GB2558569A

GB2558569A - Ceiling mount

Info

Publication number: GB2558569A
Application number: GB1700129.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robb Cochrane David
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2017-01-05
Filing date: 2017-01-05
Publication date: 2018-07-18
Anticipated expiration: 2037-01-05
Also published as: GB201700129D0; GB2558569B

Abstract

A ceiling mount for mounting a light fitting to a ceiling comprises a plug 1 and a socket 2. One of the plug and socket is ceiling mounted and the other is connected to the light fitting 21. The plug and socket comprise respective cooperating formations configured to releasably retain the plug and socket together in a connected configuration. The plug and socket are electrically connected to each other when retained together in the connected configuration. The plug may have recesses (8A, 8B, Fig 3) to allow it to be connected by a pronged tool (22, Fig 10).

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

David Robb Cochrane

Stobshaw Place, Tweedbank, Galashiels, TD1 3RL, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

David Robb Cochrane (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Hindles Limited

Clarence House, 131-135 George Street, EDINBURGH, EH2 4JS, United Kingdom (56) Documents Cited:

GB 2435722 A GB 2400987 A

GB 2387976 A GB 2320819 A

GB 0605598 A EP 3118514 A1

WO 2001/007316 A1 US 6146191 A (58)

Field of Search:

UK CL (Edition X) H2E

INT CLH01R, H02G Other: Online: WPI, EPODOC (54) Title of the Invention: Ceiling mount

Abstract Title: Disconnectable ceiling mount for light fitting (57) A ceiling mount for mounting a light fitting to a ceiling comprises a plug 1 and a socket 2. One of the plug and socket is ceiling mounted and the other is connected to the light fitting 21. The plug and socket comprise respective cooperating formations configured to releasably retain the plug and socket together in a connected configuration. The plug and socket are electrically connected to each other when retained together in the connected configuration. The plug may have recesses (8A, 8B, Fig 3) to allow it to be connected by a pronged tool (22, Fig 10).

1/9

6B

2/9

Fig. 2

3/9

6B

4/9

5/9

6/9

7/9

Fig. 8

14A

6A

8/9

Fig. 9

9/9

24B

CEILING MOUNT

Field of the invention

The invention relates to ceiling mounts for mounting a light fitting to a ceiling, plugs and sockets forming part of such ceiling mounts, mounting tools configured for use with such ceiling mounts, and methods of mounting a light fitting to a ceiling.

Background to the invention

Both residential and commercial properties frequently make use of ceiling mounted lighting in order to light rooms. Ceiling mounted lighting often takes the form of a light fitting mounted to the ceiling, the light fitting supporting one or more electric lamps (such as incandescent light bulbs). The light fitting holds the lamps in place, provides structural support and can serve a decorative purpose. Examples of such light fittings include ceiling domes, chandeliers and pendant lights.

Light fittings also typically permit electrical connection of the one or more electric lamps to a lighting electrical wiring circuit connected to a power source. The light fitting typically features one or more lamp sockets (such as light bulb sockets) configured to provide electrical connections to the lamps. Electricity is supplied to the one or more lamp sockets by wiring which runs through the light fitting. This wiring must be connected to the lighting wiring circuit in the ceiling when the light fitting is mounted to the ceiling. Mounting a light fitting is therefore technically complex, as it is necessary to connect the wiring in the light fitting to the wiring in the ceiling while also mechanically fixing the light fitting to the ceiling. This requires the person mounting the light fitting to connect exposed wires together, which can be dangerous. Accordingly, the services of a professional electrician may often be required when installing a light fitting. Similarly, the help of a professional electrician is often required when demounting a light fitting, as the wired connections must be undone and again electrical wires are exposed. There is a risk of electrocution when members of the public attempt to mount and demount light fittings without professional help.

Light fittings are also often heavy (for example they may be made of relatively heavy materials such as metal) and/or large, and may therefore be unwieldy. Ceilings may also be high. There is therefore a risk of injury when attempting to mount or demount a ceiling light fitting, for example when trying to support the weight of the light fitting while balancing on a tall ladder.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved, safer way of mounting and demounting a light fitting to or from a ceiling.

