US2625646A - Lighting fixture which may be used individually or attached to similar fixture - Google Patents

Description

Jan. 13, 1953 H. L. GOEBEL 2,625,646

LIGHTING FIXTURE WHICH MAY BE ussn INDIVIDUALLY 0R ATTACHED TO SIMILAR FIXTURE Filed March 9, 1949 a Sheets-Sheet l AIEEAIX 2??? a ggy H. L. GOEBEL Jan. 13, 1953 LIGHTING FIXTURE WHICH MAY BE USED INDIVIDUAL-L OR ATTACHED TO SIMILAR FIXTURE 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 9, 1949 l ma/w Z fiaeZeZ H. L. GOEBEL 2,625,646 LIGHTING FIXTURE WHICH MAY BE USED INDIVIDUALLY OR ATTACHED To SIMILAR FIXTURE 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 i & fiayezzzov fi rmaiz ll @Oee Jan. 13, 1953 Filed March 9, 1949 Jan. 13, 1953 H. L. GOEBEL LIGHTING FIXTURE WHICH MAY BE USED INDIVIDUALLY OR ATTACHED TO SIMILAR FIXTURE 8 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed March 9, i949 .271 van or r'mazz 1% L. GzreeZ Jan. 13, 1953 H. GOEBEL 2,625,645

LIGHTING FIXTURE WHICH MAY BE USED INDIVIDUALLY OR ATTACHED TO SIMILAR FIXTURE 8 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 9, 1949 mo w. 3

4 a n p Jan. 13, 1953 H. L. GOEBEL LIGHTING FIXTURE WHICH MAY BE USED INDIVIDUALL OR ATTACHED TO SIMILAR FIXTURE 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed March 9, 1949 Jan. 13, 1953 H. GOEBEL 2,625,645

LIGHTING FIXTURE WHICH MAY BE USED INDIVIDUALLY OR ATTACHED TO SIMILAR FIXTURE Filed March 9, 1949 llll 8 Sheets-Sheet 7 Jan. 13, 1953 H. L. GOE-BEL 2,625,645

LIGHTING FIxTuRE WHICH MAY BE USED INDIVIDUALLY 0R ATTACHED TO SIMILAR FIXTURE Filed March 9, 1949 8 Sheeis-Sheet 8 9& f

{Ll/l 1 l I I a I /4/1% 29- W VI-I fi /flan Z. GaeeZ Patented Jan. 13, 1953 LIGHTING FIXTURE WHICH'MAY BEUSED INDIVIDUALLYOR ATTACHED TO SIMILAR FIXTURE Herman L. Goebel, Chicago, -Ill., assignor to Mitchell Manufacturing. Company, t Chicago, 111.

Application March* 19, 1949, Serial 'No583g736 '7 Claims. 1

This inventionrelates to improvements in lighting fixtures, and more particularly to improvements in fluorescent lighting fixtures.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide lightingfixtures which-may beused as individual lighting fixtures or may be joined to other similarly constructed fixtures to form any desiredfixture arrangement.

Another object is to provide a plurality of fluorescent fixture units whichmay be used and mounted separately and individually, each to form 'a'complete lighting unit, or-may be readily and conveniently joined "to the other units to form an assembled'fixture"which appears'as an integrally constructed-unit.

Inthe manufactureof fluorescent fixtures, the size or length of the conventional fluorescent lighting "tubes places limitations on the "sizes, styling and construction of the fixture units. Heretofore fluorescent fixture units were individually and separately mounted, each as an individual lighting unit, and as many as desired were thus secured to the ceiling structure ofa room, instraiglit line formation-and more-or less in a stereotype arrangement. If one'desiredto depart from the stereotyped arrangement and attempted to provide individual and distinctive layouts or designs, or to provide for special conditions such as irregular shaped rooms andthe like, the standard fixtures could not beiused-andcustom built fixtures would have'to be specially constructed at the factory, or custom built,--which increased the cost of the fixture considerably, as well asthe cost of installation. 'One can readily appreciate that the "designs'and layoutsofiighting fixture assemblies can be infinite in'jnuniber, each depending upon the particular style and requirement of the individual user, and that provide for such possibilities would be well nigh impossible.

