US2000545A - Fixture hanger - Google Patents

Description

1 I. WOLARSKY May 7, 1935.

FIXTURE HANGER Original Filed Sept. 22, 1931 INVENTOR Isidore W'olars BY ATTORNEY Patented May 7, 1935 PATENT OFFICE FIXTURE HANGER Isidore Wolarsky, Mount Vernon, N. Y.

Application September 22, 1931, Serial No. 564,348 Renewed October 5, 1934.

13 Claims.

The present invention relates to fixture hangers and is more particularly directed toward an adjustable fixture hanger employing a relatively fixed sleeve-like part secured to a fixed support such as an outlet box and a telescopically received fixture supporting rod, the sleeve and rod having cooperating ratcheting means for coupling the rod and sleeve together to support a fixture in adjusted position and for normally preventing their separation.

The present invention contemplates fixture hangers of this type wherein the relatively fixed sleeve carries a spring having two arms each adapted to enter under a shoulder on the ratchet rod. Each of the arms bridges the bore of the sleeve so that it engages the sleeve at two points and the load is assumed in the form of shearing stresses and is divided in four substantially even parts. This makes it possible to use a piano wire spring of small size. A spring made of wire 0.045 of an inch in diameter can support loads far in excess of the 600 pounds demanded by the underwriters.

A further object of the present invention is to so design the sleeve and wire spring that one can release the rod by partially rotating the spring about the sleeve to cause it to spread, the spring being retained on the sleeve.

The invention also contemplates the provision of a key and key-way capable of standing the 600 inch-pounds tortion test to which this class of hanger is subjected, and so arranged as not to interfere with the removal of the rod when desired. Other objects of the invention relates to the provision of fixture hangers wherein sleeves and rods may be provided with swivels, hickeys, and various forms of threaded ends to facilitate securing them to various forms of fixtures and to various forms of support.

The accompanying drawing shows, for purposes of illustrating the present invention, several embodiments in which the invention may take form, it being understood that the drawing is illustrative of the invention rather than limiting the same. In this drawing:

Fig. 1 is a sectional view of one form of fixture hanger showing it secured to an irregularly placed outlet box stud and supporting a hanging fixture;

Fig. 1a. is a section taken on the line la|a of Fig. 1, the spring beingshown in dotted lines in the partially turned position for releasing the rod;

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view through a fixture hanger adapted for supporting a kitchen unit or wall bracket;

Fig. 2a is a fragmentary view illustrating the use of the rod of Fig. 2 for supporting a hickey;

Fig. 3 is a view illustrating a slidable rod connected with a swivel;

Fig. 4 is a view illustrating a sleeve provided with an integral swivel coupled to a crow foot;

Fig. 5 is a sectional view illustrating the combined crow foot and sleeve; and

Fig. 6 is a sectional view showing a slightly modified construction generally similar to Fig. 1.

In Fig. l the slanting stud of an irregularly placed outlet box is indicated at H). To overcome this irregularity, a swivel is employed. The swivel is made in two parts II and I2, part II being threaded on the stud and the part l2 having a lower threaded portion l3 preferably of the same size as the stud. The part l2 has aball I4 and the part II carries apin l5 entering into a slot in the ball. The lower edge of the part II is rolled underneath the ball to secure the parts Ii and I2 together.

' A tubular member or sleeve is indicated at It.

This sleeve is internally threaded as indicated at H so that it may be threaded directly on to the outlet box stud or so that it may receive the threaded partv iii of the swivel. If desired the parts l2 and I6 may be made integral, as indicated in Fig. 4. "I'he tubular member or sleeve It has a round bore I8, a longitudinal key-way l9, and two saw cuts 20 and 2| arranged opposite one another as indicated more clearly in Figs. la and 2. These saw cuts are made deep enough to intersect the bore as indicated and are adapted to receive the spring 22.