Summary of the invention

A first aspect of the invention provides a ceiling mount for mounting a light fitting to a ceiling, the ceiling mount comprising a plug and a socket. One of the plug and the socket is ceiling mounted (i.e. mounted to the ceiling) or ceiling mountable (i.e. mountable to the ceiling). The other of the plug and the socket is connected or connectable to the light fitting. The plug and socket comprise respective cooperating formations configured to releasably retain the plug and socket together in a connected configuration. The plug and socket are electrically connected to each other when retained together in the connected configuration by the cooperating formations.

When the one of the plug and the socket which is ceiling mounted or ceiling mountable is mounted to the ceiling and the other of the plug and the socket is connected to the light fitting (e.g. when the socket is mounted to the ceiling and the plug is connected to the light fitting, or the plug is mounted to the ceiling and the socket is connected to the light fitting), bringing the plug and socket together into the connected configuration, and retaining the plug and socket in that connected configuration by way of the cooperating formations, both mounts the light fitting to the ceiling and brings the plug and socket into electrical connection. When the one of the plug and the socket which is mounted to the ceiling is connected electrically to a lighting wiring circuit (e.g. a lighting wiring circuit provided in the ceiling) connected to a power source, mounting the light fitting to the ceiling by way of the ceiling mount results in connecting the light fitting to the said lighting wiring circuit and power source. Users may therefore mount the light fitting to the ceiling more easily and safely, without requiring rewiring of the light fitting, than is possible with standard light fittings which must be wired directly into the lighting wiring circuit. No electrical wires are exposed in the mounting process, reducing the likelihood of electrocution and making the process safer. The assistance of a qualified professional, such as an electrician, is therefore not required.

Because the cooperating formations are configured to releasably retain the plug and socket together in the connected configuration, the plug and socket may be released from the connected configuration and therefore the light fitting may be demounted from the ceiling easily and safely, again without the assistance of a qualified professional.

It will be understood that a light fitting (otherwise known as a light fixture or luminaire) comprises a light fitting body which is configured to be (i.e. rigidly) mounted to a ceiling and which is also configured to retain one or more individual electric lamps, such as one or more light bulbs. The light fitting typically comprises wiring to electrically connect the one or more electric lamps to a lighting wiring circuit provided in the ceiling. Examples of light fittings include ceiling domes, chandeliers and pendant lights.

The plug typically comprises a plug body. The socket typically comprises a socket body comprising a socket recess. The plug body is typically configured (e.g. shaped and dimensioned) to be at least partially insertable into the socket recess. The plug body may be configured (e.g. shaped and dimensioned) for a close fit (e.g. an interference fit) with the socket recess. The socket recess is typically configured (e.g. shaped and dimensioned) to receive at least part of the plug body. The socket recess may be configured (e.g. shaped and dimensioned) for a close fit (e.g. an interference fit) with at least part of the plug body.

The plug may be (i.e. substantially) conical in shape. The plug may be (i.e. substantially) frustoconical in shape.

The plug body may be (i.e. substantially) conical in shape. The plug body may be (i.e. substantially) frustoconical in shape.

The plug typically comprises at least first and second plug electrical contacts. The socket typically comprises corresponding at least first and second socket electrical contacts.

Each of the at least first and second plug electrical contacts may be electrical pins (also known as blades). Each of the at least first and second socket electrical contacts may be electrical slots (also known as holes).

Each of the at least first and second plug electrical contacts (e.g. pins or blades) is typically configured (e.g. shaped and dimensioned) to be insertable into a respective one of the at least first and second socket electrical contacts (e.g. slots or holes). Each of the at least first and second plug electrical contacts (e.g. pins or blades) may be configured (e.g. shaped and dimensioned) for a close fit (e.g. interference fit) with the respective one of the at least first and second socket electrical contacts (e.g. slots or holes).

Each of the at least first and second socket electrical contacts (e.g. slots or holes) is typically configured (e.g. shaped and dimensioned) to receive a respective one of the at least first and second plug electrical contacts (e.g. pins or blades). Each of the at least first and second socket electrical contacts (e.g. slots or holes) is typically configured (e.g. shaped and dimensioned) for a close fit (e.g. interference fit) with the respective one of the at least first and second plug electrical contacts (e.g. pins or blades).