It is therefore an object of my invention-topmvide a few standardized fixture units of various lengths which may be individually'and separately used as fixture units if sodesired, or whichma-y be connected" to each other in any 'possible arrangement to provide for the infiniteshapes and styles of lighting arrangement, and which fixtures when installed-appearas an integral structure.

Another object of this invention is toprovide fluorescent fixture units which may be individually used as lighting units and whichhave-removable parts permitting their connection and assembly to other fixtures to provideunlimited shapes and styles of-lighting fixture arrangements.

Other objects are T :prov-ide "fluqrescent .flxtures having :new .::and :.i1npro-ved.:1;structura1 i d tails whichiwill becomeaapparent; as this description progresses.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one-of theqlighting fixture units, identifiedraszunit. A-

'Fig. 2. is a perspective 1 view-of another lighting unit, formingpart. of the combination, identified as unit B.

Fig. 3 Ba perspectiveview-of theaf amewcrh of the fixture forming anothernnit, identified-1& unit C.

Figs. .4- andz lware:perspectivetviews withwparts broken away ofthe fixture. unit C.

:Fig. 5 isa reduced perspective viewshowin zthfi relationship of the various unitszwhenzassembled in one form of lighting-fixturecombination.

Fig.6 is a cross sectional .viewtakenromlines 6-6 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a vieweshowing'the zend-Qf any'czofrthe fixture units.

Fig. 8 is a cross. sectional :view taken-.ontlines, 8- 8 of Fig.5.

Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view taken :on lines 99 of Fig. 8, and showingin adottedlinesnthe louvre assembly .prior :to' its being ;snapp.ed .into closed position.

Fig. 10'is an inside DEI'SPBCtiVG'NiBWiiSh-OMIIQ the right angled cornerssof any otthefixture units and the manner of securing :the preferred type of removable panels.

Fig. 11 is .an insideperspective :Vi6W5ShQWiI1lg thesidesof the fixtures.

Fig.1 12v is a perspective :view with; partsbrolsen away, showing "the preferred :type f tremovable panel.

-Fig.- 1-3 is a cross sectional-.viewtaken on: lines l3l3 of Fig. A and; showing another tynepofsremovable panel.

Fig. 14- is a crosssectionaliview taken. oni-ilines ld-d lof Fig.5.

Fig. 15 is a view of a lighting fixture-:identified as unit D whichjszsimilar. in -isizezandishapepto it A, but utilizes 1a :circular "fluorescent clight tube in association withafioodlight.

Fig. 16 isa view..t;aken-onlines:,l Evil 6:.of Fig.3.15.

Fig. 17 is aviewshowing theiclipafor-securing or looking the louvre assembly -.to ctherfixture.

Fig. 18 is a View showing the manner of-attachingthe opposite sides of .the louvre in a. hinging relation to the fixture.

V Fig. 19'- is a perspective .view. ,of: the: bracket for supporting the self. aligning .stemyor pendant.

Fig. '20 .is. a perspective .viewof .the c1a mning members, and

Figs. 21 to 28 inclusive are schematic views showing some of the combinations of designs possible with the present invention.

To provide for the infinite number of arrangements of lighting fixtures desired, either for the purpose of meeting individual or special lighting conditions or to satisfy the individual and personal tastes of each of the users, I provide three different sized fixture units, so constructed and arranged that they may be used as individual lighting units or may be connected to each other in any arrangement desired, so that when thus connected and in operation they will give the appearance of an integral custom built fixture assembly. This invention permits a lighting fixture manufacturer to provide mass or'factory production of a few fluorescent fixture units and yet enables the customer or the contractor who installs the fixture units to install them in any form or type of lighting arrangement to form an infinite number of lighting fixture designs to suit the particular requirements and provide lighting fixtures which are the equivalent of custom built fixtures without the great expense attendant same.

