US2570907A - Car lighting structure - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 9, 1951 Afl.. ARENBERG" ETAL 2,570,907

, CAR LIGHTING STRUCTURE Filed- April l2, 1947 2 Sheets-Sheet l 06f 9, 1951v A. L. ,LxRENEsERGl ETAL 2,570,907

CAR LIGHTING STRUCTURE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 4l2, 1947 INVNT'oIzs.

Patented Oct. 9, 1951 CAR LIGHTING STRUCTURE Albert L. Arenberg, Highland Park, and Edward C. Zimmerman, Wnnetka, Ill., assignors to Patent License Corporation, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application April 12, 1947, Serial No. 741,122

3 Claims. (Cl. 240-7.35)

'of the type described extending longitudinally of a vehicle or other interior and presenting a continuous, relatively uninterrupted appearance, While avoiding exposed transverse connecting means or supports.

Another object is to provide an elongated illuminating structure or xture of the type described, fabricated, insofar as the light transmissive paneling thereof is concerned, from commercially available units, each of a length but a small part of the overall length of the structure, yet so related and assembled in the structure as to present an uninterrupted and attractive eX- ternal appearance, and to interfere to a minimum extent With the transmission of light from an internal source.

Yet another object is to provide an elongated fixture suitable for the diffused and flooded illumination of interiors of the type described, along with the provision of downwardly focussed reading beams, if desired, which is made up of a plurality of light transmissive units or sections of commercially practical sizie and length along with a supporting structure of simple, inexpensive character for mounting said sections to extend end-to-end lengthwise of the vehicle in a longitudinally extended but continuous and uninterrupted fashion.

A still further specific object is to provide a built-up, multiple panel fixture of the above type including improved and simplified means to seal the component panels thereof at their adjacent meeting surfaces against entry and accumulation of dust.

Another object is to provide an improved light transmissive section adapted for association as a component of a multiple section panelling in an illuminating assembly of the foregoing type.

The foregoing statements are indicative in a general Way of the nature of the invention, but other and more specific objects Will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon a full understanding of the construction and operation of the device.

A single embodiment of the invention is presented herein for purpose of exemplifcation, but it Will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible of incorporation in other modified forms coming equally within the scope of the appended claims.

In the drawings,

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary view in perspective, generally illustrating the arrangement and appearance of the lighting fixture of the present invention as operatively assembled in an interior, for example, along the ceiling or deck on one side of a vehicle or car;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged view in transverse section further illustrating details of construction and arrangement of the fixture, including mounting and supporting provisions;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view in longitudinal sec.- tion through a plurality of the assembled light transmissive units, generally illustrating the means for dust-sealing the structure, certain of the coacting parts being removed for clarity;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating details of construction of the light transmissive unit or panel at the end thereof which enable the assembly thereof in close end-to-end relation as contemplated by the invention;

Fig. 5 is a View in transverse section through the light panel and associated structure of the invention in accordance with a somewhat modified embodiment thereon, the section being taken on a line generally corresponding to line 5 5 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 6 is a view in longitudinal central section through the assembly on a line corresponding to line 6--6 of Fig. 5;

Fig. '7 is a transverse sectional View taken on line 'l--l of Fig. 6; and

Fig. 8 is a perspective View of a component strap attaching element or pad of the embodiment of Figs. 5, 6 and 7.

This invention provides an improved structure for the floodlighting of interiors, particularly bus, Streetcar, railway car, subway and like elongated vehicle interiors although, as the description proceeds it will be evident that the provisions thereof are also applicable generally. As stated above, the invention affords a continuous, externally uninterrupted, elongated structure, unmarred by external braces or transverse supporting elements. Furthermore, the invention makes it possible to readily produce fixtures of consider,- able length i. e., six feet long or more, notwithstanding the fact that practical limitations in the manufacture of cast and pressed illuminating sections of glass or like light transznissive ware render it impractical to produce the same in individual lengths of more than, say, 12 to 20 inches. To this end, the invention involves the modification of such cast or pressed sections in a manner to enable their association in a close end-to-end relation, along with means to seal the sections at the adjacent end meeting points thereof and render the same dust-tight. Since an elongated fluorescent tube is employed above theV sections and is therefore concealed thereby, the assembly of sections may be made practically as long as desired, without danger of collecting dust inside the same, with a smooth and relatively continuous, uninterrupted external surface appearance possessing much eye appeal.