It may be that one or more of the at least first and second socket electrical contacts (e.g. slots or holes) comprise one or more (e.g. pin) retaining clips configured to resist removal of the corresponding at least first and second plug electrical contacts (e.g. pins or blades) from within the said at least first and second socket electrical contacts (e.g. slots or holes) when the plug and socket are retained together in the connected configuration. It may be that a greater force is required to release the plug and socket from the connected configuration than is required to bring the plug and socket into the connected configuration due to the action of the (e.g. pin) retaining clips. It is therefore less likely that a user may accidentally release the light fitting from the ceiling mount.

Each of the at least first and second plug electrical contacts (e.g. pins or blades) and the at least first and second socket electrical contacts (e.g. slots or holes) are typically formed, at least in part, from an electrically conductive material (such as metal).

When the plug and socket are retained together in the connected configuration (i.e. by the cooperating formations), each of the at least first and second plug electrical contacts (e.g. pins or blades) are typically in electrical connection with the respective at least first and second socket electrical contacts (e.g. slots or holes). Accordingly, when the plug and socket are retained together in the connected configuration (i.e. by the cooperating formations), an electric current may flow between the plug and socket through contacting plug and socket electrical contacts (e.g. contacting pins and slots).

It may be that the cooperating formations are configured such that the plug and socket are rotatably connectable to each other. It may be that the cooperating formations are configured such that the plug and socket are rotatably connectable to each other from a disconnected configuration to the connected configuration. The plug and socket are typically mechanically and electrically decoupled from each other when in the disconnected configuration. It may be that the cooperating formations are configured such that the plug and socket are rotatably connectable to each other such that rotation of one or both of the plug and socket relative to one another in a first rotational direction brings the plug and socket into the connected configuration (i.e. from the disconnected configuration). It may be that rotation of one or both of the plug and socket relative to one another in a second rotational direction opposite said first rotational direction brings the plug and socket out of the connected configuration into the disconnected configuration.

It may be that the at least first and second plug electrical contacts (e.g. pins or blades) and the at least first and second socket electrical contacts (e.g. slots or holes) are brought into electrical connection with each other when the plug and socket are retained in the connected configuration. For example, it may be that the at least first and second plug electrical contacts (e.g. pins or blades) and the at least first and second socket electrical contacts (e.g. slots or holes) are brought into electrical connection with each other by relative rotation of the plug and socket in the first rotational direction in order to bring the plug and socket into the connected configuration.

It may be that the cooperating formations are configured such that the plug and socket can be brought into (i.e. are capable of being brought into) the connected configuration by relative rotation of the plug and socket in the first rotational direction. It may be that the cooperating formations are configured such that the plug and socket are releasable from the connected configuration on relative rotation of the plug and socket in the second rotational direction opposite said first rotational direction.

It may be that the cooperating formations of one of the plug and socket comprise one or more protrusions. For example, it may be that the one or more protrusions extend from (e.g. protrude from) an external surface of the plug body. It may be that the one or more protrusions extend from (e.g. protrude from) a lateral surface of the plug body (the lateral surface of the plug body being a surface of the plug body extending (e.g. substantially perpendicularly) away from the ceiling when the ceiling mount is mounted to the ceiling and the plug and socket are in the connected configuration). The one or more protrusions may be integrally formed with the plug body. Alternatively, it may be that the socket that the one or more protrusions extend from (e.g. protrude from) an interior surface of the socket recess. It may be that the one or more protrusions extend from (e.g. protrude from) an interior lateral surface of the socket recess (the interior lateral surface of the socket recess being an interior surface of the socket recess extending in a direction (e.g. substantially perpendicularly) away from the ceiling when the ceiling mount is mounted to the ceiling and the plug and socket are in the connected configuration). The one or more protrusions may be integrally formed with the socket body.

