to a wall

or ceiling, comprising an annula.r body for permanent recessed installation in an aperture in a wall or ceiling, the annular body being configured to interchangeably receive one of a plurality of associated components and defining an internal shoulder against which locates a mounting member attached to or forming part of an associated component and, a releasable retaining element for maintaining a mounting member against the internal shoulder to attach said associated component to the annular body.
2. A universal fitting according to claim 1, wherein the releasable retaining element is annular and is received within the annular body to maintain a mounting member of an associated component against the internal shoulder.
3. A universal fitting according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the releasable retaining element and/or the annular body are formed from a magnetic material such that the retaining element and the annular body exhibit magnetic attraction.
4. A universal fitting according to claim 3, including a mounting member attached to each associated component, wherein the retaining element is positionable between the shoulder in the annular body and the mounting member to connect the mounting member to the annular shoulder.
5. A universal fitting according to claim 4, including a plurality of retaining elements positionable between the shoulder in the annular body and the mounting member to space the mounting member from the shoulder.
6. A universal fitting according to claim 3, wherein the mounting member is positionable against the shoulder, the retaining element being locatable on the mounting member to retain the mounting member in position between the shoulder and the retaining element.

-16 -
7. A universal fitting according to claim 6, wherein the mounting member is made from a non-magnetic material, the retaining dement being magnetically attracted to the shoulder of the annular body through the mounting member to retain the mounting member in position.
8. A universal fitting according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein a component attached to or forming part of the mounting member extends through the retaining element.
9. A universal fitting according to claim 3, including a pair of retaining elements, wherein one retaining element is positionable against the shoulder, the mounting member being locatable between the pair of retaining elements to retain the mounting member in position.
10. A universal fitting according to claim 9, wherein the magnetic material is configured such that the pair of retaining elements exhibit magnetic repulsion depending on the orientation of the retaining elements relative to each other.
11. A universal fitting according to any of daims 4 to 10, wherein the mounting member is a plate.
12. An electrical component system including a universal fitting according to any preceding claim, the component system including at least one light each having a mounting member attached thereto for releasable connection to the annular body of the universal fitting.
13. An electrical component system according to claim 12, wherein the mounting member is a blanking plate for releasable connection to the annular body of the universal fitting in place of said at least one light.
14. An electrical component system according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the mounting member is part of a spotlight bulb, the bulb being received in the annular body such that it seats against the shoulder, a retaining element being -17 -disposed on the bulb so as to be magnetically attracted to the annular body to retain the bulb in position in the annular body between the shoulder and the retaining element.
15. A universal fitting substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.