GB2488428A

GB2488428A - A wire support arrangement

Info

Publication number: GB2488428A
Application number: GB201203088A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Desmond
Original assignee: JCC Lighting Products Ltd
Current assignee: JCC Lighting Products Ltd
Priority date: 2011-02-22
Filing date: 2012-02-22
Publication date: 2012-08-29
Anticipated expiration: 2032-02-22
Also published as: GB201103048D0; GB201203088D0; GB2488428B

Abstract

A lampholder wire support arrangement 1 is connected to a lampholder 2, the lampholder 2 able to receive a lamp by a press fit connection. The arrangement 1 has an attachment member (9, fig 2) for removable attachment to a lampholder; and cuffs 4,5 coupled to the attachment member (9, fig 2), the cuffs 4,5 receiving wires 13 and restrict movement of the wires 13. The attachment member (9, fig 2) secures the cuffs 4,5 in a fixed position with respect to the lampholder 2 so that movement of the wires 13 in the cuffs 4,5 is restricted with respect to the lampholder 2.

Description

Title: A wire support arrangement

Description of Invention

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a wire support arrangement which may be a strain relief arrangement for use with a lampholder.

Conventional low voltage lampholders comprise a substantially cylindrical body. A pair of pin recesses may be provided through a depth of the cylindrical body from a first face of the body towards a second face thereof.

The pair of pin recesses is configured to receive connection pins of a lamp in a press-fit arrangement.

One or more cut-out sections may be provided in the cylindrical body. The or each cut-out section is generally circular or semi-circular in cross-section and extends toward a central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body of the lampholder. The or each cut-out has a depth through the cylindrical body of the lampholder which is less then the total depth of the lampholder. A base surface (generally parallel to the first and second faces of the cylindrical body of the lampholder) is provided in each cut-out section at the part thereof most remote from the first face of the cylindrical body. A through-hole (of circular cross-section) extends through the base surface of each cut-out section and through the second face of the cylindrical body. Each through-hole has an axis of extension which is generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical body.

The connection pins of a lamp are, typically, a parallel pair of conductive pins which extend from a lamp and which are in electrical communication with a lamp element of the lamp. The lamp element emits light when a sufficient electrical voltage is provided across the pair of pins.

The pair of pin recesses of the lampholder, which are configured to receive the connection pins of a lamp, include conductive abutment members which are arranged within the cylindrical body and which extend at least partially into the pin recesses. Accordingly, a lamp pin which is received by a pin recess abuts against at least one conductive abutment member such that the pin and abutment member are in electrical communication with each other.

Conductive abutment members are provided for each of the pair of pin recesses.

The conductive abutment member or members associated with a first of the pair of pin recesses is in electrical communication with a first wire. The conductive abutment member or members associated with a second of the pair of pin recesses is in electrical communication with a second wire. The first and second wires pass through one or more channels of the lampholder such that the first and second wires extend from the second face of the lampholder. The conductive abutment members may be crimp connectors.

Thus, a voltage can be applied across the first and second wires to cause light to be emitted from a lamp element of a lamp which is held by the lam pholder.

During use it is necessary to replace the lamp which is held by the lampholder.

This act requires manual manipulation of the lamp and the lampholder.

Manual manipulation of the lampholder often results in a force being applied to the first and second wires of the lampholder which acts to separate the first and second wires from the lampholder. The inventors have found that this force can result in failure of the electrical connection between, for example, a conductive abutment member and the associated wire. In addition, the inventors have found that movement of the wires with respect to the lampholder can cause fatigue in the wires and connections of the wires. This fatigue is a particular problem at and adjacent the connections to the conductive abutment members where there is relative movement of the wires with respect to the conductive abutment members. In addition, this connection point may be comparatively brittle or weak. Fatigue of the wires and connections can cause failure of the wire or lampholder. If failure occurs then it is necessary to replace the lam pholder. This is a time consuming task.

The provision of support or strain relief on lampholders of this type has not previously been considered because the lam p holders to not support the weight of the lamp (which is otherwise supported). Therefore, support or stain relief was not considered necessary.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to ameliorate one or more

problems associated with the prior art.

Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides a lampholder wire support arrangement and lampholder, the lampholder being configured to receive a lamp in a press-fit configuration, and the arrangement comprising: an attachment member configured for removable attachment to a lam pholder; and a cuff coupled to the attachment member, the cuff being configured to receive at least part of a wire and to restrict movement of the wire with respect to the cuff, wherein the attachment member is configured to secure the cuff in a substantially fixed position with respect to a lampholder such that movement of a wire received by the cuff is restricted with respect to the lam pholder.