It may be that the cooperating formations of the other of the plug and socket comprise one or more recesses configured (e.g. shaped and dimensioned) to receive the one or more protrusions. For example, it may be that an interior surface of the socket recess comprises the one or more recesses. It may be that an interior, lateral surface of the socket recess comprises the one or more recesses. Alternatively, it may be that an external surface of the plug body comprises the one or more recesses. It may be that a lateral surface of the plug body comprises the one or more recesses.

Each of the one or more recesses may be a groove. The groove may be a substantially elongate groove.

Each of the one or more recesses may be a substantially L-shaped groove (i.e. formed from first and second elongate groove portions each extending away from one another at an angle of approximately 90°).

It may be that one of the plug and socket has a connecting portion to which a mounting tool is releasably connectable, i.e. the connecting portion of the plug or socket is typically configured to releasably connect with the mounting tool. It may be that the one of the plug and socket which is connected or connectable to the light fitting has the connecting portion. The mounting tool may be used to assist mounting and/or demounting the light fitting to and/or from the ceiling. Connection of the mounting tool to the connecting portion of the plug or socket may permit a force to be transmitted to the plug or socket (and therefore to the light fitting to which the mounting tool is connected) through the mounting tool. Application of force to the plug or socket (and therefore to the light fitting) may assist in (i.e. manually) lifting the light fitting up to the ceiling, lowering the light fitting down from the ceiling, and/or moving the plug and socket into and out of the connected configuration. Use of the mounting tool typically permits a user to mount or demount the light fitting from a distance, e.g. from floor level, without having to get closer to the light fitting by, for example, climbing a ladder. The mounting tool therefore allows users to mount or demount light fittings more safely.

The connecting portion may comprise one or more recesses. It may be that the one or more recesses are configured to receive one or more protrusions of the mounting tool (i.e. one or more protrusions of a connecting portion of the mounting tool).

The one of the plug and socket which has the connecting portion may comprise a guide configured to guide the mounting tool (e.g. the connecting portion of the mounting tool) towards the connecting portion of the said plug or socket. The guide may be configured to guide the one or more protrusions of the mounting tool towards (e.g. into) the one or more recesses of the connecting portion of the said plug or socket. The guide may comprise a sloping (e.g. chamfered) surface of the said plug or socket.

The one of the plug and the socket which is ceiling mounted (i.e. mounted to the ceiling) or ceiling mountable (i.e. mountable to the ceiling) is typically directly ceiling mounted (i.e. mounted directly to the ceiling) or directly ceiling mountable (i.e. mountable directly to the ceiling).

A second aspect of the invention provides a plug for use as part of a ceiling mount according to any one embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. The plug may be mounted or mountable to a ceiling. Alternatively, the plug may be connected or connectable to a light fitting.

A third aspect of the inventions provides a socket for use as part of a ceiling mount according to any one embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. The socket may be mounted or mountable to a ceiling. Alternatively, the socket may be connected or connectable to a light fitting.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a mounting tool for mounting and/or demounting a light fitting to and/or from a ceiling, the mounting tool comprising a connecting portion configured to releasably connect to the connecting portion of the plug or socket of the ceiling mount according to the first aspect of the invention.

It may be that the connecting portion of the mounting tool comprises one or more protrusions configured (e.g. shaped and dimensioned) for insertion into one or more connecting recesses (e.g. holes) provided on the ceiling mount (i.e. on the plug or socket).

It may be that the connecting portion of the mounting tool comprises one or more hooks configured to connect with the connecting portion of the plug or socket.

The connecting tool typically comprises an elongate member. The elongate member typically extends between a first end and a second end. The connecting portion may be provided at the first end of the elongate member. A handle may be provided at the second end of the elongate member.

It may be that there is no electrically conductive connection between the first end and the second end. It may be that there is no electrically conductive connection between the handle and the connecting portion. The risk of a user electrocuting himself is thereby reduced.

It may be that the elongate member is made of electrically non-conductive (i.e. insulating) material. It may be that the handle is made of electrically non-conductive (i.e. insulating) material. It may be that the connecting portion is made of electrically non-conductive (i.e. insulating) material.

