US1781544A - Lighting unit - Google Patents

Description

Nov. 11, 1930. H. J. GRAHAM 1,781,544

LIGHTING UNIT Filed Jan. 31. 1929 5 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. HERBERT JGRAHAM BY A TTORNE Y.

Nov. 11, 1930.

H. J. GRAHAM LIGHTING UNIT Filed Jan.

1929 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

HERBERT J. GRAHAM ATTORNEY.

H. J. GRAHAM Y LIGHTING UNIT Nov. '11, 1930.

Filed Jan. 31, 1929 5 Sheets-Sheet a G r [N VEN TOR.

W I G U/ T R h m I A TTORNE Y.

Nov. 11, i930. H. J. GRAHAM 1,781,544

LIGHTING UNIT Filed Jan. 31. 1929 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 I 46 FIGS g \HAJ 7 8 5| IN VEN TOR.

By HERBERT J. GRAHAM "I /I I ATTORNEY.

I NOV. 11, 1930. GRAHAM 1,781,544

LIGHTING UNIT Filed Jan. 31, 1929 5SheetS-Sheet 5 A TTORNE Y.

Patented Nov. 11, 1930 UNITED; STATES liE v-BERT 'J. GRAHAM, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR T0 ELECT-RIC.

SERVICE SUPPLIES COMPANY, 'OF PHILADELPHI TION OF PENNSYLVANIA N oi-ears E LIGHTING UNIT Application filed January 31, 1929.

This invention relates to light distributing units and more particularly to lighting units especially adapted for' the purposes of highway and flood lighting.

It is among theobjects of this invention to provide an adapter for pivotally mounting a flood-lighting unit within the enclosing globe of a highway illuminating unit, the adapter being arranged to support a re flector and a lamp in such manner that the latter bear a constant fixed relation to each other irrespective of the adjusted position of the flood-lighting unit as a Whole, the result being that the lamp is at all times in proper focus with respect to its reflector whereby to most-efficiently and effectively distribute the light.

Heretofore and prior to this invention, various arrangements and devices have been employed for supporting a flood-lighting refleet-or and associated lamp Within a lighting unit, all of which necessitated changes and modifications inthestructure of the unit itself. These structural changes were not only more or less complicated and expensive, but they also introduced considerable shadow effects which interfered seriously With the operating efficiency of the flood-lighting unit. Furthermore, the devices heretofore employed for supporting the reflector and its associated lamp were not adapted for use with light enclosures or globesconstructedentirely of glass or other-such translucent or transparent 7 material, it being understood, of

" course, that while such enclosures or globes are among the most satisfactory for use in highway and flood lighting, it has been diflicult if not impossible to structurally changethe same to satisfactorily accommodate a flood-lighting reflector.

It is accordingly a furtherobject of this invention to provide an adapter for supporting a flood-lighting reflector and its associated lamp Within the ordinary type of highway lighting unit employing a glass or similair enclosure for the light source, said adapter being so arranged as to obviate the use of any special tools or securing elements for mounting the same in position at thesame time that it eliminates the necessity for mak- Serial No. 338,382.

ing any structured changes in the light enclosure itself.

A stiil further object of the invention is the provision of an adapter or support for a reflector and associated lamp of an arrange meat and construction such that the shadow effects are reduced to a veritable minimum at the same time that the general eflic-iency thereof is considerably increased.

Still another and more specific object of the invention is the provision of a quiclrdetachable adapter or support for a flood-lighting reflector and associated lamp assembly which is not only strong and durable in use and extremely simple to manufacture and install but which is also capable of permitting a greater degree of angular adjustment of said assembly within the glass enclosure therefor than has been possible heretofore.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of means for supporting-a floodlig'uting reflector and associated lamp assembly Within a standard form of highway lighting unit, said nulus which is so mounted upon the lighting unit that it is revoluble about its axis relatively to said lighting unit whereby to adjust the position of the said assembly andits supporting means as a Whole without disturbing their relative adjustment.

Other objects and objects relating to details of construction and economies-in operation will appear more fully hereinafter.