Preferably, the arrangement and lampholder further comprises one or more further cuffs, each cuff being coupled to the attachment member and configured to receive at least part of a wire and to restrict movement of the wire with respect to the cuff.

Preferably, the arrangement and lampholder further comprises one or more ribs attached to the cuff and at least one of the one or more further cuffs.

Preferably, the or each rib extends along part of a length of the or each cuff.

Preferably, the or each rib is attached to a main body which is attached to the cuff, the further cuff and the attachment member.

Preferably, the arrangement and lampholder further comprises one or more attachment members configured for attachment to a lam pholder.

Preferably, the or each attachment arrangement comprises a split-pin.

Preferably, the or each cuff is supported by one or more buttresses.

Preferably, the lampholder comprises a main body with one or more recesses suitable to receive respective pins of a lamp.

Preferably, the lampholder includes one or more wire receiving channels which extend through at least part of the lampholder and are defined thereby.

Preferably, the arrangement and lampholder further comprises one or more wires.

Preferably, the arrangement and lampholder further comprises one or more tabs which extend from the arrangement beyond a perimeter wall of the lampholder.

Preferably, the or each tab is adjacent the attachment arrangement.

Preferably, the wire support arrangement is a strain relief arrangement.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a lampholder wire support arrangement configured for use with a lam pholder.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a building comprising an arrangement and lampholder.

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIGURE 1 shows an embodiment in use; FIGURE 2 shows an embodiment; FIGURE 3 shows an embodiment; and FIGURE 4 shows an embodiment.

With reference to figures 1, 2, and 3, an embodiment of the present invention comprises a wire support arrangement 1 for a lampholder 2 which may be a low voltage lam pholder 2.

The wire support arrangement 1 comprises a main body 3 which, in the depicted embodiment, is a disc-like main body 3. The main body 3 may take other forms -as may be envisaged -including but not limited to a cylindrical or cubic form.

The main body 3 may include one or more protrusions such that it is keyed to a particular lampholder 2.

The main body 3 of the wire support arrangement 1 has a main plane. A pair of cuffs 4,5 extend from the main body 3 in a direction which is generally perpendicular to the main plane of the main body 3. The cuffs 4,5 extend from a first face 6 of the main body 3.

Each cuff 4,5 comprises a hollow cylinder (i.e. a tube). An aperture 7 extends through an entire depth of each cuff 4,5 respectively. The apertures 7 also extend through an entire depth of the main body 3. Chamfered edges may be provided at one or both ends of the apertures 7 such that a width of the apertures 7 increases at the extreme ends of the apertures 7. Thus, a pair of channels is provided through the wire support arrangement 1 -one channel through each cuff 4,5.

The two cuffs 4,5 are, in an embodiment, coupled to each other by a rib 8. In the depicted embodiment, the rib 8 extends in a direction which is generally parallel to the direction of extension of the cuffs 4,5. The rib 8 is attached to both cuffs 4,5 along lengths thereof and to the main body 3 of the wire support arrangement 1. The rib 8, however, is not attached along an entire length of the cuffs 4,5 but has a length of extension which is less than the length of extension of the cuffs 4,5.

It will be appreciated that, in embodiments, no rib 8 is provided. In other embodiments, more than one rib 8 may be provided between the cuffs 4,5.

In another embodiment, one or more buttresses (not shown) are provided which extend from the main body 3 and which are attached to a cuff 4,5 along a length thereof. The or each buttress is only attached to one cuff 4,5.

In an embodiment, one or more ribs 8 and one or more buttresses are provided.

It will be understood, that the or each rib 8 and/or the or each buttress are provided to support the cuffs 4,5. In embodiments, it may be advantageous to provide additional flexibility in the cuffs 4,5 (such that a distal end of each cuff 4,5 is permitted to move with respect to a proximal end thereof). In addition, it will be appreciated, that providing one or more ribs 8 and/or buttresses which are not attached along an entire length of the cuffs 4,5 allows the distal end of each cuff 4,5 a limited degree of flexibility in some embodiments.

One or more attachment members 9 extend from a second face 10 of the main body 3 of the wire support arrangement 1. The second face 10 of the main body 3 generally opposes the first face 6 of the main body 3 across a depth thereof. The second 10 and first 6 faces of the main body 3 are preferably parallel to each other and to the main plane of the main body 3.

