IE20050539U1 - A pre-wired light fitting - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT A pre—wired light fitting (1) for suspending from an existing suspended bulb holder (2) comprises a main tubular shaft (1 1) extending from a base member (12) from which three tubular arms (18) radially extend for supporting bulb holders (14). A conduit (18) extends from the main shaft (1 1) for accommodating a main cable (19), which terminates in a bayonet type plug member (20) for engaging a bulb receiving socket (8) of the bulb holder (2). Cables couple the bulb holders (14) to the main cable (19). A connecting bracket (24) comprising a spigot engaging member (25) connected to a light fitting engaging member (28) by connecting members (29) mechanically couples the light fittings (1) to the bulb holder (2). A nut (32) secures the light fitting engaging member (28) to the conduit (18) of the light fitting (1), while. A spigot engaging opening (26) in the spigot engaging member (25) engages a threaded securing ring (9) secures the spigot engaging member (25) to the bulb holder (2).

Description

The present invention relates to a pre-wired light fitting for electrically coupling to and “A pre-wired light fitting” suspending from an existing bulb holder secured to or suspended from a ceiling or the like for electrically powering the light fitting from the bulb holder. The invention also relates to a connecting bracket for mechanically coupling a pre-wired light fitting to an existing bulb holder, and the invention further relates to a method for electrically coupling a pre-wired light fitting to and suspending the pre-wired light fitting from an existing bulb holder, and for electrically coupling the light fitting to the existing bulb holder.

Pre—wired light fittings such as chandeliers or pre-wired centre light fittings, in general, are suspended from, a ceiling by a chain or a rigid central support member from, for example, a ceiling mounting plate or other suitable ceiling mounting device anchored to the ceiling, so that the weight of the light fitting is carried by the chain or central support member and the mounting plate. An electrical cable which is hard wired to the light fitting and to a terminal connector in the ceiling supplies electrical power to the light fitting, and may, if desired be threaded through the chain or may extend internally through the central support member of the light fitting. By virtue of the fact that the light fitting must be hard wired to a terminal connector in the ceiling, the services of a qualified electrician are required to install the light fitting, which adds significantly to the cost of the light fitting. While in the case of a heavy pre- wired light fitting it is essential that the light fitting be suspended from a solid ceiling anchorage to take the weight of the light fitting, many pre-wired light fittings are sufficiently light-weight as not to require suspension from a ceiling anchorage by a chain or a central support member, however, since such light fittings require to be hard wired to a terminal connector, the services of a qualified electrician are still required for their installation. This is undesirable.

There is therefore a need for a pre-wired light fitting which addresses this problem of known pre-wired light fittings.

The present invention is directed towards providing such a pre-wired light fitting. first The invention is also directed towards providing a connecting bracket for mechanically coupling the pre-wired light fitting to an existing bulb holder, and the invention further relates to a method for electrically coupling a pre-wired light fitting to and suspending the pre-wired light fitting from an existing bulb holder.

According to the invention there is provided a pre-wired light fitting for electrically coupling to and suspending from an existing bulb holder of the type having a spigot portion terminating in a bulb receiving socket, and a threaded securing ring for engaging external screw threads on the spigot portion for securing a lamp shade thereto, the light fitting comprising a connecting means extending from the light fitting for mechanically coupling the light fitting to the spigot portion of the existing bulb holder and for securing thereto by the threaded securing ring, at least one bulb receiving means for receiving a bulb and for electrically coupling the bulb to an electricity supply, and a plug member electrically coupled to the bulb receiving means of the light fitting for engaging the bulb receiving socket of the existing bulb holder for electrically coupling the bulb receiving means of the light fitting to the existing bulb holder. ln one embodiment of the invention the connecting means comprises a spigot engaging member for engaging the spigot portion of the existing bulb holder.

Preferably, a spigot engaging opening extends through the spigot engaging member for engaging the spigot portion of the existing bulb holder, for facilitating securing the spigot engaging member to the existing bulb holder by the threaded securing ring.

In another embodiment of the invention the connecting means comprises a light fitting engaging memberfor securing to the light fitting. in a further embodiment of the invention the light fitting engaging member is mounted on the light fitting.

In a still further embodiment of the invention the light fitting comprises a cable accommodating conduit extending therefrom, and the light fitting engaging member is adapted for securing to the cable accommodating conduit.

