GB2612649A

GB2612649A - Improvements in light fixtures

Info

Publication number: GB2612649A
Application number: GB2116088.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Parish Charles; Reed Barney; Smith Aaron
Original assignee: JCC Lighting Products Ltd
Current assignee: JCC Lighting Products Ltd
Priority date: 2021-11-09
Filing date: 2021-11-09
Publication date: 2023-05-10

Abstract

Device 100 for securing a diffuser 14 to a base 12 of a light fixture, comprising a first element 102 pivotally connectable to the base about a first axis A, and a fastening element 104 pivotably attached to the first element between undeployed and deployed positions about a second axis B with an interference fit 155 which limits rotation of the fastening element until a pre-determined rotational force is applied. Also claimed is an assembly comprising a base defining a chamber 19, at least one hollow gland body 200 extending from the base and comprising a formation 212 for engaging a corresponding formation of a locking nut 208 for securing a seal 210 in position within the body. Also claimed is a base for a light fixture comprising a body defining a chamber, and at least one formation 400 on the body within the chamber and comprising at least one hook portion for securing an electrical cable in position. Also claimed is a base for a light fixture comprising a body defining a chamber, and a plurality of spaced apart fastening formations 300 for securing a terminal block to the body within the chamber.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN LIGHT FIXTURES

Field of Invention

This invention relates to light fixtures which comprise a light emitting element provided inside a base which is covered with a diffuser. The new and inventive aspects of this disclosure include bases for use in such a light fixture and a device for securing a diffuser of such a light fixture to a base of the fixture.

Background of Invention

Standard batten light fixtures include a base which defines an internal volume and a light emitting component (such as a discharge tube) located inside the internal volume. The internal volume is closed with a diffuser, which is secured to the base by clips. A problem with these clips is that during the assembly of the light fixture the clips hang beneath the diffuser. This makes assembling the light fixture cumbersome and time consuming for the assembler, as they have to hold the clips out of the way when they are positioning the diffuser against the base. A significant number of man-hours are lost to this problem as a large number of these light fixtures are assembled in factories and in other locations by assemblers.

Standard batten light fixtures are connected to a mains supply via an electrical cable which passes through a drilled hole in the base into the internal volume. To prevent water/dust ingress into the internal volume a gland fitting is utilised. Such a gland fitting includes a body with a threaded portion, an elastomeric seal member (with a passage for the cable) located inside the body and a sealing nut. The threaded portion of the body is located on the outside of the base and the sealing nut engages the threaded portion to seal the seal member around the cable. The fact that a portion of the gland body is located outside the base makes mounting the base to a surface challenging. A further issue with prior gland arrangements is that the gland can become compromised at the point the electrical cable enters the base, leading to the undesirable ingress of dirt/moisture into the base.

Standard batten light fixtures have a terminal block which is fixed in position upon the base. This means that the internal configuration of the base must be in accordance with a restrictive standard arrangement, where the electrical cable which connects the fixture to a mains supply must be fed through a particular drilled hole.

When assembling a standard batten light fixture and connecting an electrical cable connected to the mains supply to the terminal block the electrical cable can move freely, making the fixture difficult to assemble. Also when the light fixture is fixed into position the electrical cable tends to hang within the fixture which puts pressure on the terminal block.

It is an object of the present invention to seek to overcome or mitigate one or more problems with prior light fixtures.

Summary of Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for securing a diffuser of a light fixture to a base of the light fixture, having: a first element pivotably connectable to the base about a first axis; and a fastening element pivotably attached to the first element about a second axis such that the fastening element is pivotable with respect to the first element between an undeployed position and a deployed position where in use the fastening element attaches the diffuser to the base; wherein the fastening element is pivotably attached to the first element with an interference fit which limits rotation of the fastening element relative to the first element until a pre-determined rotational force is applied to the fastening element.

The fastening element may be arranged to pivot in a first rotational direction from the undeployed position to the deployed position, wherein the interference fit limits rotation of the fastening element relative to the first element in the first rotational direction such that until the pre-determined rotational force is applied it prevents the fastening element from pivoting beyond a first position about the second axis in the first rotational direction.

The fastening element may be arranged such that the fastening element may rotate an angle in the range of 30 to 100 degrees beyond the first position in the first rotational direction once the pre-determined rotational force has been applied to the fastening element.

The first element may comprise: first and second substantially cylindrical members which are parallel to one another and connected by a connecting element, wherein the first cylindrical element defines the first axis, wherein the second cylindrical element defines the second axis, wherein the first cylindrical member is configured to be received by the base to pivotably connect the first element to the base in use.

The fastening element may comprise: a fastening element body portion and at least one flange projecting from the fastening element body portion, wherein the second cylindrical member is received inside the at least one flange portion so that the fastening element is pivotably attached to the first element about the second axis.

An inner face of the at least one flange may be provided with a ridge which is arranged to engage an outer edge of the connecting element, and the ridge and the outer edge of the connecting element may engage each other to form the interference fit.

