GB2536617A

GB2536617A - Electrical connector

Info

Publication number: GB2536617A
Application number: GB1503761.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Edwin Granger Samuel
Original assignee: ADAPTALUX Ltd
Current assignee: ADAPTALUX Ltd
Priority date: 2015-03-05
Filing date: 2015-03-05
Publication date: 2016-09-28
Anticipated expiration: 2035-03-05
Also published as: GB201503761D0; WO2016139449A1; GB2536617B

Abstract

An electrical connector comprising a male member and a female member, an electrical contact means 15, 16, on both members, and a magnetic means 14 on an end wall of both the members. In use, the members are mutually engaged with one another along at least a side wall (see figures 8 and 9) of the members. The members are in electrical communication with one another via the electrical contact means, the members are in magnetic cooperation with one another via the magnet means. Preferably the male member comprises projections which engage with recesses on the female member. Also disclosed is a lighting apparatus comprising a control unit and a plurality of supporting arms with each of the supporting arms making up the plurality of supporting arms having at one end a light source and at an opposite end a connection means engageable with the control unit, where in use the plurality of supporting arms are connected to the control unit and each of the light sources is in electrical communication with the control unit via the respective supporting arm.

Description

ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR AND LIGHTING APPARATUS

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an electrical connector and a lighting apparatus.

Background to the Invention

In the field of electronics there are a number of different ways in which power can be supplied from an external source to an electronic device. The mode of connection depends greatly on the electrical requirements and the parameters of the connection. For example, cables carrying high voltages may be hard-wired into appliances, for safety purposes. Similarly for devices that re-quire temporary charging, such as laptops or mobile phones the electrical connection between the power source and the device maybe by way of a jack plug which engages with a socket on the device. The socket resists the removal of the jack plug by either a mechanically based release mechanism, or the plug is resiliently engaged with the socket that has a spring or the like at one end. In other instances the plug might just be a tight fit in the socket like one might find in conventional electrical plugs for wall sockets.

In one particular case, a typical plug is retained against a socket by magnets in the connection device. Such a magnetic electrical connector is dis- closed in US3786391, which describes a magnetic self-aligning electrical con-nector comprising a pair of coupling halves. Each of the halves have electrical contact means therein. One of the coupling halves has magnetic means therein disposed opposite means in said other coupling half for cooperation with said magnet means to hold said coupling halves together with the electrical contact means in electrically conducting contacting relationship with one another. An object of the invention described in US3786391 is to construct an electrical contact means so that the two halves cannot be separated with lateral movement there between but must be separated with a straight axial pull, thus substantially increasing the holding force or effect of the magnet means for holding the cou-pling halves together. US3786391 shows however quite a complicated arrangement and one in which ultimately the electrical contact pins are the parts -2 -of the device which prevents the lateral movement of one half with respect to the other.

A simpler and more effective solution is required where the prevention of non-axial lateral movement is required and which allows the effective and effi-cient engagement, release and reconnection of the jack with the plug. There has now been devised an electrical connector which overcomes and/or substantially mitigates the above referenced disadvantages with the prior art.

The invention also concerns a lighting apparatus. In modern photography there are now multiple ways in which the photographer can illuminate a subject being photographed. Examples of illumination means include backdrops, diffus- ers, reflectors, flashes and filters etc. These devices are typically all independent devices to produce a particular lighting effect and may be electronically controlled from a central point or where the device is located. Thus, each of the illumination means will have its own power supply and require individual struc-tural support, which all makes setting up a shoot very time consuming. This also entails considerable financial outlay for the photographer in order to get the photograph he requires. Furthermore, because the above accessories are not immediately transferable to the outdoors, the photographer is very limited with the illumination possibilities to hand when practicing external photography.

There has now been devised a lighting apparatus which overcomes and/or substantially mitigates the above referenced disadvantages with the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

In a first aspect of the invention there is provided an electrical connector comprising: a male member and a female member, an electrical contact means on both the male and the female member, a magnetic means on an end wall of both the male and female member, wherein, in use, the male member and a female member are mutually engaged with one another along at least a side wall of the male and female members, the male member and female member are in electrical communica- -3 -tion with one another via the electrical contact means and the male member and female member are in magnetic cooperation with one another via the magnet mean.