For this particular purpose, I provide a fixture unit, generally designated as unit A, such as shown in Fig. l, which is considered the basic unit and which is substantially square shaped and contains removable side and end panels, which panels are more specifically descibed hereafter. Unit A will support conventional sized fluorescent lighting tubes measuring approximately 15 inches in length. The over-all dimensions of unit A would be approximately 165 inches by 16 inches. The second type of unit, generally designated as unit B is shown in Fig. 2 and is a multiple of unit A and will support therewithin the conventional fluorescent lighting tubes measuring approximately 48 inches in length. Unit B fixture has the same width as that of the fixture A but is substantially three times its length, measuring about 48% inches and supports three removable panels on each of its sides, as well as. single panels on each of its opposite ends.v The third unit forming the lighting fixture assembly is designated as unit C and is best shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 4a, and is likewise a multiple of unit A. Unit C is formed of two individual fixture sections, each measuring approximately 4 feet in length but which are adapted to be assembled together so as to form a single integral fixture having a combined length approximately 97 inches to support therewithin the longestpresently made fluorescent lighting tubes, known as the 8 foot tube. It will be seen thatunit C has the same width as that of the units A and B but that its length is approximately twice that of the unit B and six times that of unit A. It supports six removable panels on each of its sides as well as single panels on each of its opposite ends.

With the three types of units, A, B and C it is possible to design any form or arrangement of lighting assembly that may be desired or necessary to suit the particular requirements. A few of the infinite arrangements possible will be subsequently described in greater detail.

' The lighting units, generally designated as unit D and shown in Figs. 15 and 16 is of the same size and shape as that of unit A, shown in Fig. l, but instead of supporting a plurality of longitudinal fluorescent lighting tubes as does unit A, the fixture unit D supports a circular lighting tube and also an adjustable incandescent 4 flood light lamp, the details of which will be subsequently described. Unit D may be readily connected to and associated with the other units and may be considered similar or equivalent to unit A. However, it has certain advantages in a lighting fixture assembly, as will be pointed out subsequently.

Generally, it will be seen that all of the units have the same width, however their lengths vary. but are always in multiples of the length of basic unit A. Furthermore, the sides of unit B is divided into three sections, each section corresponding substantially to the length of unit A and each section supports a removable window or panel corresponding in shape, length and appearance to the panel of the fixture in the other units. Likewise the length of the sides of unit C, shown in Figs. 3, 4 and 4a is divided into six equal tions, each section supporting a removable window or panel similar in size, shape and appearance to those previously mentioned. It will therefore become obvious that when the units are positioned in any arrangement, subsequently to be described, the panels or windows of connecting and adjoining fixtures may be removed to form a continuous and uninterrupted communication between the fixtures, and that by reason of the uniformity of sections of each of the units, the fixture units when joined and assembled in any arrangement will permit a continuous uniform appearance similar to an integrally constructed fixture rather than one which is formed by the joining of several separate units.

The details of the specific construction of each of the units A, B, C and D, except for their length are substantially similar wherever applicable, and they will now be described in detail. Unit A fixture is formed of a square shaped metallic framework formed of four walls suitably joined together, or same may be integrally formed. The framework I has four rectangular shaped openings 2 which have (Fig. 10) inclined horizontal and vertical borders 3 and l respectively, bordering the openings 2 and on which the removable panels 5 rest. The framework has a vertical section Ia and is bent horizontally as at lb at the top as well as the bottom and is suitably joined as at Ic by welding at the right angled ends thereof, as best shown in Fig. 10.

The removable panel 5, best shown in Fig. 12, is constructed to be interchangeably used in any of the side and end walls and in any and all of the fixture units, and is preferably shaped for ornamental effect with a beveled front portion 5a positioned exteriorly and forwardly of the vertical wall of the fixture frame. It will be understood that any other type or shape of window or panel may be used, such as flat panels or the like, as shown in Figs. 4 and 15. However, all the panels are removably secured to the fixture and all panels should be of uniform design since they are interchangeable to fit in any or all of the various fixture units. The panels may be formed of plastic, glass or any other material and should preferably be translucent. Panel 5 is provided with top and bottom channels or grooves '6 which extend for a substantial length of the panel intermediate the ends. The panel is secured to the framework through means of the channel. The channel is formed by the front inclined top and bottom ledge i which extends the length of the panel and the rear wall 8 extending for a portion of the length of the panel. The panel is readily inserted in the framework by compressing it slightly.

If a flat type'o'fpanel Sis-used, as shown in Figs.4and 15, it does not'have top andbottom channels and the panel could be held in place by means of clips It secured to the insideof th fixture and shown in Figs. 4 and 13.

The framework of unit B, shown in perspective in Fig. 2, is similarly constructed tothat of unit A, except for the length of the sides of the frame. The sides of the framework, best shown in-Figs. 2 and 11, have two vertically spaced walls and 12 to provide three equal and "similar sections, !3, M and i5, each consisting of a'similar rectangular shaped opening 2 having inclined side and end borders 3 and 4. The channels *6 of'the window panels 5 likewise are'supported on the top "and bottom side borders '3. The end panels 5 of the fixture units are all similarly constructed and similarly secured.