The at least one flange portion may be resilient and the interference fit is arranged to be overcome by rotating the ridge over the outer edge of the connecting element.

Two spaced apart flange portions may extend from the fastening element body and at least one of the flange portions may comprise the inner face and ridge.

The fastening element body portion may extend between first and second ends thereof, wherein a grabbing portion which is arranged to grab the diffuser in use may be provided at the second end.

The fastening element body portion may comprise a curved portion extending between the first and second end, the curved portion being concave to the at least one flange portion.

The fastening element body portion may include a hole for receiving a fixture for securing the fastening element in position in use.

The fastening element may be a resilient clip element.

The first cylindrical member may have a greater diameter than the second cylindrical member.

The connecting element may comprise: first and second parts, wherein the first part extends longitudinally from the first cylindrical member to the second part and the second part extends from the first part to the second cylindrical member, wherein the second part has a greater width than the first part such that a gap is defined by the first cylindrical member, a lateral outer edge of the first part and a longitudinal edge of the second part.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a base for a light fixture, comprising: a body; and the device of any preceding claim, wherein the first element is pivotally connected to the body about the first axis.

The body may comprise a base portion and at least one sidewall which extends from the base portion to define a chamber.

The base may comprise a mounting provided on the body which receives the first cylindrical element to pivotably connect the first element to the body about the first axis, wherein a portion of the mounting may be received within the gap and engages the longitudinal edge of the second part to prevent rotation of the first element in a second rotational direction about the first axis.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an assembly comprising: a base defining a chamber; at least one hollow gland body extending from the base within the chamber, wherein the body comprises a formation for engaging a corresponding formation of a locking nut for securing a seal in position within the body, the formation being located within the chamber; an elastomeric seal located within the hollow body; and the locking nut having the corresponding formation which is engaged with the formation of the body such that the seal is secured in position within the body.

The formation of the body may comprise at least one projection projecting from the body.

The at least one projection may comprise at least a first pair of ridges which project from the body along the base within the body with a space between them.

The body may extend from a connected end which is connected to the base to a free end thereof, wherein the at least one projection may comprise at least one substantially L-shaped projection having first and second sections, wherein the first section may have a greater length than the second section and extend circumferentially around a portion of the circumference of the body, wherein the second section may extend axially from the first section towards the connected end, wherein the at least one L-shaped projection may be arranged on the hollow body such that it is circumferentially offset from and axially spaced apart from the first pair of ridges on the body.

The locking nut may comprise at least one recess in which the L-shaped projection is received and at least one resilient lug, wherein the at least one resilient lug may be located in the space between the at least a first pair of ridges.

The at least a first pair of ridges may comprise at least two pairs of ridges and the at least one L-shaped projection may comprise at least two L-shaped projections.

The elastomeric seal may comprise a seal body and a seal flange portion extending from the hollow body, wherein the seal flange portion may be secured between the free end of the hollow body and the locking nut.

The base and body may be integrally formed.

The at least one hollow gland body may comprise a plurality of spaced apart hollow gland bodies extending from the base within the chamber.

The base may comprise a base portion and at least one sidewall which extends from the base portion to define the chamber, and the body may extend from the base portion within the chamber.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a base for a light fixture, having: a body defining a chamber; and at least one cable securing formation provided upon the body within the chamber, the formation being for securing an electrical cable in position within the chamber, wherein the cable securing formation comprises at least one hook portion for securing the electrical cable in position within the chamber.

The at least one hook portion may be integrally formed with the body.

The at least one hook portion may comprise a first portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the body within the chamber and a second portion extending laterally from the second portion to a free end thereof.

The second portion may be arcuate.

The second portion may be concave to the base portion.

The at least one hook portion may comprise a pair of hook portions, each hook portion being arranged to secure a separate electrical cable, wherein the second portions of the hook portions may extend in opposite lateral directions to one another.

The base may further comprise a terminal block provided on the body within the chamber and spaced apart from the at least one cable securing formation.

A plurality of cable securing formations may be provided in a row on the body within the chamber.

The body may comprise a base portion and at least one sidewall which extends from the base portion to define the chamber, and the at least one cable securing formation may be provided upon the base portion within the chamber.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a base for a light fixture, having: a body defining a chamber; and a plurality of spaced apart fastening formations for securing a terminal block to the body provided upon the body within the chamber.

The fastening formations may be arranged in a row on the body within the chamber.

Each formation may comprise at least one resilient clip element extending from the body within the chamber.

Each formation may comprise a pillar extending from the body within the chamber which is receivable inside a terminal block, wherein the pillar may be spaced apart from the clip element on the body within the chamber.

The at least one resilient clip element may comprise two resilient clip elements and the pillar may be located between the two resilient clip elements.

The fastening formations may be for removably securing the terminal block to the body.

The base may further comprise a terminal block secured to the body by one of the fastening formations.

B

The terminal block may comprise a bore which receives the pillar.

The body may comprise a base portion and at least one sidewall extending from the base portion to define the chamber, wherein the plurality of spaced apart fastening formations may be provided upon the base portion.