Preferably, a portion of the cable accommodating conduit is externally threaded, and a conduit engaging opening extends through the light fitting engaging member for engaging the threaded portion of the cable accommodating conduit for facilitating securing of the light fitting engaging member to the cable accommodating conduit by a nut.

Advantageously, the cable accommodating conduit accommodates a main cable therethrough electrically coupled to the bulb receiving means of the light fitting, the main cable terminating in the plug member for electrically coupling the bulb receiving means to the bulb receiving socket of the existing bulb holder.

In one embodiment of the invention the light fitting engaging member is connected to the spigot engaging member by at least one elongate connecting member for spacing the light fitting engaging member from the spigot engaging member for facilitating mutual securing of the spigot engaging member to the existing bulb holder by the threaded securing ring, and for facilitating manual coupling for the plug member of the light fitting in the plug receiving socket of the existing bulb holder.

In one embodiment of the invention the plug member is provided by a bayonet type plug member. Alternatively, the plug member is provided by an Edison screw type plug member.

Preferably, the bulb receiving means of the light fitting comprises a bulb holder. in one embodiment of the invention the bulb holder of the light fitting is a bayonet type bulb holder. Alternatively, the bulb holder of the light fitting is an Edison screw type bulb holder.

Preferably, the weight of the light fitting is such that the light fitting is suspendable from an existing bulb holder to a ceiling rose secured to the ceiling. Advantageously, the weight of the light fitting is such that the light fitting is suspendable from an existing bulb holder, which itself is suspended on a cable. lE050539 In one embodiment of the invention the weight of the light fitting does not exceed 3.3Kgs. in another embodiment of the invention the weight of the light fitting does not exceed 1.5Kgs.

Additionally the invention provides a connecting bracket for mechanically coupling a pre—wired light fitting to an existing bulb holder of the type having a spigot portion terminating in a bulb receiving socket, and a threaded securing ring for engaging external screw threads in the spigot portion for securing a lamp shade thereto, the connecting bracket comprising a spigot engaging member for securing to the spigot portion of the existing bulb holder, and a light fitting engaging member connected to the spigot engaging member for securing to the light fitting.

Preferably, a spigot engaging opening extends through the spigot engaging member for engaging the spigot portion of the existing bulb holder for facilitating securing of the spigot engaging member to the existing bulb holder by the threaded ring.

Advantageously, a conduit engaging opening extends through the light fitting engaging member for engaging a cable accommodating conduit extending from the light fitting for facilitating securing of the light fitting engaging member to the cable accommodating conduit. ln one embodiment of the invention at least one connecting member is provided for connecting the light fitting engaging member to the spigot engaging member, and for spacing the spigot engaging member from the light fitting engaging member for facilitating manual securing of the spigot engaging member to the existing bulb holder by the threaded securing ring, and for facilitating manual coupling of a plug member of the light fitting to a bulb receiving socket of the existing bulb holder for electrically powering the light fitting therefrom.

The invention also provides a method for electrically coupling a pre—wired light fitting to and suspending the pre—wired light fitting from an existing bulb holder of the type IE050539 having a spigot portion terminating in a bulb receiving socket, and a threaded securing ring for engaging external screw threads on the spigot portion for securing a lamp shade thereto, the light fitting being of the type comprising at least one bulb receiving means, the method comprising the steps of providing a connecting means extending from the light fitting for mechanically coupling the light fitting to the spigot portion of the existing bulb holder, securing the connecting means to the spigot portion of the existing bulb holder by the threaded securing ring, providing a plug member electrically coupled to the bulb receiving means of the light fitting, and engaging the plug member in the plug receiving socket of the existing bulb holder for electrically coupling the bulb receiving means of the light fitting to the existing bulb holder. in one embodiment of the invention the connecting means is provided with a spigot engaging member for engaging the spigot portion of the existing bulb holder.

Preferably, a spigot engaging opening is provided extending through the spigot engaging member for engaging the spigot portion of the existing bulb holder, the spigot portion of the existing bulb holder being engaged by the spigot engaging opening, and the spigot engaging member is secured to the existing bulb holder by the threaded securing ring.

Advantageously, the connecting means is provided with a light fitting engaging member for securing to the light fitting.