The elongate member may be extendable (i.e. in length, along a longitudinal axis of said elongate member). The elongate member may be retractable (i.e. in length, along the longitudinal axis of said elongate member). The elongate member may be telescopically extendable and/or retractable. Extendability and retractability of the elongate member typically permits the length of the mounting tool to be adjusted by a user dependent on, for example, the height of the ceiling to which the light fitting is to be mounted or from which the light fitting is to be demounted. The elongate member may also be retracted in order to reduce its length for easier storage of the mounting tool when not in use.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a method of mounting a light fitting to a ceiling by way of a ceiling mount according to any one embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising inserting the plug into the socket.

The method may comprise mounting one of the plug and the socket to the ceiling and/or connecting the other of the plug and the socket to the light fitting. Alternatively, it may be that one of the plug and the socket is already mounted to the ceiling and/or the other of the plug and the socket is already connected to the light fitting.

The method may comprise moving the plug and socket into the connected configuration in which the plug and socket are electrically connected to each other. The method typically further comprises releasably retaining the plug and socket in the said connected configuration.

The method may further comprise aligning the respective cooperating formations of the plug and socket. The step of aligning the respective cooperating formations of the plug and socket may take place before inserting the plug into the socket. Alternatively, the step of aligning the respective cooperating formations of the plug and socket may take place when the plug is partially or fully inserted into the socket.

The method may comprise inserting the one or more protrusions (of the cooperating formations) into the one or more recesses (of the cooperating formations). The method may comprise sliding the one or more protrusions along the one or more recesses on insertion of the plug into the socket.

The method may comprise rotating one or both of the plug and socket relative to each other (e.g. in a first rotational direction), thereby moving the plug and socket into the connected configuration. The method may comprise rotating one or both of the plug and socket relative to each other (e.g. in said first rotational direction), thereby releasably retaining the plug and socket in the connected configuration. The method may comprise rotating the one or both of the plug and socket relative to each other (e.g. in said first rotational direction) about a substantially vertical axis (i.e. about an axis substantially perpendicular to the ceiling).

The method may comprise coupling the mounting tool of any one embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention to one of the plug and socket. The method may comprise coupling (e.g. connecting) the connecting portion of the mounting tool to the connecting portion of the one of the plug and socket. The method may comprise using the mounting tool to lift the light fitting towards the ceiling (i.e. thereby bringing the plug and socket closer together). The method may comprise using the mounting tool to insert the plug into the socket. The method may comprise using the mounting tool to move the plug and socket into the connected configuration. The method may comprise using the mounting tool to rotate one or both of the plug and socket relative to each other to move the plug and socket into the connected configuration and/or to releasably retain the plug and socket in the connected configuration.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides a method of demounting a light fitting from a ceiling, the light fitting having been mounted to the ceiling by way of a ceiling mount according to any one embodiment of the first aspect of the invention or by a method according to any one embodiment of the fifth aspect of the invention, the method comprising moving the plug and socket out of the connected configuration (i.e. releasing the plug and socket from the connected configuration) and removing the plug from the socket.

The method may comprise removing the one or more protrusions of the retaining formations from the one or more recesses of the retaining formations. The method may comprise sliding the one or more protrusions out of the one or more recesses (e.g. grooves) on removal of the plug from the socket.

The method may comprise rotating one or both of the plug and socket relative to each other (e.g. in a second rotational direction), thereby moving the plug and socket out of the connected configuration. The method may comprise rotating one or both of the plug and socket relative to each other (e.g. in said second rotational direction), thereby releasing the plug and socket from the connected configuration. The method may comprise rotating the one or both of the plug and socket relative to each other (e.g. in said second rotational direction) about the substantially vertical axis (i.e. about the axis substantially perpendicular to the ceiling).

The method may comprise coupling the mounting tool of the fourth aspect of the invention to one of the plug and socket. The method may comprise coupling (e.g. connecting) the connecting portion of the mounting tool to the connecting portion of the one of the plug and socket. The method may comprise using the mounting tool to lift the light fitting away from the ceiling. The method may comprise using the mounting tool to remove the plug from the socket. The method may comprise using the mounting tool to move the plug and socket out of the connected configuration. The method may comprise using the mounting tool to rotate one or both of the plug and socket relative to each other to move the plug and socket out of the connected configuration and/or to release the plug and socket from the connected configuration.