Referring to the drawings, the reference numeral l,for purpose of illustration, designates the ceiling or an overhanging deck of a street, railway or subway car, or any other vehicle or related interior structure to which it is desired to apply the assembly of the invention. This surface may be considered to represent, broadly and illustrase,

tively, any overhead supporting means whereon the fixture of the invention is to be installed or applied. In the case of the vehicles referred to above, there will generally be two of the present assemblies extending longitudinally of the vehicle,

one on either side of a central aisle, although in some installations merely a single central unit may be provided, positioned vertically above said aisle.

The assembly is generally designated Il, and

comprises an internal or rear housing l2 receivable in a countersunk and apertured portion i3 of the deck or other supporting surface Ii?, projecting through outer and inner openings it, l5 respectively in the structural sheet members constituting the same. This housing is secured in place permanently by screws l. The cover plate H of the fixture is hinged by-a continuous longitudinal, extruded hinge i3 to an outwardly extending shoulder |9 of the housing I2, this cover plate having a continuous, elongated rectangular opening 2G therein extending a considerable distance, i. e., in excess of six feet in some installations, lengthwise of the support Il). The light transmissive sections 2| are adpated to bev disposed in opening 2i).

Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, the aforesaid sections are elongated and of upwardly opening, hollow dished sectional outline. They are fabricated of molded glass or like molded or pressed ware, and may be treated interiorly throughout the transmitting area or the convex panel 22 thereof as by frosting, to render the same diffusing in character. Alternatively, as illustrated in Fig. 2, they may be rendered diffusing along portions adjoining the front and rear only of said panel, as indicated by the reference numeral 22A. This affords a laterally diiused beam at these areas effective to flood the adjacent ceiling and side wall surfaces without subjecting passengers across the aisle to annoying glare. The central area, denoted 22B, may then be left clear or lensed if desired, to provide for a condensed and intensiiied downwardly directed reading beam. Other methods of treating panel 22 will suggest then selves.

These sections 2| are ordinarily prepared in lengths of from 12 to 20 inches, depending on the method of fabricating the same, inasmuch as practical cost factors preclude economic manufacture in units of greater length. Each section is characterized by the aforesaid convex bottom panel 22 and the upstanding front and rear walls 23 at either side of the panel which are receivable in the opening 2S of the cover plate. Walls 23 terminate at their upper ends in laterally projecting, elongated, continuous marginal ledges or flanges 2li, which rest on the continuous, inwardly projecting lips of the cover plate adjacent the opening 2) therein, with strips of suitable packing or cushioning material (not shown) interposed to prevent rattling or damage under vibration. At their ends, the sections 2l have integral, vertically upstanding end walls 25, and it will be noted that the iianges 2li are cut away from side walls 23 adjacent these end walls, or are appropriately molded so'that the upper surface 2t of the wall 25 is recessed substantially below the lower surface of the flanges 2t, for a purpose to be described. Between the flanges the wall edge is shaped downwardly, as shown in Fig. 2.

In assembling the sections 2l they are placed inthe cover plate opening 20 is close end-to-end relation to one another and are provided along the upper surface 2S of their end walls with individual transverse felt sealing or packing strips 2l `arranged lengthwise over and resting on said surfaces. Rigid metal clamping straps 23 of T section and corresponding in outline to the surface 2S of the section are then positioned over the respective felt packing strips to hold the same in place, said straps each having a depending division tongue 29 which lies between and separates the packing strips and the adjacent end walls 25 of the sections 2 l. The thickness of the tongues 29 is small, permitting the sections to-be located in close, practically abutting, end-to-end relation.