Ateach of the oppositeends of the framework of the units Aand B there is suitably secured to the framework a horizontallyextending top l'l extending inwardly of the ends of the fixture, to which is suitably secured by a threaded bolt iii, the socket housing 19. The bottom plate 23 of the socket housing which in turn supports the plurality' of sockets 2|, as is well understood in the art, is secured to the housing by threaded'bolts 22. This is best shown and illustrated in Figs. '7, 8'and 9. Extending lengthwise of the fixture between the socket housings is the ballast housing 23 which contains the conventional ballast unit. The ballast housing is similarly mounted for units A, B and C, and is shown in Figs. '5, 7, 8 and 9. The ballast housing is of the length of the fixture unit A, or the length of the fixture'unit B, or in the case of unit C the length of the fixture unit C but formed of two sections secured together, best shown in Figs. 4 and 4a. The ballast housing comprises an inverted channel shaped member 24 which is permanently secured at its opposite ends as at 25 to the socket housing 19. After the ballast is inserted in the inverted channel section in the usual manner, a removable V-shaped bottom plate 26 is secured by bolt and nut 'Zl'to the bottom plate 20 of the socket housing 29. The exterior walls of the V-shaped plate '26 serve as reflecting surfaces for the light. The ballast housing 23 is identically constructed for the fixtures, namely A, B and C, except for the difference inlength. The ballast housing for unit D is of difierent construction and will be described subsequently with respect to Figs. 15'and 16.

InFigs. 3,4 and 4a is shown the fixture unit C which supports an eight foot fluorescent lighting tube and the unit is formed of two sinrilarlysconstructed fixturesections, generally indicated at E'Bjivhih are joined together at the point of installation and which together form an'integral unit to support the eightfoot fluorescent illuminating tubes. The fixture is formed of two similar framework sections 29, like that shown in Fig. 3, eachframework section provided'with an outside end wall 38 and an inside coupling end wall'3l. The outside end wall 30 and'the two side walls '32 of each of the sections 28 are constructed'si'milarto that of unit B, heref-ore'described, and the outside end walland the side walls support the interchangeable and removable panels '5, similar to the panels previously described, or fiat panels 9 as shown. The inside coupling end wall 3| of fixture unit C'is integrally'fo'rmed and is shaped like'two spaced inverted'L-shapedmembers to provide spaces '33 and. The two fixture sections 28aresecured togethefb'y'placing the inside coupling walls "3| adj a'cent-ea'ch other and fasteningthem together by suitable bolts and 'nuts '35 '(Fig. 4) passing through the openings in saidcoupling endwalls. The ballast housing for unitC is constructed and supported at its outer ends similar to ballast housing 23, but ismade in two sections-3B, each section extending substantiallythelength of-the fixture section '28 and when the fixture sections 28 are joined, the sectio'nsof the ballast'housing 36 are also suit-ably coupled together sothat the ballast housing will extend from one end of one fixture section to the opposite end of the other fixture section, passing throughthe space 330f the inner coup-ling walls 3|. The eight foot fluorescent tubes are secured in the sockets-at the opposite endsof the fixture and pass throughthe space 34 of the coupling walls. It will be seen that each fixture section- 28 of unit Cisdivi-ded along its length into three ' equal'divisions 31, 38 and 39, similar to unit B, and that 'the' size of each rectangular opening and-panelis identical to that of the size of the panels of units A,-B=and D, and that each of the panels, sides and end-sare removable and interchangeable with each other.

In Figs. 4 and 4a the panels 9 are of the flat type. This is shown merely for illustrative purposes, and it will be understood that when unit C is used in combination with the other fixtures, as will be presently described, the panels should be of-the same design and configuration a-s-the others.

The fixture units A,-B and C are each provided with reflectors 43 (Figs. 8 and'9) which extend the length of the fixture and which are positioned directly above the fluorescent lighting tubes and are attached by thread-ed bolts -42 to the bottom plate 26 of the socket housing. The reflectorsare formed with a plurality of V shapes in transverse cross section and have spaced openings 43 for dissipating the heat.