The invention consists substantially in the combination, construction, location and relative arrangement of parts, all as will be described more fully hereinafter, as shown in the accompanying drawings, and finally pointed out in'the appended claims. The accompanying drawings showing certain-pre ferred forms of the invention are intended to be merely illustrative of the principles thereof, it being understood that various chan esr and modifications may be made without de-' parting from the-essential features of the invention-in said accompanying drawlugs:

= Figure 1 is an elevational View of a complete highway and flood-lighting unit embodying the present invention;

A; .PENNSY LVANIA 'A GORP-ORA i Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view of the upper portion of the unit shown in Figure 1 showing one form of adapter constructed in accordance with this invention;

Figure3 is avertical sectional view taken on the line 3-3 of Figure 2, showing the reflector in adjusted positions;

, on the line 7-7 of Figure 6, showing the reflector in adjusted positions;

Figure 8 is a horizontal section taken on the line 8-8 of Figure 6; and

Figures 9 and 10 are vertical sectional views showing the invention as embodied in a modified form of lamp.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to Figures 14.-, it will be seen that the invention has been embodied in a highway lighting unit designated generally by the reference numeral 10. Ordinarily this type of highway lighting unit 10, which comprises an enclosing globe 11 of glass or other such translucent or transparent material, is not used for flood-lighting purposes because of the difficulties encountered prior to this invention in mounting a flood-lighting reflector and associated lamp therewithin. As has already been pointed out this invention consists in the provision of an adapter for this purpose comprising an annular split ring 12, the opposed extremities of which are inturned laterally to provide a pair of finger gripping elements or extensions 13. Preferably this ring 12 is constructed of resilient material, such as spring steel wire, so that when the elements 13 are pressed together the ring is contracted to a diameter less than its normal diameter, as shown by the dotted lines in Figures 4 and 5.

In the particular type of unit 10 shown in Figures 1 to 3 the glass globe 11 is provided at its upper edge with an upwardly and inwardly sloping annular shoulder 14 terminating in an outwardly turned flange 15. In connection with this type of unit it is preferable to employ that form of adapter shown most clearly in Figure 1, the annular ring 12 of which overlies and is adapted to rest upon said flange 15 of the light enclosing globe. Depending from diametrically opposed sides of the annularring 12 are a pair of substantially Yshaped supporting members 16, the free upper ends of the diverging arms 17 thereof being secured, as at 18, to the ring, preferably by welding or brazing. The arms 17 of each :of these depending side members 16 converge downwardly to form an eye or loop 19 within which an interiorly threaded bushing or ferrule 20 is suitably fixed against rotation. As appears most clearly in Figure 3, the arms 17 of each member 16 are humped outwardly, as at 21, to provide downwardly and outwardly inclined portions 22, which latter are arranged to normally underlie the annular shoulder 14 of the globe 11 when the ring 12 is resting upon the flange 15 thereof.

Figures 2 and 3 show the adapter or support of the form shown in Figure 4 mounted in position upon the upper edge of the globe 11, it being understood that in order to remove it from the position shown it is merely necessary to press the finger gripping elements 13 together whereby to contract the ring 12 to a diameter sufficient to draw the humped portions 21 of one or both of the depending side members out of engagement with the shoulder 14 of the globe and so permit the ready removal of the ring 12 therefrom. If desired one or more auxiliary elements like that designated by the reference numeral 23 (see Figure 2) may be secured to the ring 12 at points spaced intermediate the depending side members, said auxiliary elements being each provided with a downwardly and outwardly inclined portion 2 1 similar to and for the same purpose as the portions 22 of said side members to prevent any tendency for the ring 12 to tilt about said side members as fulcrums. It has been found, however, that in most instances this tendency to tilt is precluded when the ring 12 is properly seated upon the globe 11, this by reason of the fact that the portions 22 of the depend ing side members thereof are of themselves circumferentially spaced apart to a considerable degree.

It will be observed that the diametrically opposed bushings 20 have a common horizontal axis, which latter serves as the axis of angular adjustment of the flood-lighting reflector and lamp assembly 25. As clearly appears in the drawings, this assembly comprises a substantially U-shaped strap 26 to which is secured, preferably by welding, a second substantially L-shaped strap 27, these straps being arranged substantially at right angles to one another with one end of the strap 27 secured to the intermediate portion of the strap 26 and in overlapping relation therewith. The side branches 28 of the strap 26 are each angularly slotted, as at 29, to

facilitate the mounting of the strap assembly upon suitable supporting studs 30 which are threadedly received within the bushings or ferrules 20.

It will be observed that the base of the U- shaped strap 26 is longitudinally curved, as is the branch 31 of the strap 27, to correspond to the transverse external curvature of a refiector' 32. This reflector is secured in position by means of a suitable bolt 33 passing centrally through the reflector and through that the socket 36 and the reflector 32 are both mounted upon a common support, the focus of the flood-lighting lamp 36 (Fig. 1) bears a constant and fixed relation to the reflector 32, Once the proper focal relation be determined it need never, and in the present instance cannot, be disturbed irrespective of the position to which the flood-lighting reilector and lamp assembly may be shifted.