A seventh aspect of the invention provides a method of mounting a light fitting to a ceiling by way of a ceiling mount, the ceiling mount comprising a plug and a socket, the method comprising: providing the plug and socket, one of the said plug and the socket being ceiling mounted and the other of the said plug and the socket being connected to the light fitting, the plug and socket comprising respective cooperating formations configured to releasably retain the plug and socket together in a connected configuration, wherein the plug and socket are electrically connected to each other when retained together in the connected configuration by the cooperating formations; and inserting the plug into the socket.

The method may comprise mounting one of the plug and the socket to the ceiling. The method may comprise connecting one of the plug and the socket to the light fitting. The method may comprise mounting one of the plug and the socket to the ceiling and connecting the other of the plug and the socket to the light fitting.

An eighth aspect of the invention provides a socket for a ceiling mount for mounting a light fitting to a ceiling, the socket comprising a formation configured to cooperate with a formation of a plug of the said ceiling mount to thereby releasably retain the plug and socket together in a connected configuration, the plug and socket being electrically connected to each other when they are in the connected configuration, the socket being ceiling mounted or ceiling mountable or connected or connectable to the light fitting.

A ninth aspect of the invention provides a plug for a ceiling mount for mounting a light fitting to a ceiling, the plug comprising a formation configured to cooperate with a formation of a socket of the said ceiling mount to thereby releasably retain the plug and socket together in a connected configuration, the plug and socket being electrically connected to each other when they are in the connected configuration, the plug being ceiling mounted or ceiling mountable or connected or connectable to the light fitting.

Optional and preferred features of any one aspect of the invention may be features of any other aspect of the invention.

Description of the Drawings

An example embodiment of the present invention will now be illustrated with reference to the following Figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a plug;

Figure 2 shows a view of the plug of Figure 1 from above;

Figure 3 shows a view of the plug of Figures 1 and 2 from below;

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a socket;

Figure 5 shows a view of the socket of Figure 4 from below;

Figure 6 shows a view of the socket of Figures 4 and 5 from above;

Figure 7 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of the socket of Figure 4 and a portion of the plug of Figure 1, when the plug has been inserted into the socket;

Figure 8 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the portion of the socket and the portion of the plug shown in Figure 7, when the plug and socket have been rotated to releasably retain the plug within the socket;

Figure 9 shows schematically the plug and socket of Figures 1 and 4 being used to mount a light fitting on a ceiling; and

Figure 10 shows a view from above of a light fitting mounting tool.

Detailed Description of an Example Embodiment

A ceiling mount, for mounting a light fitting to a ceiling, includes a plug 1 and a socket 2, as shown in Figure 1 to 6.

The plug 1, as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, consists of a generally frustoconically shaped body 3 extending between a generally circular mating surface 4 at a first end and a generally circular base 5 at a second end. The diameter of the mating surface 4 is less than the diameter of the base 5. First and second locating protrusions 6A,6B extend from opposing sides of the plug body 3. First and second electrical contact pins 7A,7B extend from the mating surface 4. First and second recesses 8A,8B are provided in the base 5. Electrical wiring 9 extends out of the base 5 through aperture

10. The electrical wiring is in electrical connection with the pins 7A,7B. The plug body 3 is formed from electrically non-conductive materials such as plastics.

The socket 2, as shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, is generally cylindrical in shape, having a cylindrical outer wall 11 and a hollow interior 12. An interior wall 13 of the socket 2 is generally frusto-conical in shape. The interior wall 13 is provided with first and second, diametrically opposed, L-shaped locating grooves 14A, 14B which extend through a first, open end 15 of the socket 2. A generally circular mounting wall 16 is formed at the second end 17 of the socket 2. First and second kidneyshaped electrical contact slots 18A,18B are provided in the mounting wall 16. Electrical wiring 19 extends from the slots 18A,18B to which it is electrically connected. The socket 2 is formed from electrically non-conductive materials such as plastics.