The or each attachment member 9 comprises, in the depicted embodiment, a split-pin 9 having a distal end remote from the main body 3 and a proximal end which is secured to the main body 3.

The or each split-pin 9 generally comprises a cylindrical member which extends away from the main body 3 in a direction which is generally perpendicular to the main plane of the main body 2. A slit 11 is provided through the cylindrical member of the or each split-pin 9 towards the distal end thereof. The slit 11 does not, preferably, extend through an entire length of the or each split-pin 9. Therefore, in an embodiment, the proximal end of the or each split-pin 9 does not have a slit 11. A barb 12 is provided at or towards the distal end of the or each split-pin 9. The barb 12 preferably has a bevelled outer surface such that the barb 12 tapers towards the distal end of the split-pin 9.

Thus, the distal end of the or each split-pin 9 can be compressed in a direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the split-pin 9 (the axis of extension of the or each split-pin 9) to close or partially close the slit 11. In other words, a width (e.g. a diameter) of the split-pin 9 can be reduced by compression of the split-pin 9. As the slit 11 does not pass through the proximal end of the split-pin 9, the split-pin 9 is biased (resiliently) into an uncompressed/open state.

In the depicted embodiment, the wire support arrangement 1 has two attachment members 9. It will be appreciated that any suitable number of attachment members 9 may be provided. It will also be appreciated that a split-pin 9 is just one example of an attachment arrangement 9 which is configured for attachment to a lampholder 2. Other forms of attachment member 9 may be used in accordance with other embodiments.

The wire support arrangement 1 may be fitted to a lampholder 2. The lampholder 2 may be a lampholder 2 substantially as described above as a conventional lampholder 2.

The one or more attachment members 9 and the one or more cuffs 4,5 are, therefore, configured for alignment with relevant parts of the lampholder 2 as will be discussed below.

The wire support arrangement 1 may be fitted to the lampholder 2 by securing the attachment member or members 9 to the lampholder 2 such that the aperture 7 through each cuff 4,5 is substantially aligned with a wire receiving channel of the lampholder 2. Thus, a wire 13 received by a wire receiving channel of the lampholder 2 is permitted to pass through the aperture 7 in a cuff 4,5. The aperture 7 in a cuff 4,5 may be, in embodiments, configured such that a width (e.g. a diameter) of the aperture 7 is substantially equal to or slightly less than an uncompressed wire 13 of a lampholder 2. Thus, the wire 13 may fit relatively tightly within the cuff 4,5. The wire 13 will include insulation and, therefore, in an embodiment, the aperture 7 may be sized such that a part of the insulation around the wire 13 is compressed by the cuff 4,5 -thus helping to provide a secure fitting of the wire 13 within the cuff 4,5. Each cuff 4,5 may receive a respective wire 13 in this manner. In embodiments, the width of the aperture 7 is greater than an uncompressed wire 13 of a lampholder 2. In embodiments, the wire support arrangement 1 is configured to allow the arrangement 1 to be slid up and down a wire 13 (or wires 13) (with the wire(s) 13 passing through the cuff(s) 4,5) substantially freely until the wire support arrangement 1 is coupled to a lampholder 2 (wherein the wire(s) 13 is then held with respect to the lampholder 2 and the wire support arrangement 1 is held with respect to the lampholder 2). Thus, in embodiment, the wire support arrangement 1 may be slid onto the end portion of a wire 13 (or wires 13), the lam pholder 2 connected to the end of the wire 13 (or wires 13) and the wire support arrangement 1 moved along the wire 13 (or wires 13) to engage the lam pholder 2.

The wire support arrangement 1 as depicted has two split-pin attachment members 9 which are an example of a suitable press-fit arrangement. These split-pins attachment members 9 are configured such that they will align with apertures/through-holes through the lampholder 2. The split-pins 9 are inserted into the apertures/through-holes through the lampholder 2 by abutting the distal ends of the split-pins 9 against a surface around the apertures/through-holes through the lampholder 2. When the wire support arrangement 1 is moved towards the lampholder 2, the bevelled surfaces of the barbs 1 2 of the split-pins 9 cause the slits 11 in the split-pins to be compressed (i.e. to be closed or partially closed). This reduces the width of the split-pins 9 to such an extent that the width is less than a width of the apertures/through-holes in the lampholder 2. Thus, the split-pins 9 are received by the apertures/through-holes. The length of the split-pins 9 and the length of the barbs 12 are such that the barbs 12 will extend through the apertures/through-holes in the lampholder 2 to an opposing side of the lampholder 2 to the side on which the bulk of the arrangement 1 is located.