The invention according to the first aspect is advantageous primarily be-5 cause the male member is held within the female member by virtue of the magnetic cooperation between the two members. Being magnetic it means that the male and female member are separable (but only in one direction as described below). Thus the male and female members of the connector can be easily connected, separated and connected again. The invention is also advantageous 10 because non axial movement of one member with respect to the other is prevented by virtue of the mutual engagement along at least a side wall of the male and female members. In other words, the connection between the male and female member is weight bearing and can resist forces applied at an angle away from a central axis running through both members. The male and female mem- ber may only be separated by force applied through this same axis, ie separa-tion by the application of lateral force only. Another advantage of the invention is that the male and female member are in electrical communication when the two members are engaged together. In this way, electrical current can flow between the two members when they are engaged. Upon separation the current flow is stopped, but a replacement male member may be engaged with the female member (or vice versa) and the electrical connection resumes automatically.

Preferably the male member comprises one or more projections and the female member comprises one or more recesses that correspond with the one or more projections, and in use, the one or more projections on the male mem-ber are mutually engaged with recesses on the female member. In this manner, in use, which is when the male and female member are mutually engaged, the two members are fixed rotationally with respect to one another. That is to say, the male member cannot rotate with respect to the female member and vice versa. It is appreciated that the same effect is achieved when the male member has recesses that engage with projections on the female member. Therefore, the male member may comprise one or more projections and the female mem- -4 -ber comprises one or more recesses that correspond with the one or more projections, and in use, the one or more projections on the male member are mutually engaged with recesses on the female member.

Magnetic means on an end wall of both the male and female member, means that on end wall of both the male and female member there may be magnet wherein one of the magnets is arranged with same polarity to the other. Magnetic means on an end wall of both the male and female member may also mean that the male member comprises a magnet on an end wall, and the female member comprises a material responsive to magnetic forces, such as iron or other ferromagnetic material. Magnetic means on an end wall of both the male and female member may also mean that the female member comprises a magnet on an end wall, and the male member comprises a material responsive to magnetic forces, such as iron or other ferromagnetic material.

Magnetic cooperation means that the magnet means are acting in con-junction with one another in such a way as to bias the male and female members together into engagement. The magnet means are not necessarily required to be in contact with one another for there to be magnetic cooperation, just that there is a biasing force sufficient to hold the two members in mutual engagement.

The male and female member may have any cross sectional area, as long as they are mutually engageable. If the male and female members have a circular cross section, then a further benefit of the invention is that the male member may be inserted into the female member at any orientation. Thus there is no need for the user to align anything due to the design. If the male and fe-male members have a square cross section (for example) then some alignment will be required. But what is important is that the two members are mutually engageable. That is to say, the external dimensions of the male member match the internal dimensions of the female member. It is preferable that the side wall of the male member runs circumferentially around the exterior of the male member. Preferably, the side wall of the female member runs circumferentially around the interior of the female member. This means that during engagement the female member presents the greatest surface area to the male member. -5 -

The greater the surface area of the side walls that overlaps when the two members are engaged, the stronger the mutual engagement is and therefore the greater resistance there is to non-axial movement of one member with respect to the other. For clarification, "non-axial movement" means movement of one member with respect to the other member, where the moment is in a direction away from a central longitudinal axis running through both members.

The end wall of the male member and/or the end wall of the female member may extend into the interior of the respective member. This means that the magnet means is inset from the external parts of the male and female r) member. This allows the magnetic means to be separated from the electrical contacts and therefore doesn't interfere with the electrical communication. It also means the magnet means is kept clean at all times.

The electrical contact means on both the male and female members may be on a side wall of the respective male or female members. Thus the electrical communication may be through a side wall of the male and female member. This is another way that the magnet means is disposed away from the electrical contact means.

The electrical contact means may comprise the magnetic means. The magnet means may have one or more electrical connections to it. This means that when the magnet means are in cooperation, the male and female members are mutually engaged, and an electrical contact is made between the male and female member through the magnet. For this to happen the magnet means in this embodiment (i.e. the magnet on the male and female members, or the magnet and magnetic responsive material on the male and female members) must be in contact with one another.

The electrical contact means preferably comprises a plurality of electrically conductive elements. This means that the electrical contact means can be made more resilient to inconsistent connections, possible because of damage or dirt. It also means that connections can be made between a number of power sources that may or may not carry current at different times. That's is to say there could for example be live, neutral, positive, earth, inductance or detection connections, for example. -6 -

The number of electrically conductive elements on the male member may be different to the number of elements on the female member. For example the female member may have three elements, and the male member only two, but during engagement, one of the elements on the male member bridges two of the elements on the female member. This can be particularly useful when for example two of the male elements and two of the female elements are used in completing an electrical circuit, but the remaining third element on the female member is used to detect whether the male member has been engaged or not. This is also done through electrical communication, but via a separate circuit to o that described above. This is also beneficial if one of the female contacts gets worn and doesn't connect as well. By having extra contacts it means that there is some tolerance in the connection and the connector will last a lot longer than prior art examples.