The interior of the socket 2 is shaped to receive the body 3 of the plug 1 on insertion of the first end 4 of the plug into the hollow interior 12. The first and second L-shaped locating grooves 13A,13B are each positioned to receive a respective one of the first and second locating protrusions 6A,6B as the plug is inserted into the socket. When the first and second locating protrusions are aligned with the open ends of the Lshaped grooves, the plug 1 can be inserted fully into the socket 2 until the mating surface 4 engages the interior of the mounting wall 16. The first and second slots 18A, 18B are each positioned to receive a respective one of the first and second pins 7A,7B when the plug is fully inserted into the socket.

Figure 7 shows schematically the placement of each locating protrusion within a respective locating groove on full insertion of the plug into the socket. The dashed lines represent the outline of the portion of the locating protrusion contacting the side wall of the groove. Rotation of the plug within the socket causes each locating protrusion to slide around the interior of the socket within its respective L-shaped groove until the position shown schematically in Figure 8 is reached. In this position, the plug is retained in the socket by the walls of the L-shaped groove; movement of the plug along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the frusto-conical plug body is restricted by engagement of the protrusions with the walls of the tube.

In use, as shown in Figure 9, the socket 2 is typically mounted directly on a ceiling 20 with each of the electrical contact slots connected electrically to a lighting wiring circuit. For example, the socket may be mounted on the ceiling by way of one or more screws. The plug a is typically fixedly attached to a light fitting 21 with each of the electrical contact pins 7A,7B connected electrically to the light fitting wiring. For example, the plug may be fixedly attached to the light fitting by way of one or more screws.

The light fitting 21 may be mounted on the ceiling 20 by bringing the locating protrusions of the plug into alignment with the open end of the locating grooves of the socket, inserting the plug fully into the socket such that the pins of the plug are inserted into the slots of the socket, and rotating the plug in a first sense (i.e. a first rotational direction) to lock the plug in place within the socket. The frustoconical shape of the body 3 makes it easier for a user to guide the plug 1 into the socket 2. An electrical connection is not immediately formed between the plug and the socket on insertion of the pins into the slots. Instead, the pins and slots only form an electrical connection once the plug has been rotated fully in the first sense, thereby locking the plug in place within the socket. Engagement of the locating protrusions with the walls of the locating grooves, under the combined weight of the plug and the light fitting to which the plug is attached, restricts vertical movement of the light fitting and retains the light fitting mounted on the ceiling.

The light fitting may be demounted from the ceiling by rotating the plug in a second sense (i.e. a second rotational direction) opposite said first sense (i.e. said first rotational direction) to thereby disengage the locating protrusions from the walls of the locating grooves, and subsequently sliding the plug out of the socket. The light fitting may therefore be mounted and demounted repeatedly with ease, without the need to rewire the light fitting. Members of the public can therefore mount and demount the light fitting safely, without the assistance of a qualified professional such as an electrician.

Figure 10 shows a mounting/demounting tool 22 configured for use with the ceiling mount. Tool 22 consists of an electrically insulated, telescopically extendable pole 23 having a first end 24A and a second end 24B, first and second prongs 25A.25B located at the first end 24A, and a handle 26 located at the second end 24B. Each of the prongs 25A.25B is shaped and dimensioned to be insertable into a respective one of the recesses 8A,8B provided in the base of the plug 1. Mounting/demounting tool 22 can be used to assist in mounting the light fitting to the ceiling and/or demounting the lighting fitting from the ceiling.

Mounting the light fitting to the ceiling involves: inserting the prongs 25A.25B into the recesses 8A,8B and using the tool 22 to lift the light fitting up to the socket mounted on the ceiling; using the tool 22 to insert the plug 1 fully into the socket 2 such that the pins 7A,7B of the plug are inserted into the slots 18A.18B of the socket; applying a torque to the tool 22 to rotate the plug in the first sense (i.e. the first rotational direction), thereby locking the plug in place within the socket; and detaching the prongs 25A,25B from the recesses 8A,8B. It may be that the edges of the recesses 8A,8B are chamfered in order to guide the prongs 25A,25B more easily into place.