The construction just described permits of an extremely wide angular adjustment of the reflector and lamp assembly. By merely loosening the Winged studs the strap assembly, together with the reflector 32 and the lamp carried thereby, may be rotated into any desired adjusted position for the purpose of directing the reflected rays of light either upwardly, downwardly or laterally as the case may be. Or it it be desired to remove the reflector and lamp assembly without disturbing the adapter or support therefor this may be readily accomplished by loosening the tuds 3O whereupon said assembly may be il'tcd bodily therefrom: Obviously, whennecessity requires it, the complete assrmbly including the supporting ring 12, the

reflector and the lamp may be removed from the globe 11 without the use of any tools and merely by contracting the ring in the manner explained above to thereby efi'ect the disengagement of the portions 22 of the side members (and portions 24 of elements 23 in the event the latter are employed) from the shoulder 14 of the globe.

c type of lighting unit shown in Figu a; 1 -3 is ordinarily provided with to} hood or enclosure 37, the bottom edge of wh ch rests upon the annular shoulder l4 oi the globe ll. In the present instance the upper end of this hood is provided with a plate 38 centrally apertured as at 39. in order to secure the hood 37 in position against accidental displacement one arm 17 s each depending side member of the a apter is extended upwardly above the plane ot Zhe ring 12 in the form of a hool: 40, it being preferable to provide these hook extens ons on each of a pair ot diametrically opposed arms 17 as is best shown in Figure 4. A clamping member ll having downwardly diverging arms 42 terminating in suitable loops 43 is provided at the apex thereof with a threaded stud 44, the lower end of the latter being suitably welded or otherwise secured to the member 41 in sncl manner that it extends along a line bisecting the angle termed by the arms 42. In order to clamp the hood 37 in cure position the looped ends of the arms 4:? are re p' etiiely engaged with the hooked extensions ii) of the the sazne time that the threaded st d a! ectcd upwardly through the adapter top plate 38 of t hood CIT. breaded upon the and il,

coninletes the assembl between the hood ST who i: to preclude tncir relative to iilustrate a modified form 'ntabie for a sour what (lliICYCfit s a fng unit. In this latter term of unit the upper edge of the globe l6 is provi lcd with an internal annular greoie l? the outer surface of which rests the In this par icular instance the hood c globe ll, are secured together i *',,,,laccmenii by an annular band 519 overiappi tji joint therebetween, the free ends ct this band being locked together by a suitable bayonet and slot connection {ere Fig re This term of construction ot coi' obviates the nerc ity tor the hood sec? means heretofore described. The adapter or support tor the reflector assembly is also somewhat different irom that shown in F gure l, in that no humped portions are UPI prm :led in its depending Y-shaped side members 51. As is best shown in Figures 6 and 7 the split annular ng of this modified term of adapter 9 i, in the annular g1 we 4'? cl the globe 4-6, It being a simple expedient to remove the sa d ring from its scat by merely pressing the finger gri pingj :leincuts 53 thereof together whereb tract the rii'ig to a diameter less than that of the annular groove ii. In all other respects the adapt r oi the form shown in Figures 5 7 is the same that shown in Figure 4'. Likewise, the reflector and lamp assembly is i tore described permit 0t an extremely wide angular adjustment of the reflector and lamp assembly about the horizontal ot the supporting studs 30, but they also permit an ar ular adjustment to be had between the I annulus and the upper edge of the lighting unit adjacent which said annulus is supported. It wi l thus appear that having once determined the angle which the reflected rays of light is to make with the horizontal, this being accomplished by suitably adjusting the rcfle oz' and lamp assembly 25 upon its supportin studs 30, the assembly may be rotated about the vertical axis of the lighting unit by merely shifting the annulus angularly with respect to and in the plane of its seat whereby to direct the light rays in any desired lateral direction, in consequence of which it never becomes necessary to shift the iosition of the lighting unit itself to obtain the most desirable flood-lighting effects The arrangements heretofore described are best adapted for use in lighting units of the type shown in Figure 1 wherein the globe is supported upon a pedestal or standard and in which the usual lamp 54 is mounted independently of the flood-lighting lamp 36. In many instances it is desirable to suspend the lighting unit from a lateral or overhead support and in such case provision must be made for supporting the usual street-lighting lamp. Figures 9 and 10 show a preferred arrangement for this purpose. In these figures it will be observed that the lighting unit comprises an upper enclosure 55 from which is suspended, by means of a ring 56 or the like, a lower enclosure 57. The upper enclosure is suitably apertured, as at 58, for receiving a supporting stud or nipple (not shown) for suspending the unit in a manner well understood in the art.