A portion of the at least one side wall may extend non-perpendicularly from the base portion.

The portion of the at least one side wall may extend from the base portion at an angle in the range of 90.5 to 95 degrees to the base portion, wherein the angle is preferably 92 degrees to the base portion, wherein preferably the portion of the at least one side wall comprises an electrical cable aperture for an electrical cable.

The base may be elongate and for a batten light fixture.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light fixture having: the base of any of the second, fourth and fifth aspects; a light emitting element secured to the base; and a diffuser closing the base and covering the light emitting element.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a light fixture having: the assembly of the third aspect; a light emitting element secured to the base; and a diffuser closing the base and covering the light emitting element.

The light fixture may be a batten light fixture.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a light fixture according to the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a top view of a base of a light fixture according to the present invention looking into the chamber defined by at least one side wall of the base; Fig. 3 shows a view of an underside of the base of Fig. 2; Figs. 4 and 5 show a device for securing a body of the base of Fig. 3 to a diffuser according to the present invention; Fig. 6 shows a first element of the device of Fig. 4; Fig. 7 shows a fastening element of the device of Fig. 4; Fig. 8 shows the device of Fig. 4 pivotably attached to the body of the base of Fig. 2; Fig. 9 shows a detail view of a mounting of the body of the base and the first element shown in Fig. 6; Fig. 10 shows an end view of the light fixture of Fig. 1 during its assembly; Fig. 11 shows an end view of the light fixture of Fig. 1 once it has been assembled; Figs. 12A and 12B show the base of Fig. 2 with a locking nut and elastomeric seal; Figs. 13A and 13B show a gland body of the base of Fig.2 in greater detail; Figs. 14A and 14B show the locking nut of Fig. 12 in greater detail; Figs. 15A to 15E show sequential steps of a method of assembling a gland assembly of the present invention; Figs. 16A and 16B show step Fig. 15E from a number of different views; Fig. 17 shows a top view of the base of Fig. 2 with a terminal block secured thereto; Figs. 18A and 18B show an arrangement for securing a terminal block to the base of Fig. 2; Figs. 19A and Fig. 19B show a cable securing arrangement of the base of Fig. 2; and Fig. 20 shows a portion of the at least one sidewall of the base of Fig. 2.

Detailed Description of the Drawings

Referring now to Fig. 1, there is shown a light fixture 10 according to the present invention. In the example depicted the light fixture is a light batten comprising a base 12 and a diffuser 14. The diffuser 14 is secured to the base 12 with devices 100 (which are described in greater detail below). As shown the light batten is elongate. Inside the batten a light emitting component (not shown) is provided which provides light which shines through the diffuser 14.

The base 12 of the invention is shown in greater detail in Figs. 2 and 3. As shown the base includes a body which comprises a base portion 16 and at least one side wall 18 which projects from the base portion 16 to define a chamber 19 with the base portion 16. The at least one side wall 18 projects from the base portion on a top side 20 of the base portion 16. An underside 22 of the base portion is secured to a surface upon which the light batten is to be mounted, or hanging fixings are attached to the underside which are themselves attached to a surface from which the batten is to be hung. As shown the base 12 is elongate. The base is preferably formed from a rigid plastic material.

Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, there is shown a device 100 which is used to secure the diffuser 14 to the body of the base 12. As shown the device 100 is made up of a first element 102 and a fastening element 104. The first element 102 includes a curved surface 106 which is arranged to cooperate with the corresponding curved surface of the base (which is described below in connection with Figs 6, 8 and 9) such that the device 100 is pivotably attached to the body of the base about a first axis A. The fastening element 104 is pivotably attached to the first element 102 about a second axis B. As shown in Fig. 6, it is preferred that the first element 102 comprises first and second substantially cylindrical members 108, 110 connected by a connecting element 112. The first and second cylindrical members 108, 110 define the first and second axes respectively A, B. The first cylindrical member 108 comprises the curved surface 106 which is arranged to cooperate with the corresponding curved surface of the body of the base, and the curved surface is an outer cylindrical surface of the first cylindrical member 108. In Fig. 6, there are two curved surfaces 106 which cooperate with internal cylindrical surfaces of the body of the base. As shown the first cylindrical member 108 has a greater diameter than the second cylindrical member 110. The first cylindrical member 108 includes an increased diameter portion 114 located between its lateral ends 116. The connecting element 112 is made up of first and second parts 120, 122. The first part 120 extends longitudinally from the first cylindrical member 108 to the second part 122 which extends to the second cylindrical member 110. The second part 122 has a greater width than the first part such that gaps 124 are formed. Each gap 124 is defined by the first cylindrical member 108, a lateral outer edge of the first part 126 and a longitudinal edge of the second part 128. When the first element 102 is attached to the body of the base 12, a portion of the pivotal mounting is received within each gap and each longitudinal edge 128 engages its respective portion of the pivotal mounting as will be described below in connection with Fig. 9.