The shape of spring 22 is more clearly shown in Fig. 1a. It has a coiled portion 23 and two similar arms 24 and 25 preferably curved as indicated. These arms enter the slots 20 and 2| formed by the saw cuts. The extreme end portions of the spring are indicated at 25. This spring is preferably formed out of piano wire and is provided with the shape indicated. It is under very slight tension when placed on the sleeve.

The adjustable rod of the fixture hanger is indicated by the letter R. It has various forms as indicated in the different figures of the drawing but in all cases its upper end is turned to provide circumferential shoulders as indicated at 3i. The outside diameter of this rod is slightly smaller than the bore of the tubular member or sleeve so that the rod may easily slide therein. In turning out the shoulders 3i 5 on the rod, inclined surfaces are provided between the shoulders as indicated, so that the rod has a series of circumferential ratchet teeth. Each annular ratchet tooth or serration functions, however, as a pair of ratchet teeth on opposite sides of the rod. When the rod is inserted into the hole in the tubular member, these teeth ratchet by the spring arms 24 and 135, spreading them as the shoulders pass by. The spring arms enter underneath the shoulders and then prevent separating the parts.

l ne separation of the parts is readily accomplished by applying pressure as by the thumb to the coil 23 of the spring 22. This will shift the spring to the position indicated in Fig. 1a in dotted lines, and, owing to the curved shape of the arms 24 and 25, the arms are spread apart as indicated. This spreading action takes place without any tendency for the spring to be twisted clear of the slots.

In the form shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the rod R. carries a key 33 adapted to slide in the keyway i9 so as to prevent rotation of the rod relative to the sleeve. Owing to the location of the slot !9, it will be obvious that the key 33 passes in and out of the sleeve without interference by the spring.

In the form shown in Fig. l the lower end of the rod R is provided with a transverse hole 49 and an axial hole 41 which provide a hickey whereby the fixture wires may be passed upwardly. The lower end of the rod is externally threaded as indicated at 42 to receive a locking ring for the canopy 44 and a loop 45. In hanging fixtures with this form of structure, the rod is inserted into the sleeve far enough so that the spring holds the parts together. The splices are completed and then the fixture and rod raised up to the desired height. The canopy and loop are secured in the usual manner.

In the form shown in Fig. 2 the lower end of the rod R has a shoulder 50 and is provided with external threads and internal threads 52. The canopy of a kitchen unit is indicated at 53 and the usual strap at 54. This strap is secured to the rod R by a nut 55 and to the canopy by screws 56. Substantially the same arrangement would be used for wall brackets. In mounting a ceiling fixture such as shown in Fig. 2, the cross bar is secured to the rod, the fixture is secured to the cross bar, and then the rod moved up far enough to catch the spring. The splicing is completed while the canopy is spaced below the ceiling, and then the canopy is pushed to bring it against the ceiling or wall, the ratcheting means securely holding the canopy in close proximity to the wall or ceiling. Final adjustment can be made by the screws 56 to press the edge of the canopy against the plaster. This method of assembly eliminates the annoyance and delay which is usually occasioned by fishing for the holes in the cross bar in which to insert screws when the cross bar is fastened to the outlet box stud without being attached to the fixture. In Fig. 2a the rod R is shown as supporting an ordinary hickey 55.

In the form shown in Fig. 3 the rod R" is shown as having a ball 60 at the lower end. A ball receiving element 6| is secured to the ball in the same way. as the parts II and [2 are secured together. The parts 60 may be internally and externally threaded as indicated.

In the form shown in Fig. 4 the crow foot 62 is providedwith a socket 63 of the ball and socket joint and the upper end of the sleeve I6 is provided with a ball 64 integral therewith. This construction makes it possible to secure the adjustable fixture hanger in places where no outlet box is used or where no threaded stud is available.

In Fig. 5 the crow foot 65 is provided with a tubular extension 66 which has all the parts carried by the tubular member Hi.

In the form shown in Fig. 6 the key-way is carried by the rod R while the key is in the form of a pin H carried by the sleeve 1!. Below the hook 13, the rod is provided with internal and external threads as indicated.