Demounting the light fitting from the ceiling involves: inserting the prongs 25A,25B into the recesses 8A,8B; applying a torque to the tool 22 to rotate the plug in the second sense (i.e. the second rotational direction) opposite said first sense (i.e. the first rotational direction), thereby disengaging the locating protrusions from the walls of the locating grooves; using the tool 22 to slide the plug out of the socket; and lowering the light fitting away from the socket using the tool 22. The mounting/demounting tool 22 therefore permits a user to mount or demount light fittings from a distance, e.g. from the floor level, without having to get closer to the light fitting by, for example, climbing a ladder. The tool 22 therefore allows users to mount or demount light fittings more safely.

Further variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the invention herein disclosed.

Claims

1. A ceiling mount for mounting a light fitting to a ceiling, the ceiling mount comprising a plug and a socket, one of the plug and socket being ceiling mounted or ceiling mountable and the other of the plug and socket being connected or connectable to the light fitting, the plug and socket comprising respective cooperating formations configured to releasably retain the plug and socket together in a connected configuration, wherein the plug and socket are electrically connected to each other when retained together in the connected configuration by the cooperating formations.

2. The ceiling mount according to claim 1, wherein the plug comprises at least first and second plug electrical contacts, the socket comprises corresponding at least first and second socket electrical contacts, and, when the plug and socket are retained together in the connected configuration by the cooperating formations, each of the at least first and second plug electrical contacts is in electrical connection with the corresponding at least first and second socket electrical contacts.

3. The ceiling mount according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the cooperating formations are configured such that the plug and socket are rotatably connectable to each other from a disconnected configuration to the said connected configuration.

4. The ceiling mount according to claim 3, wherein the cooperating formations are configured such that the plug and socket can be brought into the connected configuration by relative rotation of the plug and socket in a first rotational direction and such that the plug and socket are releasable from the connected configuration by relative rotation of the plug and socket in a second rotational direction opposite said first rotational direction.

5. The ceiling mount according to any one preceding claim, wherein the cooperating formations of one of the plug and socket comprise one or more protrusions and the cooperating formations of the other of the plug and socket comprise one or more recesses configured to receive the one or more protrusions.

6. The ceiling mount according to any one preceding claim, wherein one of the plug and socket has a connecting portion to which a mounting tool is releasably connectable.

7. A plug for use as part of the ceiling mount according to any one preceding claim.

1

8. 2 3

9. 4 5 6 7 10 8 9 10 11 11 12 12 13 14 15 16 13 17 18 14 19 20 15 21 22 23 16 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

A socket for use as part of the ceiling mount according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

A mounting tool for mounting and/or demounting a light fitting to and/or from a ceiling, the mounting tool comprising a connecting portion configured to releasably connect to the connecting portion of the plug or socket of the ceiling mount according to claim 6.

The mounting tool according to claim 9 comprising an elongate member extending between first and second ends, the connecting portion being provided at the first end of the elongate member.

The mounting tool according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the elongate member is extendable and/or retractable in length.

A method of mounting a light fitting to a ceiling by way of the ceiling mount according to any one of claims 1 to 6, the method comprising inserting the plug into the socket and releasably retaining the plug and socket in the connected configuration.

The method according to claim 12 further comprising aligning the respective cooperating formations of the plug and socket.

The method according to claim 12 or claim 13, dependent on claim 5, further comprising the one or more recesses receiving the one or more protrusions. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, dependent on claim 4, further comprising rotating one or both of the plug and socket relative to one another, thereby retaining the plug and socket in the connected configuration. A method of mounting a light fitting to a ceiling by way of a ceiling mount, the ceiling mount comprising a plug and a socket, the method comprising: providing the plug and socket, one of the said plug and the socket being ceiling mounted and the other of the said plug and the socket being connected to the light fitting, the plug and socket comprising respective cooperating formations configured to releasably retain the plug and socket together in a connected configuration, wherein the plug and socket are electrically connected to each other when retained together in the connected configuration by the cooperating formations; inserting the plug into the socket and releasably retaining the plug and socket in the connected configuration.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB 1700129.8 Examiner: Paul Nicholls