The male and female members are preferably manufactured from a non-conductive material such as a plastics material. However the male and female members may be made from a mainly conductive material, but an insulation layer provided between the electrical contacts and the material of each member.

The invention according to the first aspect and as described above is particularly useful in the lighting apparatus described below. This is because the connector is easily connected, released apart and reconnected, and is thus beneficial for use in any device requiring such a connection, such as a laptop, mobile phone etc. In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a lighting apparatus comprising: a control unit and a plurality of supporting arms with each of the supporting arms making up the plurality of supporting arms having at one end a light source and at an opposite end a connection means engageable with the control unit, wherein in use the plurality of supporting arms are connected to the control unit and each of the light sources is in electrical communication with the control unit via the respective supporting arm. -7 -

The invention according to the second aspect is particularly advantageous because it means that multiple light sources can be engaged in a modular fashion with the control unit. This allows for an infinite number of lighting environments to be created, much like a miniature studio. The light sources are supported by the supporting arms and do not have any separate supports. The supporting arms therefore not only provide a support function, but also enable the electrical communication. This simplifies the lighting arrangements that are seen in the prior art.

Preferably the apparatus comprises the connector as described above. fo This improves the ease of operation of the apparatus and makes it very easy to very quickly change the supporting arms and therefore the lighting parameters. The supporting arms may be connected to the control unit by the connector. This allows the supporting arms to be releaseably engaged and in electrical communication with the control unit. It also means that the weight of the supporting arms (and anything attached to the supporting arms) is held by the control unit, because the connector prevents non axial movement of the male member with respect to the female member. Preferably one end of the supporting arms comprises the male member of the connector. Preferably the control unit comprises the female member of the connector. The engagement between the two is as described above. The invention would also work if the male and female members were reversed so that the one end of the supporting arms comprises the female member of the connector and the control unit comprises the male member of the connector.

The supporting arms may be connected to the light source by the con-nector. This allows the light source to be releaseably engaged and in electrical communication with the supporting arms. It also means that the weight of the light source (and anything attached to the light source) is held by the supporting arms, because the connector prevents non axial movement of the male member with respect to the female member. Preferably one end of the supporting arms comprises the male member of the connector. Preferably the light source com-prises the female member of the connector. The engagement between the two is as described above. The invention would also work if the male and female -8 -members were reversed so that the one end of the supporting arms comprises the female member of the connector and the light source comprises the male member of the connector.

Preferably, the light source is mounted to the end of the supporting arm opposite the end of the supporting arm which comprises a connection means engageable with the control unit. The light source may be mounted to a PCB board core. The core is preferably an aluminium core PCB. This PCB is then mounted into the end of the supporting arms in an aluminium housing using thermal adhesive. This allows for heat to transfer through the whole supporting to arm to provide a reliable and stable light source.

The light source may comprise filamentous, incandescent, electric arc, halogen, electroluminescent, solid-state, gas discharge, fluorescent, induction, discharge, xenon or laser light sources. Preferably the light source comprises a light emitting diode. This means that the power requirements of each light source are reduced and means that the power source in the control unit can be less substantial. It also means the light can be continuous, allowing for direct visual feedback at all times. This also makes the product ideal for videography use, which is also an advantage over the prior art.

The light source may comprise a device to modify the light emitted from the light source. Such devices may include a lens, filter, diffuser, reflector, stage, motorised turntable and/or backdrop setter. These devices can be predetermined to provide different lighting effects. It will be appreciated that the apparatus may comprise a number of different light sources, and different device attachments (as described above), and all can be attached and replaced to the control unit in different orders and combinations. This means that an almost in-finite number of lighting schemes can be provided by the apparatus.

The device to modify the light emitted from the light source may be detachably engaged with the light source and/or the supporting arm. This means that without changing the light source, the effect that the light source produces can be altered (i.e. by changing the filter, diffuser, stage or backdrop setter).

This further increases the number of possible lighting effects achievable with the invention, and with increased ease of operation. -9 -

One or more of the supporting arms making up the plurality of supporting arms may be flexible. This means that the angle of incidence of the light source on a subject can be altered. This further increases the number of possible lighting effects achievable with the invention.