Turning now to the fastening element 104 as shown in Fig. 7, the fastening element 104 is arranged to hold the diffuser 14 against the body of the base 12 in use in the manner shown in Fig. 11. The fastening element 104 is preferably a resilient clip which is arranged to secure the diffuser to the body of the base in use. As shown, the fastening element 104 comprises a fastening element body portion 130 which includes a curved portion 132 which is concave to the second axis B. In the depicted example, the fastening element body portion 130 extends from a first bent end 134 to a hooked portion 138 which extends from a second end 140 of the fastening element body portion to define a channel 142 running along the width of the fastening element body portion. The hooked portion 138 is an engaging portion of the fastening element which engages the diffuser in use. In particular, the hooked portion 138 is a grabbing portion, which grabs the diffuser in use. As shown the first bent end 134 is located more proximate the first element 102 than the second end 140. The end of the hooked portion 138 not attached to the fastening element body portion has a bent portion 144 which extends into the channel 142. The fastening element 104 is preferably formed of a resilient material such as a resilient steel. The fastening element body portion 130 includes a clip fastener hole 141 for a fixture which in use fixes the clip in position.

The fastening element 104 includes flange portions 150 which project from the fastening element body portion 130. The flange portions 150 are preferably resilient. The curved portion 132 of the body is concave to the flange portions. Each flange portion 150 includes a circular flange aperture 152 which receives the second cylindrical member 110 to pivotably attach the fastening element 104 to the first element 102 about the second axis B. In particular, the fastening element 104 is arranged to pivot between an undeployed position and a deployed position about the second axis. When the fastening element 104 is in an undeployed position (as depicted in Figs. 4 and 10) the fastening element in use does not engage the diffuser to hold it to the body of the base 12. When the fastening element 104 is in the deployed position as shown in Fig. 10, the fastening element holds the body of the base 12 against the diffuser 14. The fastening element pivots from the undeployed position to the deployed position in a first rotational direction R1 about the second axis B (see Fig. 4).

Referring now to Figs. 4 and 8, the fastening element 104 is pivotably attached to the first element 102 with an interference fit which limits rotation of the fastening element relative to the first element until a pre-determined rotational force is applied to the fastening element 102. The interference fit 155 limits rotation of the fastening element in the first rotational direction R1 about the second axis B beyond a first position about the second axis. Specifically, the interference fit 155 prevents the fastening element 104 from pivoting from the undeployed position to the deployed position about the second axis B when it has not been overcome. The interference fit 155 is overcomeable in the sense that it can be overcome by applying a predetermined force to the fastening element 104 as explained below. The flange portions 150 comprise ridges 154 provided on their inner faces 156 (as shown in Figs. 7 and 8). The interference fit is formed by these ridges 154 and lateral outer edges 158 of the second part 120 of the connecting element 112. The ridges 154 engage the lateral outer edges 158 of the second part 120 of the connecting element 112 such that the fastening element 104 cannot rotate in the first rotational direction beyond the first position about the second axis B until the interference fit 155 has been overcome.

The interference fit 155 is arranged such that it may be overcome and the fastening element 104 moved beyond the first position about the second axis A if a predetermined force is applied to the fastening element 104 about the second axis in the first rotational direction R1 (as shown in Fig. 4). In this case, the force applied to the fastening element 104 about the second axis by the user allows the ridges 154 to ride over the lateral outer edges of the second part of the connecting element 112 and to rotate in the first rotational direction R1 beyond the lateral outer edges and the first position. Specifically, the fastening element 104 may pivot an angle in the range of 30 to 100 degrees in the first rotational direction about the second axis beyond the first position once the interference fit has been overcome. This in practice means that the first position of the fastening element 104 about the second axis is such that the fastening element body portion is substantially at an angle of 45 degrees to the at least one side wall of the base in use.

Referring to Figs. 8 and 9, there is shown the first element 102 pivotably attached to the base 12 in use. As shown the base 12 includes a mounting 160 which includes the corresponding curved surface 163 which the curved surface of the first cylindrical member 108 cooperates with such that the first element is pivotably attached to the base about the first axis A. The mounting 160 is provided on the lower side of a lip 161 provided on the at least one sidewall 18 of the base. The mounting 160 includes two portions 162. Each of these portions 162 is received in a respective one of the gaps 124 described above. Each portion 162 engages the respective longitudinal edge 128 of the second part of the connecting element which partially forms its respective gap 124 to prevent rotation of the first element in a second rotational direction away from the base 12 towards the diffuser 14. This means that in use the first element 102 tends to rest in a position where it is substantially 90 degrees to the base 12 (i.e. at an angle in the range of 80 to 100 degrees to the sidewall of the base).