When the barbs 12 are through the apertures/through-holes, the force compressing the slits 11 will be reduced. Therefore, the width of the split-pins 9 will increase as the slits 11 open. The barbs 12 are shaped and sized such that, following this increase in width of the split-pins 9, the barbs 12 will abut against a surface of the lampholder 9 and prevent substantial movement of the split-pins 9 back through the apertures/through-holes in the lampholder 2.

Thus, relative movement of the wire support arrangement 1 and the lampholder 2 is restricted or, in embodiments, substantially prevented.

It will be appreciated that the press-fit arrangement is configured to allow the wire support arrangement 1 and the lampholder 2 to be removed from connection with each other. In particular, in examples in which the press-fit arrangement comprises two split-pin attachment members 9, the ends of the split-pin attachment members 9 are accessible from the exterior of the lampholder 2 and connected wire support arrangement 1. Accordingly, the wire support arrangement 1 can be decoupled from the lampholder 2 without damage to the wire support arrangement 1 and/or the lampholder 2. In embodiments, the wire support arrangement 1 is re-useable -such that the arrangement 1 can be coupled and decoupled repeatedly to a lampholder 2 (or to different lampholders 2).

The wire support arrangement 1 seeks to reduce the strain and/or stress placed on the connection between the wires 13 and the conductive abutment members of the lampholder 2. In an embodiment, the conductive abutment members of the lampholder are integrally formed with the wires 13 and the wire support arrangement 1 seeks to reduce the stress and/or strain placed on the connection between the conductive abutment members and the rest of the wires 13. In an embodiment, the conductive abutment members are crimp connectors which are attached to the wires 13.

It will be understood, that the cuffs 4,5 may be configured such that the respective apertures 7 thereof open immediately adjacent an associated wire receiving channel of the lampholder 2. In embodiments, the second face 10 of the wire support arrangement 1 may be configured to abut against a surface of the lampholder 2, in use (in embodiments, the second face 10 of the wire support arrangement 1 and the surface of the lampholder 2 against which the second face 10 abuts, may both be flat or substantially flat).

It will be appreciated that more than two cuffs 4,5 may be provided (e.g. to accommodate more than two wires 13 -each cuff 4,5 accommodating one wire 13). It will be appreciated that the wire support arrangement 1 may have one or more redundant cuffs 4,5 -for example, three or more cuffs 4,5 may be provided and the cuffs 4,5 which receive wires may depend on which of the cuffs 4,5 is best aligned with the wire receiving channels of the lampholder 2.

Embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to a low voltage lamp holder. It will be appreciated, that embodiments may also be suitable for use with other types of lam pholder 2.

The lampholder 2 is preferably an unsecured lampholder 2 which is not attached to a building in which the lampholder is fitted or the attachment is such that the lampholder 2 can move with respect to the building. For example, the only connection of the lampholder 2 to the building may be through the attachment of the wires 13 to a part of the building at some point along the length of the wires 13. The lamp may be secured to a lamp-fitting which secures the lamp to the building and the Iampholder 2 may be secured to the lamp but the lampholder 2 is still, itself, an unsecured lampholder 2 because, without the lamp, the lampholder 2 can move with respect to the building substantially freely. The term "building" has been used above but this term generally includes parts of the building such as a ceiling or wall panel with which the Iampholder 2 is associated.

The lampholder 2 is configured to receive one or more pins of a lamp. The pins do not have a thread. The lampholder 2 and lamp are coupled together in a press-fit arrangement such that pressing of the lamp into the lampholder 2 will secure the lamp to the lampholder 2 with substantially no rotation of the lamp with respect to the lampholder 2 being required.

The lampholder 2 is not configured to support the weight of the lamp by the one or more pins. Instead, the lamp is intended to be secured to part of a building -perhaps through the use of a lamp-fitting -such that the weight of the lamp is otherwise supported. Thus, the lampholder 2 is an unsupportive or non-structural lampholder 2. A sufficient force applied to the lamp will cause movement of the lamp from the lampholder 2 and detachment of the press-fit arrangement/configuration coupling the lamp and lampholder 2.

The wire support arrangement 1 is preferably formed from an insulating material and is preferable formed from plastic. Preferably, the wire support arrangement 1 is formed from a single piece of plastic. Preferably, the wire support arrangement 1 is injection moulded.