Preferably the control unit comprises a power source. This means that the whole apparatus does not have to be connected to the mains power source, and can be easily transported and worked in the outdoors without a separate power supply. The control unit may be mounted on a camera or the like (such as a tripod, bipod, support frame, video camera, movie camera etc.). In this to manner the apparatus then supported by the camera or the like. The control unit may be supported by one or more of the supporting arms. This means that the apparatus can be used free-standing.

The apparatus is particularly suited to macro photography and macro videography both indoors and outdoors. However it will be appreciated that much larger supporting arming are considered to allow for the photography of much larger subjects. Thus the apparatus is particularly suited to photography. The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the male member.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the male member. Figure 3 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the male member.

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the female member.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the female member. Figure 6 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the female member.

Figure 7 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the male member mutually engaged with the female member.

Figure 8 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the male member.

-10 - Figure 9 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the female mem-ber.

Figure 10 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the male member mutually engaged with the female member.

Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the male member.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the male member. Figure 13 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the male member.

Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the fe-male member.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the female member. Figure 16 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the female member.

Figure 17 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the male mem-ber mutually engaged with the female member.

Figure 18 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the lighting apparatus in a disengaged configuration.

Figure 19 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the front plate.

Figure 20 shows a two perspective views of an embodiment of the Con-trol unit (left rear, right front).

Figure 21 shows a perspective view of a stage.

Figure 22 shows a perspective view of backdrop setter.

Figure 23 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the lighting ap-paratus in an engaged configuration.

Detailed Description of the Illustrated Embodiment

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the male member of the electrical connector. The male member is generally designated 10. The male member 10 comprises a generally tubular plastic body 11 having a distal end 12 and a proximal end 13. The male member 10 also comprises a magnet 14, a first electrical element 15 and a second electrical element 16. The magnet 14 is neodymium and axially magnetised. The first electrical element 15 and second electrical element 16 define inner and outer electrical contacts respectively. Each element 15, 16 generally has the shape of a ring with an attached contact arm as shown in the drawings. This allows for insertion of the male member into the female member at any orientation around circumference -no alignment is required. The magnet 14 fits inside the body 11 and engages with an end wall 17 (shown more clearly in figure 3). The end wall 17 is disposed generally centrally within the body 11. The magnet 14 is held against the proximal side of the end wall 17 by an interference fit with the surrounding wall por-t() tions or by adhesive. The elements 15 and 16 are extend through openings in the end wall 17 so that the ring ends rests against the proximal end 13 and the arms extend outwards of the distal end 12. The extension of the elements 15 and 16 through the openings is done during moulding, therefore no assembly is required. The rings of the elements 15 and 16 define two concentric electrical contacts. The end wall 17 is also formed with castellation structure elements 18 as shown in Figure 2, which are a series of projections and recesses on the end wall 17 around the magnet 14 and face the proximal end 13. The arrangement of all the above elements is shown in the cross sectional view depicted in Figure 3. The arms of the elements 15 and 16 which extend into the interior of the tubular body and then outwards of the distal end 12 have separate wires soldered to these ends during assembly.

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a female member of the electrical connector. The female member is generally designated 20. The female member 20 comprises a generally tubular plastic body 21 hay-ing a distal end 22 and a proximal end 23. The internal dimensions of the body 21 match the external dimensions of the body 11 of the male member. The female member 20 also comprises a magnet 24, a first electrical element 25, a second electrical element 26 and a third electrical element 27. The magnet 24 is neodymium and axially magnetised in the same direction as that in magnet 14.

The first electrical element 25 defines an inner electrical contact and the second and third electrical elements 26 and 27 define outer electrical contacts respectively. Element 25 has the shape of a ring within an attached contact arm as -12 -shown in the drawings. Elements 26 and 27 are generally semi-circular or arcuate members and take up an area around the element 25 and radially outwards of it. Both elements 26 and 27 also have an electrical contact arm. The magnet 24 fits inside the body 21 and engages with an end wall 28 (shown more clearly in figure 6). The end wall 28 is disposed generally centrally within the body 21.

The magnet 24 is held against the proximal side of the end wall by interference fit with the surrounding wall portions or by adhesive. The elements 25, 26 and 27 extend through openings in the end wall 28. To achieve this the elements 25, 26 and 27 are insert moulded directly with the plastic in the moulding operation.