Reference is now made to Figs. 12 to 13, which show aspects of the base of Fig. 2. As best shown in Fig. 138, the base 12 includes a hollow gland body 200 which projects from the base portion 16 of the base within the chamber 19. In Figs. 13A and 13B, the hollow gland body 200 is shown to be open. However, it should be understood that the base 12 may be arranged such that the gland body 200 is closed by the base portion 16. In use the portion of the base portion would then be "drilled out" by the assembler to open the hollow gland body 200. In the depicted example, the hollow gland body is substantially cylindrical, and extends from a first end 202 which is directly connected to the base portion 16 to a second (free) end 204. The hollow gland body and base portion are preferably integrally formed. As best shown in Fig.13B the hollow gland body 200 comprises a formation 212 for engaging a corresponding formation of a locking nut for securing a seal in position within the body (the locking nut 208 and seal 210 are shown in Figs. 12A and 128). As shown (in Fig. 13B) the formation comprises a plurality of projections which project from the gland body 200. In particular, the formation 212 includes at least a first pair of ridges 220 which project from the body 200 along the base portion 16 of the base with a first space 222 between them. In the depicted example, four pairs of ridges 220 a provided around the circumference of the body 200.

The formation 212 also includes at least one substantially L-shaped projection 230 having first and second sections 232, 234. The first section 232 has a greater length than the second section 234 and extends circumferentially around the circumference of the body 200. The second section 234 depends axially from the first section towards the base portion along the body 200. In other words, the second section 234 depends in a direction parallel to the axis of the body 200. The at least one L-shaped projection 230 is arranged on the hollow body 200 such that it is circumferentially offset from and located axially above the first pair of ridges 220. In the depicted example, the first section 232 of the L-shaped projection is flush with the second end 204 of the gland body 200. In the depicted example, there are four L-shaped projections 230 provided. Also in the depicted example, there are three spaced apart gland bodies 200 provided on the base portion 16 of the base.

Referring to Fig. 12B in particular there is shown an elastomeric seal 210 which in use is located within the gland body 200 of the base. As shown, the seal comprises a substantially cylindrical seal body 240 and a seal flange portion 242 which extends from the seal body 240. The seal 210 includes a number of seal recesses 248 which assist in the formation of a cable aperture for an electrical cable. The elastomeric seal 240 is preferably formed of rubber.

Referring now to Fig.14 there is shown the locking nut 208 which engages the formation of the gland body 200 in use to secure the seal within the gland body. The locking nut comprises a head member 260 which is provided on top of a substantially ring-shaped nut body 262. A central nut aperture 265 for the electrical cable is provided in the head member 260. In the depicted example, the head member 260 has a greater diameter than the nut body 262. The nut body 262 includes at least one resilient lug 264 provided at its lowered end. In the depicted example, the at least one resilient lug comprises four resilient lugs 264. An inner surface 266 of the nut body 262 is provided with at least one locking recess 288 for receiving the L-shaped projection of the gland body 230 described above. The at least one locking recess is in communication with an elongate aperture 290 provided in the head member 260 and the recess and aperture form a second space for receiving the L-shaped projection. In the depicted example, four circuferentially spaced apart recesses 288 and apertures 290 are provided.

Reference is now made to Figs 17 to 18, which show a terminal block fastening arrangement 300 according to the present invention. The arrangement 300 is provided upon a base portion 16 of the base 12 within the chamber 19 defined by the at least one sidewall 18. The arrangement 300 comprises a plurality of spaced apart fastening formations 304 for securing a terminal block 306 to the base which are provided upon the base portion 16 inside the chamber. Each of the fastening formations 304 comprises two resilient clip elements 308 and a pillar 320. Each of the resilient clip elements and pillar 320 extend from the base portion 16. The clip elements 308 are spaced apart and face each other. The pillar 320 is located between the clip elements 208. Each of the clip elements 308 includes a support 322 and a clip projection 324 which extends inwardly towards the pillar 320 above the base portion 16 from the support. The clip elements 308 are arranged such that they will bend outwardly to allow the terminal block 306 to be positioned between the two clip elements in use. Once the terminal block is in position the clip elements 308 will return to their original position and the clip projections 324 will secure the terminal block 306 in position. The pillar 320 is arranged to be received within a bore 330 of the terminal block 306.

In the specific example depicted, there are six spaced apart fastening formations 304 provided in a row on the base portion 16. There may of course be more or less formations 304 if desired. One or more of the cable securing formations 400 which will be described in greater detail below may be interposed in the row between the fastening formations 304.

Referring now to Figs. 19A and 19B, cable securing formations 400 for securing an electrical cable 401 in position on the base 12 are shown. In Fig. 19A two securing formations 400 are depicted, but there may be more or less formations 400 provided. Each cable securing formation 400 is provided upon the base portion 16 within the chamber defined by the at least one sidewall 18. Each cable securing formation 400 comprises at least one hook portion 404 for securing the electrical cable 401 to the base 12. Each of these hook portions 404 has a first portion 405 extending substantially perpendicularly from the base portion 16 and a second portion 406 which extends laterally from the second portion to a free end 408 thereof. These hook portions are preferably formed integrally with the base portion 16. The second portion 406 is preferably arcuate and is concave to the base portion 16. In the depicted example each formation 400 comprises a pair of connected hook portions 404 and each of the hook portions is arranged to secure a separate electrical cable 401 in position on the base portion. The second portions 406 of each of the hook portions 404 extend in opposite lateral directions to one another. The cable securing formations 400 may be provided in a row and the row may comprise one or more interposed fastening formations 304 described above. A connecting portion 442 is provided between each pair of hook portions 404 as best shown in Fig. 18B. The connecting portion 442 acts as a point of contact for a security strap attached to a diffuser tray component. In the depicted example, a fastening formation aperture 440 is provided between the two hook portions 404. The fastening formation aperture 440 is defined by the base portion 16, the first portions 405 of each of the hook portions, and the connecting portion 442 which in the depicted example extends above the base portion 16 between the two hook portions 404.