The straps 23, positioned as described, are secured to the cover plate l1 by screws 3'0 at the ends of the straps and threaded into the marginal lips 24 of the plate. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the straps 28, as well as the iianges 24 of the glass section, may be located and restrained at their ends between upstanding ribs or fence members 3| spaced from the edges of the section-receiving opening 2E!Y in said cover plate. They t snugly in the recessed space above the surfaces 25 of the section walls 25 between the flanges 24 of adjacent sections and, in addition to efectively sealing the interior of each section, serve to restrain the section vertically and prevent rattling. The depending tongue 2Q of the clamping strap intervening between the section walls 25 separates the same Vto a slight extent, which is desirable to prevent end contact of the sections, without detracting noticeably from the smoothness and continuity of appearance of the assembled sections.

The reference numeral 32, in Fig. 2, designates conventionally a bracket and socket litting for the reception of an elongated iiuorescent tube, adapted to be mounted in any appropriate fashion relative to the inner housing l2, whereby the tube extends longitudinally of the above described assembly of sections. A number of fluorescent tubes may be mounted lengthwise of the unit and a uniform lateral lioodlighting effect results. These tube mounting provisions are not visible from the exterior, inasmuch as the sealed line of sections 2l is effectively shielded and conceals the same.

The hinge I8 enables the cover plate il, along with sections 2l and the holding straps 28, to be swung downwardly as a unit when desired,

for installation or replacement of the iiuorescent elements. It is held in operative position along its opposed side by a plurality of longitudinally spaced screws 33 4threa-ded into the flange of the housing |2 and/or a portion of the support Hl, a felt cushioning and sealing strip 34 being interposed between the parts. A continuous, longitudinally extending vertically disposed finish lip 35 on the exposed external orf front surface of the cover plate contributes anattractive and uninterrupted appearance longitudinally of the installation.

When the cover plate I1 is elevated and secured by screws 33, the continuous sealing and cushioning element 36 of sponge rubber, felt or the like which is disposed over the upper surface of the flanges 24 of sections 2| act to 'protect the same against damage by vibration,

as well as to seal the assembly around its periphery against entry of dust.

To complete the assembly of the lighting units in an elongated arrangement characterized by its continuity of external appearance, a pair of finished rounded end blocks 31 is applied to the exposed ends of the endmostunits or sections 2| of the assembly. These blocks are appropriately shaped to afford a pleasing streamlined external appearance, the margins thereof being merged into the lateral and bottom surfacesof said sections.

A slightly modified embodiment of the invention is illustrated in Figs. 5, 6 and '7, although the general character of the' component parts is similar to those found in the form of Figs. 2 to 4 inclusive; hence, said components are designated by the same reference numerals and will not be again described in detail. In this form, relatively thick sealing layers or strips 21 of sponge rubber or the like are arranged along the edges 26 of the section end wall 25 underneath the conformed clamping strap, here designated 38. As illustrated in Fig. 6, an angle iron division member 39 is interposed between said strap and one of the sealing strips 21, with the depending flange 4|] thereof paralleling and lying between adjacent end walls 25 of the light transmissive sections 2|.

An aluminum pad 4| of T-shaped outline, as particularly illustrated in Fig. 8, is positioned on each of the inwardly extending shoulders or lips 24' of the cover plate I1, with the central leg 42 thereof extending between the iianges 24 of the adjacent light transmissive sections 2|, said padY being secured to the upstanding rib 3| of cover l1 by means of a pair of spaced screws 43 tapped into holes 44 of the pad. The opposite ends of strap 38 are then secured to the pad 4|, by means of vertically extending screws 45 threaded into tapped openings 46 in said opposed pads 4|, thereby securing the sealing strip 21 in dust-tight relation to the cover plate.