The flood-lighting adapter or support, which is substantially similar in construction to that shown in Figures 5 to 7, is suspended from the upper enclosure or from the ring 56 in such manner that the lamp and reflector assembly is housed within and independently of the bottom enclosure 57 when the latter is mounted in place by means of the screws 59. The adapter as shown in Figures 9 and 10 differs from those heretofore described in that the diametrically opposed arms 60 thereof are extended downwardly to provide a substantially U-shaped yoke or saddle 61, the transverse branch 62 of which constitutes a support for the socket US of the usual street-lighting lamp 642. As best appears in Figure 10 this saddle is formed by twisting together the diverging branches of each arm 60, as at 65, to provide the looped portions within which are positioned the studreceiving bushings 66, the said branches being continued downwardly in close parallel relation, it being understood that the saddle is preferably formed as an integral extension of the side arms 60. Preferably, the socket 625 is secured to the transverse branch 62 of the saddle through the interposition of a plate 67 which is rigidly secured, as by welding or the like to said branch.

It will be seen that this invention has provided a very simple and yet most eflicient arrangement for adapting the ordinary type of highway lighting unit to serve asaflood-lighting unit as well, all without involving any structural changes in the lighting unit per se and without necessitating resort to any special tools or devices to facilitate its installation or removal. Furthermore, the invention provides an adapter or support for a floodlighting reflector and lamp assembly which not only permits of a wider range of adjustment than has been possible heretofore but which also reduces to a minimum the objectionable shadow effects heretofore experienced, this by reason of the fact that the adapter is constructed entirely of wire. It will be understood, of course, that various changes may be made in the invention from time to time without departing from the principles or spirit of the invention and it is intended, therefore, to claim the invention broadly, as well as specifically, as indicated in the appended claims.

hat is claimed as new and useful is:

1. In a lighting unit including a glass globe, an adapter for facilitating the mounting therein of a flood-lighting assembly, said adapter comprising a contractible member arranged to be quick-detachably secured to the upper edge of said globe, and means carried by said member and constituting a lateral support for said flood-lighting assembly.

2. In a lighting unit including a glass globe, an adapter for facilitating the mounting of a flood-lighting assembly therein comprising a split annulus arranged to be quickdetachably secured to the upper edge of said globe, and means secured to said annulus in depending relation therewith, said means serving conjointly as lateral supports for said flood-lighting assembly and to prevent vertical displacement of said annulus relative to said globe.

3. In a lighting unit including a globular enclosure for a light source, an adapter for facilitating the mounting of a floodlighting assembly therein comprising a split annulus arranged to be quick-detachably secured to the upper edge of said enclosure, means provided at the opposed extremities of said annulus for contracting the same to a diameter less than its normal diameter whereby to facilitate its assembly or disassembly relative to said enclosure, and means secured to said annulus at diametrically opposed points thereof for supporting said flood-lighting assembly below the plane of said annulus.

l. An adapter for facilitating the mounting of a flood-lighting assembly within a standard highway lighting unit comprising a split annulus, the opposed extremities of which are inturned laterally to provide a pair of finger gripping elements, and a pair of depending side members secured to diametrically opposed sides of said annulus for supporting said assembly therebetween.

An adapter for facilitating the mounting of a flood-lighting assembly within a standard highway lighting unit comprising a contractible ring member, said member being split and the opposed ends thereof being inturnod to provide a pair of finger gripping elements, a pair of diametrically opposed supporting members having upwardly diverging arms, the upper extremities thereof being secured to said ring member and the lower ends thereof being looped, and a threaded bushing non-rotatably secured in the looped end of each of said supporting members for receiving a stud therein, said flood-lighting assembly being rotatably supported by said studs.