Each of the fixture units has a louvre egg crate shape assembly positioned at the bottom of the fixture, and the louvre assemblies for units A, B and C are similar except for their length and will be generally designated by the numeral 44. The louvre assembly is hinge-dly secured along one side of the fixture by the hinging member 45, more clearly shown in Figs. 9 and 18. The hinging member 35 is formed of a spring wire and is shaped to provide bent upper and lower en-ds' l-t and i? securely engaging the side wall i ia of the louvre and a laterally extending u -shaped'section 48 which fits over and hooks to a vertical tapered ear tt on the bottom horizontal wall lb of the framework, which permits a pivotal or swinging movement and suppoitfor the louvre assembly and prevents accidental disengagement therewith. Two of such connections are provided along the side of the fixture in units A,-B and D and each fixture section of unit 0. The

' opposite sides of the louvre assembly has locking member-s 56 (Figs. 9 and 17) each of which has an inverted V-shaped portion ER with the opposite ends thereof secured to the side wall 441) of the louvre assembly, and has an outwardly urged spring member 52 provided with a reversely bent portion 53 which engages the bottom horizontal wall lb of the framework (Fig. 9) 'to secure the opposite sides of the louvre assembly to the fixture frame. To swing the louvre assembly downward, such as shown in dotted lines in Fig. 9, the spring 52 is pulled inwardly to disengage the portion 53 from the wall lb.

A single louvre assembly'is 'providedfo'r each fixture unit'A, B and D. For fixture 'unitC, I

provide two louvre .assemblies, one for each of the two sections of the fixture, and these louvre assemblies are mounted as previously described and similarly to that required for unit B. Each louvre assembly for unit C may be independently hinged and operated, as is obvious.

In connection with unit C fixture only, there is provided a bar unit, generally designated as 54, extending transversely of the fixture that serves to close the gap between the two louvre sections and provides an ornamental appearance. The bar unit (Figs. 3 and l) comprises an inverted T-shaped piece 55 having angular extending sections 56 branching from the opposite sides of the vertical wall. The bottom piece has a metal covering 51 thereabout which extends beyond the ends of the T piece sufiicient to span the width of the fixture, as best shown in Fig. 4. The bar unit is secured by means of a coil spring 58 which is suitably attached to the V-shaped plate 2% of the ballast housing and which normally maintains the bar in its elevated position against the undersides of the louvre section. To permit either or both of the louvre sections to be swung down, the cross bar is pulled down against the tension of the spring and then after the louvre sections are lowered the cross bar is suitably maneuvered to clear the louvre sections and is then turned longitudinally of the fixture to rest inside the fixture during the period that the louvre sections are in lowered position. The outward appearance of the cross bar is similar to the bottom exposed end of the framework.

The unit D fixture, heretofore referred to and shown specifically in Figs. 15 and 16, is of the same size as unit A fixture and supports removable panels therein precisely like unit A. For illustration, I have shown the panels to be of the flat type 9, although it will be obvious that panels 5 previously described may be used. In fixture unit D there is provided a circular ballast housing, generally indicated at 59, which supports therein the usual ballast. Spaced around the housing are members 68 which support the circular fluorescent lighting tube 6!, and one of said members is electrically connected to the tube as is well understood. Depending from the bottom of the ballast housing 59 are a plurality of metal straps 62 which are secured to a gimbal ring, generally indicated at 63. Suitably supported within said gimbal ring is a fiood light G l, which as shown may be adjusted to various angles and positions. The egg crate louvre assembly (35 has an annular opening 65 to accommodate the gimbal ring and the incandescent flood light. The louvre assembly is supported similar to that previously described in connection with the other fixtures. Unit D fixtures are preferably used with the other fixtures where it is desired to flood light the specific area in the combination.

The fixtures herein shown may be pendant mounted as is well known in the art, or may be positioned directly adjacent the ceiling surface, as is likewise well known. For illustration, if pendant mounted, the pendant could be secured at the juncture of two fixture units as shown in Fig. 8, or any other suitable position. As shown, the socket housing I9 of the fixture is secured to a plate 61' by means of bolts and nuts 68. The plate bridges two adjoining fixtures and a self aligning stem 69 is secured to the plate as at 70, and the opposite end of the stem or pendant is secured to the hanger bracket H (Figs. 8 and 19) which in turn is secured to the ceiling.