There are no separate assembly steps required therefore. The ring part of the element 25 extends around the end wall 28 and rests against the distal end 22. The elements 26 and 27 are positioned outwards of the element 25 and also against the distal end 22. Elements 26 and 27 occupy separate areas around a ring at the distal end 22. The elements 26 and 27 have portions which are up-standing from the end 22 in the proximal direction. The upstanding portions are created by bends in the elements 26 and 27. The element 25 also has portions which are upstanding from the end 22 in the proximal direction. This is achieved by the element 25 being in the shape of semi spiral or sprung washer. Thus the female member 20 is formed with three separate electrical contacts. The end wall 28 is formed with castellation structure elements 29 as shown in Figure 5, which are a series of projections and recesses on the end wall 28 around the magnet 24 and face the proximal end 23. The arrangement of all the above elements is shown in the cross sectional view depicted in Figure 6. The arms of the elements 25, 26 and 27 which extend outwards of the distal end 22 have separate wires soldered to these ends during assembly.

In use the male and female members described above are mutually engaged together as shown in figure 7. Figure 7 shows a cross sectional view of the male member 10 in mutual engagement with the female member 20. The male and female members 10 and 20 are arranged coaxially about the central longitudinal axis x-x running through both members. The side wall 10a of the member 10 and the side wall 20a of the member 20 lie parallel and against one another in a tight fit. This prevents any movement of one member about the -13 -other in the direction away from the axis x-x. The magnets 14 and 24 are in contact (but this is not a requirement for the invention) and are attracted to one another. As each are affixed to the respective member, the magnets thereby pull the two members 10 and 20 into engagement with one another. Thus there is magnetic cooperation between the two members. In this position the castling elements 18 and 29 are engaged with one another. That is to say the projections of one set of castling elements fits in the recesses of the other set of castling elements, and vice versa. In such a manner the two members 10 and 20 are fixed rotationally with respect to one another. Therefore it is impossible to rotate one member about the other. Thus the male member cannot turn around the axis x-x within the female member. In the engaged position as described above, the electrical elements 15 and 16 of the male member 10 are in contact with the elements 25, 26 and 27 of the female member 20. The bent portions in the elements 26 and 27 (flat springs) and the spiral shape of the element 25, ensure that electrical contact is made. The elements 25, 26 and 27 are resilient-ly deformable so that electrical contact can still be made after repeated connections and disconnections of the male and female members. Once in contact the male member is in electrical communication with the female member and vice versa. In fact, in the above embodiment there are 2 male electrical elements connected to 3 female electrical elements. Advantageously, the two members can be separated by applying force along the axis x-x. Once the force is greater than the attraction forces of the magnets 14 and 24, then the two members will separate. This allows for easy replacement of the connectors. Also it means that there are no moving parts in the connection and reconnection of the male to the female member. Thus the connector will last a lot longer than a conven-tion jack plug and socket.

In a second embodiment of the invention (shown in figures 8-10) the magnet means comprise an electrical connection and when the male and female members are in mutual engagement the electrical communication is partly through the magnet means. The male member 30 in the second embodiment is shown in figure 8. All of the parts of the male member 30 are as described above, except for the electrical element 15, which is replaced in the member 30 -14 -by the magnet 34. The magnet 34 is in the same position against the end wall as described above, and surrounded by castellation structure formations. However the distal end of the magnet 34 is connected to an iron billet 36 with an electrical wire 38 soldered to it. The magnet 34 thus forms an electrical element.

In the female member 40 as shown in figure 9, all the parts are the same as de-scribed above, except that a magnet 44 replaces the element 25. As above, the magnet has connected to it an iron billet 44 which has soldered to it an electrical wire 48. The magnet 44 thus forms an electrical element. When the male and the female members 30 and 40 are mutually engaged together, as shown in to Figure 10, the magnets are in contact with one another. The two members are in electrical communication with one another via the magnets 34 and 44, and the elements 16, 26 and 27. The connector of the second embodiment functions in the same manner as described in the first embodiment.

In a third embodiment of the invention the electrical connector (shown in figure 11-17) the electrical connection between the male and female members is via a side wall of the male and female members. Also said side walls are in a stepped arrangement rather than being uniform diameter along the length of the members. Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the male member of the electrical connector. The male member is generally desig-nated 50. The male member 50 comprises a generally tubular plastic body 51 having a distal end 52 and a proximal end 53. The male member 50 also comprises a magnet 54, a first electrical element 55, a second electrical element 56 and a third electrical element 57. The magnet 54 is neodymium and axially magnetised. The elements 55, 56 and 57 define ring contacts. Element 56 is wider than element 55 and element 57 is wider that element 56. Each element 55, 56, 57 has an internally facing contact arm for the connection of electrical wires. The magnet 54 sits on an end wall 58 of the body 51 (as shown more clearly in figure 13). The magnet 54 is held on the end wall 58 by adhesive. In construction of the male member 50, the elements 55, 56 and 57 fit around cor-responding recesses 55a, 56a, and 57a in the outer wall of the body 51. (note that the diameter of recess 56a is greater than that of 55am and the diameter of recess 57a is greater than that of recess 56a). The arms of the elements 55, 56 -15 -and 57 extend inwardly into the centre of the body (as shown in figure 13). The male member 50 also has castellation structure elements 59 as shown in Figure 12, which are a series of projections and recesses on the side wall of the body 51. The arrangement of all the above elements is shown in the cross sectional view depicted in Figure 13. The arms of the elements have separate wires soldered to these ends during assembly (not shown).

Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a female member of the electrical connector. The female member is generally designated 60. The female member 60 comprises a generally tubular plastic body 61 hay-ing a distal end 62 and a proximal end 63. The internal dimensions of the body 61 match the external dimensions of the body 51 of the male member. Therefore the female member 60 has internal side walls of varying diameter. This is shown in figure 16 where the walls 66a are of a greater diameter than the walls 65a, and the walls 67a are of the greater diameter than the walls 66a. The fe-male member 60 also comprises a magnet 64, a first electrical element 65, a second electrical element 66 and a third electrical element 67. The magnet 64 is neodymium and axially magnetised in the same direction as that in magnet 54. The electrical elements 65, 66, 67 each comprise a spring loaded electrical contact end and a supporting arm. Each element fits in its respective side wall, with the spring loaded part extending into the interior of the female member. Thus element 65 fits against wall 65a, element 66 fits against wall 66a and element 67 fits against wall 67a (see figures 15 and 16). The magnet 64 fits inside the body 61 against the end wall 68 at the distal end 62. The magnet 64 is held against the end wall by adhesive. The supporting arm of each of the elements 65, 66 and 67 extends through the wall of the body 61 and are each connected to electrical wires (not shown). The end wall 68 is formed with castellation structure elements 69 as shown best in Figure 15. These castellation structure elements are substantially the same as described above. The arrangement of all the above elements is shown in the cross sectional view depicted in Figure 16.

In use the male and female members described above in the third em-bodiment are mutually engaged together as shown in figure 17. Figure 17 shows a cross sectional view of the male member 50 in mutual engagement -16 -with the female member 60. The male and female members 50 and 60 are arranged coaxially about the central axis x-x running through both members. The side walls 55a, 56a and 57a, mutually engage with the side walls 65a, 66a, and 67a, respectively. The arrangement is one of a tight fit. This prevents any movement of one member about the other in the direction away from the axis x-x. The magnets 54 and 64 are in contact (but this is not a requirement for the invention) and are attracted to one another. As each are affixed to the respective member, the magnets thereby pull the two members 50 and 60 into engagement with one another. Thus there is magnetic cooperation between the two members. In this position the castling elements on each member (not shown) are engaged with one another. That is to say the projections of one set of castling elements fits in the recesses of the other set of castling elements, and vice versa. In such a manner the two members 50 and 60 are fixed rotationally with respect to one another. Therefore it is impossible to rotate one member about the other. Thus the male member cannot turn around the axis x-x within the female member. In the engaged position as described above, the electrical elements 55, 56 and 57 of the male member 50 are in contact with the elements 65, 66 and 67 of the female member 60. The spring loaded portions ensure that electrical contact is made and are resiliently deformable so that electrical contact can still be made after repeated connections and disconnec-tions of the male and female members. Once in contact the male member is in electrical communication with the female member and vice versa. Separation of the two members is as described above, along the axis x-x. The stepped outer edge of the male member against the female member provides a larger surface area for engagement of the two members. Therefore in this embodiment the connector can carry greater weight.

An example of the lighting apparatus is shown in figure 18. The lighting apparatus is generally designated 100 and comprises a control unit 110, a supporting arm 120 and a light adaptor 130. In the example shown the adaptor 130 is a diffuser. The control unit 110 comprises five sockets 112 which are identi-cal. Each socket 112 comprises a female member of the connector as described above. The sockets are arranged in a front plate 113 (See figure 19) -17 -which is engaged with the body 114 of the control unit 110. The front plate 113 has inset in its surface a set of five female members evenly spaced apart. The front plate 113 is screwed onto the front of the body 114 of the control unit 110. In the figure (figure 18), only one supporting arm is shown, but it is recognised that up to five arms may be present as there are five sockets 112. Each of the supporting arms is flexible and comprises at a proximal end 122 a male member 124. The male member 124 is as described above. At a distal end 126, there is a light source (not shown -internal of the distal end) which has connected to it (via a screw and thread attachment) a beam angle adjuster 128.