In the forms of construction which have been shown above, the same form of sleeve may be utilized in various forms of fixtures and modified forms of cooperative slidable members may be provided so as to facilitate the mounting of many forms of lighting fixtures. When these devices are utilized, it is unnecessary to provide the usual extensions, nipples, and hickeys which are customarily employed. If desired, one can insert a swivel either at the stud of the outlet box or below the sleeve. The swivel may be secured directly to the slidable member as indicated in Fig. 3 or a swivel such as shown in Fig. 1 may be secured to the lower end of a slidable member threaded as indicated in Figs. 2 and 6.

It is obvious that the invention may be embodied in many forms and constructions, and I wish it to be understood that the particular forms shown are but a few of the many forms. Various modifications and changes being possible, I do not otherwise limit myself in any way with respect thereto.

What is claimed is:

1. A fixture hanger comprising a tubular supporting sleeve having a round bore, a fixture supporting rod having one end telescopically received and closely fitting within the bore, said end being provided with downwardly facing ratchet teeth forming shoulders on opposite sides of the rod, and a wire spring having inwardly pressed arms carried in slots in the supporting sleeve and extending across the bore to engage underneath opposite shoulders so that the load carried by the rod is transferred to the sleeve by the arms of the spring subjected to'shearing stresses.

2. A fixture hanger comprising a tubular supporting sleeve having a round bore, a fixture supporting rod having one end telescopically received and closely fitting within the bore, said end being provided with downwardly facing ratchet teeth forming shoulders on opposite sides of the rod, and a wire spring having inwardly pressed arms carried in slots in the supporting sleeve and extending across the bore to engage underneaflrupposite shoulders so that the load carried by the rod is transferred to the sleeve by the arms of the spring subjected to shearing stresses, the ends of the spring extending inwardly to embrace the sleeve and prevent withdrawal 0! the spring from the slots.

3. A fixture hanger comprising a tubular supporting sleeve having a round bore, a fixture supporting rod having one end telescopically received and closely fitting within the bore, said end being provided with downwardly facing ratchet teeth forming shoulders on opposite sides of the rod, and a wire spring having inwardly pressed arms carried in slots in the supporting sleeve and extending across the bore to engage underneath opposite shoulders so that the load canried by the rod is transferred to the sleeve by the arms of the spring subjected to shearing stresses, the arms of the spring which are within the slots being shaped to resist rotation of the spring about the sleeve and spread the arms when turning eiiort is applied to the spring.

4. A fixture hanger comprising a tubular supporting sleeve having a round bore, a fixture supporting rod having one end telescopically received and closely fitting within the bore, said end being provided with downwardly facing ratchetteeth forming shoulders on opposite sides of the rod, a wire spring having inwardly pressed arms carried in slots in the supporting sleeve and extending across the bore to engage underneath oppo site shoulders so that the load carried by the rod is transferred to the sleeve by the arms of the spring subjected to shearing stresses, a keyway extending longitudinally of the sleeve between the slots, and a key carried by the rod and fitting the keyway.

5. In a fixture hanger, a relatively fixed tubular member, a fixture supporting member telescopically received within the tubular member and closely fitting the same, and cooperative ratcheting means for permitting the coupling of the members together for securing them in adjusted position and for normally preventing their separation, said means comprising downwardly facing ratchet teeth forming shoulders on opposite sides of the supporting member and a single spring carried by the tubular member and having two portions each oi which extends across the bore thereof underneath the shoulders of the ratchet teeth whereby four points of shear are provided between the spring and each of the other members.

6. In a fixture hanger, a relatively fixed tubular member, a fixture supporting member telescopically received within the tubular member and closely fitting the same, cooperative ratcheting means for permitting the coupling of the members together for securing them in adjusted position and for normally preventing their separation, said means comprising downwardly facing ratchet teeth forming shoulders on opposite sides of the supporting member and a single spring carried by the tubular member and having two portions each of which extends across the bore thereof underneath the shoulders of the ratchet teeth whereby four points of shear are provided between the spring and each of the other members, and a key carried by the second member and slidably received within a key-way in the first tubular member, the key-way being so located that the key passes by the spring without interference.