In one embodiment of the invention the light fitting comprises a cable accommodating conduit extending therefrom, and the light fitting engaging member is adapted for securing to the cable accommodating conduit. Advantageously, a portion of the cable accommodating conduit is externally threaded, and a conduit engaging opening is provided extending through the light fitting engaging member for engaging the threaded portion of the cable accommodating conduit, the conduit engaging opening being engaged with the threaded portion of the cable accommodating conduit, and the light fitting engaging member being secured to the cable accommodating conduit by a nut.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof which is given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a pre-wired light fitting according to the invenfion, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the light fitting of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of another portion of the light fitting of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a partly cross-sectional exploded side elevational view of part of the portion of Fig 3 of the light fitting of Fig. 1, Fig. 5 is a perspective view of another portion of the light fitting of Fig. 1, and Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a connecting bracket also according to the invention of the pre-wired light fitting of Fig. 1.

Referring to the drawings, there is illustrated a pre-wired light fitting according to the invention indicated generally by the reference numeral 1, which is suitable for electrically coupling to and suspending from an existing bulb holder 2 which is suspended by an electrical cable 3 from a ceiling rose 4 secured to a ceiling 5. The bulb holder 2 is a bayonet type bulb holder having a spigot portion 6 terminating in a bulb receiving socket 8. A threaded securing ring 9 engages external screw threads on the spigot portion 6 for securing, typically, a lamp shade thereto. Such bayonet type bulb holders will be well known to the those skilled in the art.

The light fitting 1 comprises a main tubular shaft 11 extending upwardly from a circular base member 12, and three tubular arms 13 extend radially from the base member 12. Each arm 13 carries a corresponding bulb receiving means provided by bayonet type bulb holder 14 for receiving a corresponding bulb 15. Cables (not shown) extend through the arms 13 for electrically coupling the bulb holders 14 to a terminal connector (not shown) housed within the main tubular shaft 11. A cable accommodating conduit 18 extending from and secured to the main tubular shaft 11 accommodates a main cable 19 therethrough, which is coupled to the terminal connector (not shown) in the main tubular shaft 11. The main cable 19 terminates in a bayonet type plug member 20 for engaging in the bulb receiving socket 8 of the bulb holder 2 for electrically powering the light fitting.

A connecting means comprising a connecting bracket 24, also according to the invention is provided for mechanically coupling the light fitting 1 to the bulb holder 2.

The connecting bracket 24 comprises a spigot engaging member 25 having a spigot engaging opening 26 extending therethrough for engaging the spigot portion 6 of the bulb holder 2, so that the spigot engaging member 25 can be secured to the bulb holder 2 by the threaded securing ring 9, in similar fashion as a lampshade would be secured to the bulb holder 2. A light fitting engaging member 28 for mechanically coupling to the light fitting 1 is connected to the spigot engaging member 25 by three circumferentially equi-spaced apart elongated outwardly bowed connecting members 29 extending between the light fitting engaging member 28 and the spigot engaging member 25. A conduit engaging opening 30 extends through the light fitting engaging member 28 for engaging the conduit 18 extending from the main tubular shaft 11. The light fitting engaging member 28 is secured to the conduit 18 by a nut 32 engaging a threaded portion 33 of the conduit 18.

The connecting members 29 are sufficiently spaced apart from each other, and are of sufficient length for spacing the spigot engaging member 25 and the light fitting engaging member 28 from each other for facilitating engaging and tightening of the nut 32 on the threaded portion 33 of the conduit 18, as well as facilitating engaging and tightening the securing ring 9 on the spigot portion 6 of the bulb holder 2 for securing the spigot engaging member 25 to the bulb holder 2, and for facilitating engaging the plug member 20 in the bulb holder 2. in this embodiment of the invention the spigot engaging member 25 and the light fitting engaging member 28 are formed from sheet metal material, while the connecting members 29 are formed from round section wire.

The light fitting 1 is of weight such that the combined weight of the light fitting 1, the bulb holder 2, the connecting bracket 24, bulbs and any lampshades or the like secured to the light fitting 1 do not exceed the maximum weight permitted to be suspended from a bulb holder, which in turn is suspended from a cable, which in this case 3.3Kgs. However, the light fitting may be of lighter weight to meet a lighter maximum weight requirement of 1.5Kgs.