Reference is now made to Fig. 20, which shows an aspect of the base 12 of the present invention. As discussed above the base includes the at least one sidewall 18 which defines a chamber with the base portion. A portion 501 of the at least one side wall 18 is angled, that is to say the side wall extends from the base portion 16 non-perpendicularly. In particular the portion 501 of the at least one side wall extends at an angle in the range of 90.5 to 95 degrees to the base portion. The angle is preferably 92 degrees to the base portion 16.

Industrial Applicability

The method of operation of the device 100 in combination with the body of the base will now be explained. The first element 102 is pivotably attached to the body of the base 12 via mounting 160 as described with respect to Figs. 8 and 9. Due to the interaction between the portions 162 of the mounting of the body of the base 12 and its associated longitudinal edge of the second part of the connecting element (described with reference to Figs 8 and 9 above) the first element 102 sits at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to the sidewall 18 of the body of the base 12.

As shown in Fig. 10, before the interference fit 155 is overcome, the fastening element 104 sits in an undeployed position about the second axis B. At this stage, the ridges on the flange portions 150 engage the lateral outer edges 158 of the second part of the connecting element 112 where it is held until the interference fit is overcome by the user. The interference fit 155 is configured such that the body 130 of the fastening element 104 is provided at an angle of substantially 45 degrees to the side wall of the body of the base 12 when it is held in this position. This means that the fastening elements 104 do not obstruct the assembler when they are fitting the diffuser 14 to the body of the base 12. While the fastening element 104 is in the undeployed position it does not engage the body of the base 12.

When the user wishes to secure the diffuser 14 to the body of the base 12, the user applies a force to the fastening element 104 about the second axis such that the ridges 154 on the inner faces of the flange portions ride over the lateral outer edges causing the fastening element to overcome the interference fit 155. The user then hooks the hooked portion 138 over a diffuser lip portion of the lip and rotates the fastening element 104 towards the sidewall of the body of the base 12 such that the fastening element 104 is pivoted to the deployed position and holds the diffuser 14 against the body of the base 12, as shown in Fig. 11. The fastening element 104 is then fixed in position by inserting a fixture through the clip fastening hole and the sidewall of the body of the base 12, thereby securing the diffuser 14 to the body of the base 12.

With reference to Figs. 15A to 15E, how a gland of the present invention is assembled will now be described. In the first step depicted in Fig. 15A the hollow gland body 200 is opened by "drilling out" the base portion 16. A cable aperture is formed in the elastomeric seal 240 using a drill. The assembler then passes the electrical cable 501 through the hollow gland body 200. In the second step, the assembler passes electrical cable 501 through the elastomeric seal 240, as depicted in Fig 15B. In the third step as depicted in Fig.15C, the elastomeric seal 240 is located within the hollow gland body 200 such that the seal flange portion 242 extends over the second end of the hollow gland body 200.

In the fourth step shown in Fig. 150, the user passes the locking nut 208 over the free end of the electrical cable 501. Specifically he does this by passing the cable through the nut aperture 265. In the fifth step as depicted in Fig. 15E, the user then moves the locking nut 208 such that the resilient lugs 264 are located on the base portion 16. The user then rotates the locking nut such that the flexible lugs 264 move to be located in the first spaces located between the ridges 220. This has the effect of locking the locking nut 208 in position. The L-shaped projections 230 are received in the second spaces and the seal flange portion 242 is held between the second end of the hollow body 200 and the locking nut 208. The configuration of the gland when the locking nut 208 is locked in position is shown in greater detail in Figs. 16A and 16B.

With reference to Figs 17 to 18, the operation of the fastening formations 304 for securing a terminal block 306 to the base 12 will now be described. In use, when the assembler has selected a suitable position for the terminal block 306, the assembler selects one of the fastening formations and inserts the terminal block 306 between the clip elements 308 such that the pillar 320 is received in the bore of the terminal block. The clip elements 308 are initially displaced from their initial rest position but return to their initial position such that the clip projections 324 secure the terminal block 306 in position on the base 12.

With reference to Fig 19, the operation of the cable securing formations 400 will now be described in use, the assembler threads each of the electrical cables 401 through the hook portions 404 and electrically connects the cables 401 to the terminal block 306. The hook portions 404 secure the cables 401 in position on the base portion 16.

With reference to Fig. 20, in use an electrical cable aperture for an electrical cable 401 is drilled through the portion 501 of the at least one side wall to form an entry aperture for the electrical cable. The fact that the portion 501 of the at least one side wall extends non-perpendicularly from the base portion 16 makes it much easier to insert the electrical cable into the chamber.