The light source in this example is an LED light source. The beam angle adjust-er 128 can be rotated by hand to adjust beam angle of light source. The adaptor 130 snap fits to the adjuster 128 by a ring magnet built into the end of the adjuster 128 and a corresponding magnetic element in the adaptor 130. The supporting arm 120 is tubular with the wires running through the centre part of the tube. The wires are connected to the light source and the male member 124 thus ensuring electrical communication the male member and the light source. The wall of the tube is made up of an internal layer of coiled steel and an external layer of a flexible polymer such as rubber. The coiled steel and polymer combination for the walls of the tube mean that the supporting arm can be flexed to any angle and will retain the position it is moved into. Thus the sup-porting arms are deformable.

The control unit 110 comprises a battery and control circuitry. The battery is charged via a USB port on the rear of the unit. Figure 20 shows the control unit with the rear USB port 115 shown in the left hand drawing. Buttons 116 control the brightness of the light sources, independently of one another. The buttons 116 are provided on the sides and top of the control unit 110. A battery indicator 117 is provided to provide the user with an indication of the level of power left in the battery. The control circuitry is designed to direct power to the light sources. Thus the circuitry can switch the light sources on and off, alter their intensity, or make them flash. In each case, the extra electrical element on the female member as described above for the first embodiment of the female connector is used to detect whether a supporting arm is connected. This means -18 -that the light source it supports can be controlled independently to any other light sources attached.

In use the control unit 110 is mounted on a camera (not shown) via a conventional engagement port which is screwed into a thread on the underside of the control unit, which engages with a conventional flash mount on the top of a camera. The control unit also has a screw thread on its base for attaching it to a tripod or the like if required. It can also be used independently to a camera. Once the control unit is mounted it is fixed with respect to the camera and cannot move. Supporting arms 120 are then engaged into the sockets 112. When engaged the arms 120 are fixed into position by the magnet means in the con-nectors. The weight of the arms is supported by the mutual engagement, and the arms are prevented from rotating within the sockets by the castellation provided, as described above. At the end of each arm there is an LED light source (as described above) and a light adaptor 130. In a typical embodiment, one of the supporting arms comprises a red coloured filter adaptor, another comprises a diffuser adaptor, another comprises a stage adaptor, another comprises an uplighter adaptor, and another comprises a backdrop setter adaptor. However other combinations of adaptors 130 are considered and predetermined depending on the lighting effect required. The apparatus is modular so the user can disconnect various numbers of supporting arms, and reconnect separate arms that have different light sources at the end. The same applies for the adaptors 130. Also the user can manipulate the arms to focus the light sources on the subject in front of the camera. In the example shown the apparatus is particularly suited for macro photography.

An example of a stage is provided in Figure 21 and an example of a backdrop setter is provided in Figure 22. The stage 140 comprises an opening 141, a base part 142 that acts light a reflector, and a top part 143 comprising diffusive material. The stage 140 forms a generally hollow body. The stage 140 snaps onto the end of the supporting arm 120 around the adjuster 128. The light shines through the opening 141 and the light then diffuses upwards and out through the top part 143. The backdrop setter 150 is similar to the stage 140. It has an opening 151, a base part 152 (which reflects light upwards onto a top -19 - part 153 which comprises interchangeable light transparent screens (achieved by removing part 154). The screens have different patterns and diffusive properties on them so that when a subject is placed upon or in front of them, a different background effect can be achieved. The backdrop setter 150 forms a gen-erally hollow body. The setter 150 snaps onto the end of the supporting arm 120 around the adjuster 128. The light shines through the opening 151 and the light then diffuses upwards and out through the top part 153.

Figure 23 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the lighting apparatus in an engaged configuration. The arrangement shown in figure 23 is an example of that which is typical for the use of the apparatus in macro photog-raphy. The control unit 100 has attached to it three support arms 120. All of the arms 120a, 120b and 120c have LED light sources at their ends. Arm 120a has no adaptor 130 covering its end. Arm 120b has a filter adapter 130b covering its end. Arm 120c has a stage adaptor 130c covering its end. All the connections are made as described above. In use the apparatus shown in Figure 23 is fixed to a camera (but it is recognised that it may be made self-supporting, or fixed to a tripod or the like) and the subject to be photographed is placed on the stage. The stage provides a stable surface which is also illuminated from below. The arms are all bent so that the photography can be carried out at close range and the lighting can be provided at different angles to produce different effects. The apparatus shown in Figure 23 can be used indoors and outdoors, without a separate power supply.