'7. A fixture hanger comprising a tubular sleeve having means at the upper end thereof for securing it to an outlet box, a rod closely fitting in the sleeve and having serrations presenting downwardly facing shoulders, a spring carried in transverse slots extending through the side walls of the sleeve, the spring extending across the bore of the sleeve and being tensioned to enter underneath the shoulders and take the load so that the portion of the spring in the slots and bore are under shear.

8. A fixture hanger comprising a supporting unit including a tubular sleeve adapted to be supported from one end and having two transverse slots opposite one another and extending through the side walls adjacent its other end, the sleeve having a round bore, a wire spring member carried in said slots and having portions extending across the bore, a fixture supporting rod closely fitting within the sleeve and having downwardly facing ratchet teeth under which both portions of the spring'extending across the bore engage to prevent removal of the rod, and a key carried by 'one of the parts and slidably received in a key-way in the other for preventing relative rotation.

9. A fixture hanger comprising a supporting unit including a tubular sleeve adapted to be supported from one end and having two transverse slots oppositeone another andextending through theside Walls adjacent its end, the sleeve having a round bore, a wire spring member having an external coiled portion, internal portions carried in said slots and extending across the bore, and external ends bent toward one another, a fixture supporting rod closely fitting within the sleeve and having downwardly facing ratchet teeth under which both portions of the spring extending across the bore engage to prevent removal of the rod, the spring member shaped so as to spread the internal portions to release the rod upon a partial revolution of the spring, and a, key carried by one of the parts and slidably received in a key-way in the other for preventing relative rotation.

10. A fixture hanger comprising a supporting unit including a tubular sleeve adapted to be supported from one end having two transverse slots opposite one another and extending through the side walls adjacent its other end, the sleeve having a round bore, a wire spring member carried in said slots and having portions extending across the bore, a fixture supporting rod closely fitting within the sleeve and having downwardly facing ratchet teeth under which both portions of the spring extending across the bore engage to prevent removal of the rod, and a key carried by one of the parts and slidably received in a key-way in the other for preventing relative rotation, the exposed end of the rod having a transverse hole and an axial hole forming a hickey and wire way and being threaded below the hickey to facilitate securing a fixture to the rod.

11. In a fixture hanger, a tubular member having a round bore and two transverse slots near one end and opposite one another, the slots intersecting the bore, and a spring member having a tension coil at one side of the tubular member, arms extending through the saw cuts and pressed toward one another, and end portions beyond the slots and extending toward one another to embrace the opposite side of the tubular member, and an insertible member having a cam surface at the end to spread the spring arms and notches spaced from the end to receive the spring arms and prevent removal.

12. In a fixture hanger, a tubular member having a round bore and two transverse slots near one end and opposite one another, the slots intersecting the bore, and a spring member having a tension coil at one side of the tubular member, arms extending throughthe saw cuts and pressed toward one another, and end portions beyond the slots and extending toward one another to embrace the opposite side of the tubular member, the portions of the spring arms inside the bore being curved inwardly so as to engage the end of the saw cut and impede rotation of the spring bodily about the axis of the tubular member by twisting effort applied to the coil portion until the spring arms have been spread to move them out of the bore, and an insertible member having a cam surface at the end to spread the spring arms and notches spaced from the end to receive the spring arms and prevent removal.

13. In combination, an outlet box fixedly supported in the ceiling and having a depending stud, a tubular member secured to the stud, a fixture supporting member telescopically received in the tubular member, cooperative ratcheting means for permitting disconnectibly coupling the two members together to permit pushing the fixture supporting member toward the stud and preventing its removal, said means including a spring carried by the tubular member, a narrow cross strap secured to the lower end of the second member, a canopy adapted to receive the narrow strap across its upper part and having an upper edge adapted to engage the ceiling, and screws for removably securing the canopy to the ends of the strap and pressing the edge of the canopy against the ceiling, the spring being accessible when the canopy is removed so that the tubular member may be released from the stud.

ISIDORE WOLARSKY.

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