The wire support arrangement 1 and lampholder 2 may be fitted in a building.

A plurality of wire support arrangements 1 and lampholders 2 may be fitted in a building.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in figure 4. This embodiment shares many common features with the embodiments described above (like reference numerals have been used to denote like features). This embodiment, however, differs from the embodiments described above by the provision of one or more tabs 14. The or each tab 14 extends from the main body 3 radially and in direction which is generally parallel to the main plane of the main body 3.

The or each tab 14 is, in an embodiment, semicircular in shape and has a thickness which is generally equal or substantially equal to a thickness of the main body 3.

The or each tab 14 is sized such that when the low voltage lampholder 2 is attached to the wire support arrangement 1, the or each tab 14 extends beyond a perimeter wall of the low voltage lampholder 2. The or each tab 14, therefore, provides a means by which a user can apply a force to assist in removal or attachment of the wire support arrangement 1 from the low voltage lam pholder 2.

In an embodiment, there is a plurality of tabs 14. In an embodiment, one tab is provided for each split-pin 9 and each tab 14 is located adjacent a respective split-pin 9. The split-pins 9 are, therefore, located further away from the edge of the wire support arrangement 1. This reduces the risk of forces acting on the split-pins 9 from cracking the main body 3 of the wire support arrangement 1. Indeed, the radius of the main body 2 can be reduced if one or more tabs 14 are provided in this manner -thus reducing the amount of material required to manufacture the wire support arrangement 1 according to an embodiment.

The or each tab 14 is, in an embodiment, visible when looking at a low voltage lampholder 2 to which the wire support arrangement 1 has been fitted, even when viewed inline with a longitudinal axis of the lampholder 2. Thus, the presence of a wire support arrangement 1 including one or more tabs 14 can be readily determined -which is important because many such low voltage lampholders 2 are only visible and accessible through relatively small apertures in, for example, a ceiling.

The or each tab 14 may also assist a user in locating the wire support arrangement 1 in the correct orientation with respect to the lampholder 2 during fitting of the wire support arrangement 1 to the lampholder 2.

The wire support arrangement may perform a strain relief function.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

Claims 1. A lampholder wire support arrangement and lampholder, the lampholder being configured to receive a lamp in a press-fit configuration, and the arrangement comprising: an attachment member configured for removable attachment to a lampholder; and a cuff coupled to the attachment member, the cuff being configured to receive at least part of a wire and to restrict movement of the wire with respect to the cuff, wherein the attachment member is configured to secure the cuff in a substantially fixed position with respect to a lampholder such that movement of a wire received by the cuff is restricted with respect to the lampholder.
2. An arrangement and lam pholder according to claim 1, further comprising one or more further cuffs, each cuff being coupled to the attachment member and configured to receive at least part of a wire and to restrict movement of the wire with respect to the cuff.
3. An arrangement and lampholder according to claim 2, further comprising one or more ribs attached to the cuff and at least one of the one or more further cuffs.
4. An arrangement and lampholder according to claim 3, wherein the or each rib extends along part of a length of the or each cuff.
5. An arrangement and lam pholder according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the or each rib is attached to a main body which is attached to the cuff, the further cuff and the attachment member.
6. An arrangement and lampholder according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more attachment members configured for attachment to a lampholder.
7. An arrangement and lampholder according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each attachment arrangement comprises a split-pin.
8. An arrangement and lamp holder according to any preceding claim, wherein the or each cuff is supported by one or more buttresses.
9. An arrangement and lampholder according to any preceding claim, wherein the lampholder comprises a main body with one or more recesses suitable to receive respective pins of a lamp.
10. An arrangement and lampholder according to any preceding claim, wherein the lampholder includes one or more wire receiving channels which extend through at least part of the lampholder and are defined thereby.
11. An arrangement and lam pholder according to any preceding claim further comprising one or more wires.
12. An arrangement and lampholder according to any preceding claim, further comprising one or more tabs which extend from the arrangement beyond a perimeter wall of the lam pholder.
13. An arrangement and lampholder according to claim 12, wherein the or each tab is adjacent the attachment arrangement.
14. A lampholder wire support arrangement configured for use with a lampholder in accordance with any preceding claim.
15. A building comprising an arrangement and lampholder according to any of claims ito 13.
16. A lampholder wire support arrangement substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
i 7. An arrangement and lam pholder substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.iO is. A building substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.19. Any novel feature or novel combination of features disclosed herein.