6. In combination, an open-topped enclosure for a light source, a contractible annulus quick-detachably SBtlill'Cn adjacent the upper edge of said enclosure, reflector supporting members secured to and depending from diametrically opposed sides of said annulus, and a fiood-l'ghting reflector and lamp assembly supported pen the h \ft'l' extremitics of said members, said assembly being angularly ustable about a horizontal axis passing through said lower extremities.

i. lhe combination with a light enclosing body having a rcmiiwt centrally ape" top therefor, of an adapter for supporting a flood-lighting assen'ibly wiihia the inter or of said body, said adapter conn irisin engagement with the upper ed body, lateral supports ared to iug downwardly from aia. z.etricaliy opposed sides of said annulus for supporting said flood-lighting assembly thercbetween, a member arranged above said rin and having dm'vnwardly dirergiizg ll'ilh the lower ends of which are arranged to be detachably secured to said annulus, a stud secured to and extending upwardly from the conver ent end of said member, said stud bein arra t ed to pass through the central aperture oi mill-(l removable top, and a nut threaded upon said stud for securing said top against removal from said light enclosing body.

8. The combination .rith a lamp enclosing body having a removable top therefor, of an adapter for supporting a flood-lighting assembly within the interior of said body, said adapter comprising a split annulus arranged to be spring-pressed into engagement with the upper edge of said body, means for adjustably supporting said assembly from said annulus, and means operatively associated with said annulus for securing said top against removal from said lamp enclosing body.

9. In a lighting unit including a lamp enclosing body and a centrally apertured to supported thereupon, a contractible adapted to be spring-pressed into engagem with the upper edge of said body, a pair of diametrically opposed reflector supporting members secured to said ring and depcndii downwardly therefrom, a pair of hook members secured to and extending upwardly from said ring, a clamping member including a pair of arms respectively arranged for interlocking engagement with said hook members and a threaded stud arranged to extend vertically through the central aperture of said top, and a nut threaded upon said stud for engaging the upper surface of said top whereby to prevent displacement thereof from its supporting body.

10. In a lighting unit having an annular seat, an adapter for facilitating the mounting of a flood-lighting assembly therein, said adapter including a contractible member arranged to be quick-detachably supported by said seat, an means on said member for supporting said assembly, said IIlQll'llO-Ql being angularly shiftable in the plane of its seat and said assembly being angularly adjustable about an axis extending transversely of the unit.

11. In combination, an enclosure for a flood-lighting assembly, said enclosure being proyided with an annular seat, and an annular member detachably received by said seat and arranged to support said assembly, said assembly being angularly adjustable with respect to the plane of said annular member and the latter being angularly shiftable within its seat.

12. In combination, an open-topped en closure for a light source, a contractible annulus quick-detaehably secured adjacent the upper edge of said enclosure, supporting members" for a flood-lighting assembly secured to and. extending laterally and in substantial parallelism from diametrically opposed sides of said annulus, and a flood-lighting assembly supported between the extremities of said inen'ibers, said assembly being angularly adustable about an axis passing through aid ext emities and said annulus being shiftable in the plane thereof and about an axis intersecting said firs -mentioned axis.

13. The combination with a lamp enclosing body having a removable top therefor, of an adapter for supportii'ig' a flood-lighting reflector within the interior of said body, said adapter being in the form of an annular member arranged to be supported adjacent the upper edge of said body and including depending means for supporting said reflector, and means projecting upwardly from said annular member for securing said top in posithan upon said body.

it. The combination with a lamp enclosing body having removable centrally apertured ton therefor, of an adapter for supporting a flood-lighting reflector within the interior of said body, said adapter being in the form of an annular member arranged to be supported adjacent the upper edge of said body, and including a depending arm for supporting said reflector means projecting upwardly from said annular member and provided at the upper extremity thereof with a stud arranged to pass through the central aperture of said removable top, and a nut threaded upon said, stud for securing said top against removal from said lamp enclosing body.

15. In a lighting unit, an open-topped lamp enclosing body, a centrally apertured top or canopy for said body, an annular mem ber disposed in a plane located in the Vicinity of and paralleling the meeting edges of said body and top, means secured to and projecting below said plane for supporting a reflector within the interior of said unit, and means secured to and projecting above said plane for securing said top against unintended displacement from said body.

16. An adapter for facilitating the mounting of a flood-lighting assembly within a standard highway lighting unit comprising a contractible annulus, a supporting member secured to and depending from said annulus, and a flood-lighting assembly supported upon said member at a point spaced below said annulus.

17 An adapter of the character defined in claim 16 wherein said flood-lighting assembly is angularly adjustable about an axis extending transversely of the lighting unit.

18. In combination, an enclosure for a light source, an annulus quick-detachably supported adjacent the upper edge of said enclosure, refiector supporting members secured to and depending from circumferentially spaced points of said annulus, and a flood-lighting assembly supported between said members, said assembly being angularly adjustable about an axis arranged at an angle with respect to that of the annulus.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my signature.

HERBERT J. GRAHAM.

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