All of the electrical elements described above are made from an electrically conductive material, such as metal.

Claims

-20 -CLAIMS1. An electrical connector comprising: a male member and a female member, an electrical contact means on both the male and the female member, a magnetic means on an end wall of both the male and female member, wherein, in use, the male member and a female member are mutually engaged with one another along at least a side wall of the male and female members, the male member and female member are in electrical communication with one another via the electrical contact means, the male member and 10 female member are in magnetic cooperation with one another via the magnet means.
2. An electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the male member comprises one or more projections and the female member comprises one or more recesses that correspond with the one or more projections, and in use, the one or more projections on the male member are mutually engaged with recesses on the female member.4. An electrical connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the side wall of the male member runs circumferentially around the exterior of the male member.5. An electrical connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the side wall of the female member runs circumferentially around the interior of the female member.6. An electrical connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the end wall of the male member and/or the end wall of the female member ex-tends into the interior of the respective member.7. An electrical connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrical contact means on both the male and female members are on a side wall of the respective male or female members.8. An electrical connector according to any preceding claims, where-in electrical contact means comprises the magnetic means.-21 - 9. An electrical connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrical contact means comprises a plurality of electrically conductive elements.10. An electrical connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the number of elements on the male member is different to the number of elements on the female member.11. An electrical connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the male and female members have a circular cross section.12. An electrical connector substantially as described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.13. A lighting apparatus comprising: a control unit and a plurality of supporting arms with each of the supporting arms making up the plurality of supporting arms having at one end a light source and at an opposite end a connection means engageable with the control unit, wherein in use the plurality of supporting arms are connected to the control unit and each of the light sources is in electrical communication with the control unit via the respective supporting arm.14. A lighting apparatus according to claim 13, comprising the con-nector according to any of claims 1 to 12.15. A lighting apparatus according to claims 14, wherein the support-ing arms are connected to the control unit by the connector.16. A lighting apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 15, wherein the light source is mounted to the opposite end of the supporting arm.17. A lighting apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the light source is mounted to a PCB board and the PCB is then mounted into the end of the supporting arm in an aluminium housing using thermal adhesive.18. A lighting apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 17, wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode.19. A lighting apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 18, wherein the light source comprises a device to modify the light emitted from the light source.-22 - 20. A lighting apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the device comprises a lens, filter, diffuser, reflector, stage, motorised turntable and/or backdrop setter.21. A lighting apparatus according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the device is detachably engaged with the light source and/or the supporting arm.22. A lighting apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 21, wherein one or more of the supporting arms making up the plurality of supporting arms are flexible.23. A lighting apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 22, wherein the control unit comprises a power source.24. A lighting apparatus according to any of claims any of claims 13 to 23, wherein in use, the control unit is mounted on a camera or the like.25. A lighting apparatus substantially as described with reference to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.Amendment to Claims have been filed as followsCLAIMS1. An electrical connector comprising: a male member and a female member, an electrical contact means on both the male and the female member, a magnetic means on an end wall of both the male and female member, the magnet means comprising electrical contact means, wherein, in use, the male member and a female member are mutually engaged with one another along at least a side wall of the male and female members, the male member and female member are in electrical communica-tion with one another via the electrical contact means, the male member and female member are in magnetic cooperation with one another via the magnet means, which are in contact with one another.2. An electrical connector according to claim 1, wherein the male (r) member comprises one or more projections and the female member comprises one or more recesses that correspond with the one or more projections, and in use, the one or more projections on the male member are mutually engaged with recesses on the female member.
3. An electrical connector according to any preceding claim, wherein C\I the side wall of the male member runs circumferentially around the exterior of the male member.
4. An electrical connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the side wall of the female member runs circumferentially around the interior of the female member.
5. An electrical connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the end wall of the male member and/or the end wall of the female member extends into the interior of the respective member.
6. An electrical connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrical contact means on both the male and female members are on a side wall of the respective male or female members.
7. An electrical connector according to any preceding claims, where-in electrical contact means comprises the magnetic means.
8. An electrical connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the electrical contact means comprises a plurality of electrically conductive elements.
9. An electrical connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the number of elements on the male member is different to the number of elements on the female member.
10. An electrical connector according to any preceding claim, wherein the male and female members have a circular cross section.
11. An electrical connector substantially as described with reference lo to and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.