The provision of the interference fit ensures that the fastening element can be held in a position where it does not get in the way while the assembler of the light fixture is positioning the diffuser against the base. This makes the assembly of the light fixture less time consuming, and more efficient, meaning more light fixtures can be assembled over a given time period. It also makes the assembly of the light fixture less frustrating for the user.

The provision of the specific gland body of the present invention located inside the chamber defined by the at least one side wall means that the seal can be sealed around the electrical cable with a locking nut inside the chamber. It is therefore not necessary to have a part of the gland located on the exterior of the base, making the mounting of the base to a surface straightforward. Also as the gland is located inside of the base member it is less likely to become compromised, meaning the undesirable ingress of moisture/dirt into the base is prevented.

The provision of one or more cable fasteners means that the electrical cable is held in position on the base portion of the base during the assembly of the fixture. This makes assembly of the fixture much easier for the assembler. In addition, the one or more cable fasteners ensure that the electrical cable does not hang within the fixture when the fixture is fixed to a surface, which reduces the pressure on the terminal block applied by the electrical cable. The cable fasteners accommodate all cable types and allow for heavy grade cable to be positioned within the base whilst not obstructing the diffuser from connecting with the base.

The provision of multiple fastening formations on the base portion means that the terminal block can be secured in position in different positions on the base portion, which gives the assembler more flexibility in relation to the internal arrangement of the fixture when they assemble the fixture. In particular, the terminal block position can be moved to meet the optimum wiring entry point for new or retrofit applications where wiring entry direction may be dictated by existing cable installations.

The fastening element is preferably a clip element, and preferably the clip element includes a hooked portion which in use is hooked over the diffuser. However, the skilled person will appreciate that the fastening element may have a different configuration, for example, the fastening element may have a projection which engages the diffuser by being received inside of a corresponding slot of the diffuser.

It will be appreciated that the specific formation utilised in connection with the gland body and locking nut described above is only exemplary/preferred and other formations may be employed.