In use, with the connecting bracket 24 secured to the light fitting 1 by securing the light fitting engaging member 28 to the conduit 18 by the nut 32, the light fitting 1 is ready for mechanical and electrical coupling to the bulb holder 2. The connecting bracket 24 is offered up to the bulb holder 2, and the spigot portion 6 of the bulb holder 2 is engaged in the spigot engaging opening 26 of the spigot engaging member 25. The threaded securing ring 9 is then engaged on the external threads of the spigot portion 6, and tightened for securing the spigot engaging member 25 to the bulb holder 2. The plug member 20 is then entered into the bulb receiving socket 8 of the bulb holder 2 and secured therein in conventional fashion, and the light fitting 1 is then ready for use.

The advantages of the invention are many. A particularly important advantage of the invention is that by virtue of the fact that the light fitting 1 is supplied with the plug member 20 ready for engaging the existing suspended bulb holder 2, and with the connecting bracket 24, which can be readily secured to the light fitting 1 and to the bulb holder 2 by the nut 32 and the securing ring 9, respectively, the light fitting 1 can readily easily be mechanically and electrically coupled to an existing bulb holder 2, suspended or otherwise, without the need for the services of a qualified electrician.

While the connecting means for mechanically coupling the light fitting to the bulb holder has been described as comprising a connecting bracket, it is envisaged that in certain cases the connecting bracket may be dispensed with, and the connecting means may be provided by a spigot engaging member extending from the light fitting, which could be integrally formed with or otherwise secured to the light fitting for engaging the bulb holder. Needless to say, while the connecting bracket has been described as comprising three connecting members, the connecting bracket may be provided with any number of connecting members, and indeed, in certain cases, it is envisaged that one single connecting member may be sufficient.

While the light fitting has been described as being a particular type of pre—wired light fitting, the light fitting may be of any other type of pre—wired light fitting, for example, a chandelier, or may be of any other shape, configuration or design.

Claims (5)

Claims

1. A pre-wired light fitting for electrically coupling to and suspending from an existing bulb holder of the type having a spigot portion terminating in a bulb receiving socket, and a threaded securing ring for engaging external screw threads on the spigot portion for securing a lamp shade thereto, the light fitting comprising a connecting means extending from the light fitting for mechanically coupling the light fitting to the spigot portion of the existing bulb holder and for securing thereto by the threaded securing ring, at least one bulb receiving means for receiving a bulb and for electrically coupling the bulb to an electricity supply, and a plug member electrically coupled to the bulb receiving means of the light fitting for engaging the bulb receiving socket of the existing bulb holder for electrically coupling the bulb receiving means of the light fitting to the existing bulb holder.

2. A pre-wired light fitting as claimed in Claim 1 in which the connecting means comprises a spigot engaging member for engaging the spigot portion of the existing bulb holder, and a spigot engaging opening extends through the spigot engaging member for engaging the spigot portion of the existing bulb holder, for facilitating securing of the spigot engaging member to the existing bulb holder by the threaded securing ring.

3. A pre-wired light fitting substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

4. A connecting bracket for mechanically coupling a pre-wired light fitting to an existing bulb holder of the type having a spigot portion terminating in a bulb receiving socket, and a threaded securing ring for engaging external screw threads in the spigot portion for securing a lamp shade thereto, the connecting bracket comprising a spigot engaging member for securing to the spigot portion of the existing bulb holder, and a light fitting engaging member connected to the spigot engaging member for securing to the light fitting.

5. A method for electrically coupling a pre-wired light fitting to and suspending the pre-wired light fitting from an existing bulb holder of the type having a spigot 50505 portion terminating in a bulb receiving socket, and a threaded securing ring for engaging external screw threads on the spigot portion for securing a lamp shade thereto, the light fitting being of the type comprising at least one bulb receiving means, the method comprising the steps of providing a connecting means extending from the light fitting for mechanically coupling the light fitting to the spigot portion of the existing bulb holder, securing the connecting means to the spigot portion of the existing bulb holder by the threaded securing ring, providing a plug member electrically coupled to the bulb receiving means of the light fitting, and engaging the plug member in the plug receiving socket of the existing bulb holder for electrically coupling the bulb receiving means of the light fitting to the existing bulb holder. F.F. GORMAN & CO.