A further compressible packing or sealing strip 41 is superposed over the inner marginal edge of the cover plate opening 20, at the end sections f;

of the assembly, and clamped between the same and a felt retaining angle 48. This structure affords an elongated lighting assembly of a length many times the maximum practical length of the component light transmissive panels or sections 2|, but still characterized by a very attractive continuity of external appearance, uninterrupted by visible supporting or sealing elements. Yet the assembly is closely sealed against entry of dust or dirt and aords maximum lighting eiiinally of the light sections 2|.

- 6 ciency throughout a long life. The arrangement of the lens facets, denoted 48', internally of the bottom panel v'22 of the section serves to direct concentrated rays of light from the elongated Afluorescent light sources conventionally disposed in the socket and bracket fitting 32 outwardly and downwardly toward the reading planes of passengers occupying seats on either side of the vehicle aisle, thereby minimizing disturbing glare directed at the passengers on the opposite side of the aisle.

It will be appreciated that I have provided an extremely elongated lighting fixture characterized by a continuous and highly'attractive external appearance, unmarred by exposed transverse supports for a multiplicity of component sections, and adapted to furnish a Very effective floodlighting of the vehicle interior by diffused light, as well as illumination of reading areas therebeneath by a condensed beam, if such is desired. The parts are simple and inexpensive and well protected against damage, even under relatively rough usage, and ample insurance is had against entry and collection of dust inter- The invention surmounts the apparent limitation on the length of such structures which is imposed by existing practical limitations in the art of molding and pressing the light transmissive sections 2|, enabling the production of assembled fixtures of any desired length by the use of standard, relatively inexpensive and readily available components.

We claim:

1. A lighting unit comprising an elongated support having an elongated opening, a plurality of hollow trough-like light transmission sections each of a length less than that of the support, said sections being mounted in said opening and having means engaging said support to sustain the sections thereon in close end-to-end relation to one another, each of said sections having longitudinally extending side walls and parallel transverse end walls integrally connecting the side walls to define the hollow interior thereof, said end walls having upwardly facing clamping surfaces, transverse clamping straps extending across said support in downward clamping relation to the clamping surfaces of adjacent end walls of successive sections, and means to xedly secure the ends of said straps to said support to hold said sections against displacement therefrom.

2. A lighting unit comprising an elongated support having an elongated opening, a plurality of hollow trough-like light transmissive sections each of a length less than that of the support, said sections being mounted in said opening and sustained by said support in close endto-end relation to one another, each of said sections having longitudinally extending side walls provided with means supportingly engageable with said movable support and parallel transverse end walls integrally connecting the side walls to define the hollow interior thereof, said end walls having upwardly facing clamping surfaces, transverse clamping straps extending across said support in downward clamping relation to the clamping surfaces of adjacent end walls of successive sections, means to xedly secure the ends of said straps to said support to hold said sections against displacement therefrom, and compressible sealing material clamped by said straps against said clamping surfaces to dust-seal said sections adjacent the ends thereof.

3.. A lighting structure comprising a xed support having means to pivotally mount the same .and having an elongated opening therein, a plurality of individual elongated trough-like light transmissive sections disposed in said opening in close end-to-end relation to one another, each of said sections having side Walls provided with outwardly directed supporting flanges engaging said support to sustain the sections, and transverse upwardly extending end Walls integrally connecting the side walls, said end walls having upwardly facing clamping surfaces, clamping straps extending across said support in downward clamping relation to said clamping surfaces of successive sections, and means to xedly secure the ends of said straps to said support to hold said sections against displacement therefrom.

ALBERT L ARENBERG. EDWARD C. ZIMMERMAN,

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le o this patent:

UNITED STATES PA'I'ENTS Number Name Date 2,167,383 Arenberg -..July 25, 1939 2,259,152 Claspy Oct. 14, 1941 2,269,182 Claspy et al. Jan. 6, 1942 2,332,040 Zampol Oct. 19, 1943 2,335,736 Campen NOV. 30, 1943 2,434,049 Nordquist Jan. 6, 1948 2,465,141 Wakefield Mar. 22, 1949

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