Modifications and improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims 1. A device for securing a diffuser of a light fixture to a base of the light fixture, having: a first element pivotably connectable to the base about a first axis; and a fastening element pivotably attached to the first element about a second axis such that the fastening element is pivotable with respect to the first element between an undeployed position and a deployed position where in use the fastening element attaches the diffuser to the base; wherein the fastening element is pivotably attached to the first element with an interference fit which limits rotation of the fastening element relative to the first element until a pre-determined rotational force is applied to the fastening element.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the fastening element is arranged to pivot in a first rotational direction from the undeployed position to the deployed position, wherein the interference fit limits rotation of the fastening element relative to the first element in the first rotational direction such that until the pre-determined rotational force is applied it prevents the fastening element from pivoting beyond a first position about the second axis in the first rotational direction.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the fastening element is arranged such that the fastening element may rotate an angle in the range of 30 to 100 degrees beyond the first position in the first rotational direction once the pre-determined rotational force has been applied to the fastening element.
4. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the first element comprises: first and second substantially cylindrical members which are parallel to one another and connected by a connecting element, wherein the first cylindrical element defines the first axis, wherein the second cylindrical element defines the second axis, wherein the first cylindrical member is configured to be received by the base to pivotably connect the first element to the base in use.
5. The device of claim 4, wherein the fastening element comprises: a fastening element body portion and at least one flange projecting from the fastening element body portion, wherein the second cylindrical member is received inside the at least one flange portion so that the fastening element is pivotably attached to the first element about the second axis.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein an inner face of the at least one flange is provided with a ridge which is arranged to engage an outer edge of the connecting element, and the ridge and the outer edge of the connecting element engage each other to form the interference fit.
7. The device of claim 6, wherein the at least one flange portion is resilient and the interference fit is arranged to be overcome by rotating the ridge over the outer edge of the connecting element.
8. The device of any of claims 5 to 7, wherein two spaced apart flange portions extend from the fastening element body and at least one of the flange portions comprises the inner face and ridge.
9. The device of any of claims 5 to 8, wherein the fastening element body portion extends between first and second ends thereof, wherein a grabbing portion which is arranged to grab the diffuser in use is provided at the second end.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein the fastening element body portion comprises a curved portion extending between the first and second end, the curved portion being concave to the at least one flange portion.
11. The device of any of claims 5 to 10, wherein the fastening element body portion includes a hole for receiving a fixture for securing the fastening element in position in use.
12. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the fastening element is a resilient clip element.
13. A base for a light fixture, comprising: a body; and the device of any preceding claim, wherein the first element is pivotally connected to the body about the first axis.
14. The base of claim 13, wherein the body comprises a base portion and at least one sidewall which extends from the base portion to define a chamber.
15. An assembly comprising: a base defining a chamber; at least one hollow gland body extending from the base within the chamber, wherein the body comprises a formation for engaging a corresponding formation of a locking nut for securing a seal in position within the body, the formation being located within the chamber; an elastomeric seal located within the hollow body; and the locking nut having the corresponding formation which is engaged with the formation of the body such that the seal is secured in position within the body.
16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the formation of the body comprises at least one projection projecting from the body.
17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the at least one projection comprises at least a first pair of ridges which project from the body along the base within the body with a space between them.
18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein the body extends from a connected end which is connected to the base to a free end thereof, wherein at least one projection comprises at least one substantially L-shaped projection having first and second sections, wherein the first section has a greater length than the second section and extends circumferentially around a portion of the circumference of the body, wherein the second section extends axially from the first section towards the connected end, wherein the at least one L-shaped projection is arranged on the hollow body such that it is circumferentially offset from and axially space apart from the first pair of ridges
19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the locking nut comprises at least one recess in which the L-shaped projection is received and at least one resilient lug, wherein the at least one resilient lug is located in the space between the at least a first pair of ridges.
20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the at least a first pair of ridges comprises at least two pairs of ridges and the at least one L-shaped projection comprises at least two L-shaped projections.
21. The assembly of any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the elastomeric seal comprises a seal body and a seal flange portion extending from the hollow body, wherein the seal flange portion is secured between the free end of the hollow body and the locking nut.
22. The assembly of any of claims 15 to 21, wherein the base and body are integrally formed.
23. The assembly of any of claims 15 to 22, wherein the at least one hollow gland body comprises a plurality of spaced apart hollow gland bodies extending from the base within the chamber.
24. The assembly of any of claims 15 to 23, wherein the base comprises a base portion and at least one sidewall which extends from the base portion to define the chamber, and the body extends from the base portion within the chamber.
25. A base for a light fixture, having: a body defining a chamber; and at least one cable securing formation provided upon the body within the chamber, the formation being for securing an electrical cable in position within the chamber, wherein the cable securing formation comprises at least one hook portion for securing the electrical cable in position within the chamber.
26. The base of claim 25, wherein the at least one hook portion is integrally formed with the body.
27. The base of claim 25 or 26, wherein the at least one hook portion comprises a first portion extending substantially perpendicularly from the body within the chamber and a second portion extending laterally from the second portion to a free end thereof.
28. The base of claim 27, wherein the second portion is arcuate.
29. The base of claim 28, wherein the second portion is concave to the base portion.
30. The base of any of claims 25 to 29, wherein the at least one hook portion comprises a pair of hook portions, each hook portion being arranged to secure a separate electrical cable, wherein the second portions of the hook portions extend in opposite lateral directions to one another.
31. The base of any of claims 25 to 30, further comprising a terminal block provided on the body within the chamber and spaced apart from the at least one cable securing formation.
32. The base of any of claims 25 to 31, wherein a plurality of cable securing formations are provided in a row on the body within the chamber.
33. The base of any of claims 25 to 32, wherein the body comprises a base portion and at least one sidewall which extends from the base portion to define the chamber, and the at least one cable securing formation is provided upon the base portion within the chamber.
34. A base for a light fixture, having: a body defining a chamber; and a plurality of spaced apart fastening formations for securing a terminal block to the body provided upon the body within the chamber.
35. The base of claim 34, wherein the fastening formations are arranged in a row on the body within the chamber.
36. The base of claim 34 or 35, wherein each formation comprises at least one resilient clip element extending from the body within the chamber.
37. The base of claim 36, wherein each formation comprises a pillar extending from the body within the chamber which is receivable inside a terminal block, wherein the pillar is spaced apart from the clip element on the body within the chamber.
38. The base of claim 37, wherein the at least one resilient clip element comprises two resilient clip elements and the pillar is located between the two resilient clip elements.
39. The base of any of claims 34 to 38, wherein the fastening formations are for removably securing the terminal block to the body.
40. The base of any of claims 34 to 39, further comprising a terminal block secured to the body by one of the fastening formations.
41. The base of claim 40 when claim 40 is dependent upon claim 37, wherein the terminal block comprises a bore which receives the pillar.
42. The base of any of claims 34 to 41, wherein the body comprises a base portion and at least one sidewall extending from the base portion to define the chamber, wherein the plurality of spaced apart fastening formations are provided upon the base portion.
43. The base of any of claims 14, 33 and 42, wherein a portion of the at least one side wall extends non-perpendicularly from the base portion.
44. The base of claim 43, wherein the portion of the at least one side wall extends from the base portion at an angle in the range of 90.5 to 95 degrees to the base portion, wherein the angle is preferably 92 degrees to the base portion, wherein preferably the portion of the at least one side wall comprises an electrical cable aperture for an electrical cable.
45. The base of any of claims 13, 14 and 25 to 44, wherein the base is elongate and for a batten light fixture.
46. A light fixture having: the base of any of claims 13, 14 and 25 to 45; a light emitting element secured to the base; and a diffuser closing the base and covering the light emitting element.
47. A light fixture having: the assembly of any of claims 15 to 24; a light emitting element secured to the base; and a diffuser closing the base and covering the light emitting element.
48. The light fixture of claim 46 or 47, wherein the light fixture is a batten light fixture.