The hanger bracket, shown in perspective in Fig. 19, is bent as shown to provide a bottom 12, inclined side walls 13 and 14 and a top 15 formed by the overlapping of the ends. The side wall 13 has a T-shaped slot 16 communicating with the slot 11 in the bottom which terminates in a circular opening 18. The bracket H is secured to the ceiling by a threaded bushing 19 extending through the top opening 80. A semispherical shaped lock-nut Si is threadedly secured to the end of the stem or pendant 69 and same is inserted with the end of the smm in the bracket through the T-shaped slot 16 and allowed to rest on the annular opening 18 in the bracket. Adjustment of the lock-nut 8! i accomplished through the notches 82 on the peripheral surface thereof. When thus mounted the fixture will align itself to extend in a straight horizontal line and to accommodate for any unevenness in the ceiling surface and the like. Electrical wires 83 from the ceiling outlet extend through the stem and pass through a bushing 84 secured in the socket housing [9 and into the fixture, as shown in Fig. 8. An ornamental cupped plate 91 encloses the bracket H.

In Fig. 9 is shown one manner of securing the fixture directly to the ceiling. This is accomplished by means of toggle bolts 85 which are secured as at 86 to the ballast housing 23. The opposite ends of the toggle are inserted into openings in the ceiling structure 87 and when Withdrawn the toggles 88 expand to lock the fixture to the ceiling as shown.

Each of the fixture units, namely A, B, C or D is a self-contained unit supporting the electrical parts, sockets, ballasts and lighting tubes and may be independently and individually secured to the ceiling as an independent lighting fixture, or the units may be secured to each other in any relationship to form the various shapes and designs of lighting fixture combinations.

The manner of securing the fixtures to each other to provide the multitude of combinations will now be described. In Fig. 5 is shown in reduced form the manner or means of combining the fixture units so as to form the unlimited combinations of lighting fixture arrangements and designs. There is illustrated a partial view of one of the combinations, although it will be understood that the combinations illustrated in Figs. 21 to 28 inclusive, and other and varied combinations may be formed by following the same method and procedure herein shown. In Fig. 5 is shown a combination in which two unit B fixtures are secured in endto end relation, and two unit A fixtures are secured at right angles to one of the unit B fixtures. To form the connection between two unit B fixtures the end panels of each of said fixtures are removed exposing the rectangular end openings of the fixture framework. The two unit B fixtures are placed adjacent each other (Figs. 8 and 14.) and threaded coupling members 89 are passed through suitable openings in the socket housing I!) and are secured thereto by suitable threaded nuts 90. Several of these coupling memhere are positioned across the width of the fixtures. The adjacent ends of the two unit B fixtures are secured together by clamping members, generally indicated at 96, best shown in Figs. 6, 8 and 20. The clamping member is formed of two similarly shaped sections 91a and 9112. Each section has an L-shaped end 92, an inwardly inclined wall 93 and a forwardly extending portion 94. When the two clamping units are nested, as shown in Fig. 20, a bolt 95 passes through suitable openings in each and is tightened by a net .6-. Whe the o lx sn i s are qsit e d end toend; as shown in. Figs. 5, 8 and 14, the clampingmemberslii are positionedso that their portionsfit engage the vertical portions la of the end-walls .o f the frameworharound the rectangular opening, with the inclined walls: 93- of the clamping member engagingthe inclined vertical borders l. When the nut 96 is tightened the clamping members will hold the two fixtures in a tight end to end relationship. Several of these clamps are positioned along the vertical portions of the end walls and several acrossthetopand bottom horizontal portions. In the latter position, the clamping members engage the inclined horizontal borders 3. The clamping members willsecure the fixtures together.

As shown in Fig. 8, it is; possible to secure the two fixture units to the ceiling by means of a pendant or stem, and this is done, as previously described. It will be understood that if the fixture unit A is to be secured to th end of the fixture unit B, or to any fixture extending in a straight line, such as where two unit fixtures A are secured to each other in a straight line, the securement may be effected by the specific means just described, and while I have shown the securement with relation to two fixtures of the B type, it is equally-applicable to connecting two B fixtures, or a B fixture to an A fixture, or tea D fixture, or to two A fixtures, provided they: ex,- tend in a continuous straight line. However, to provide a connection where the fixture is. secured in side to. side relation or at right angles to the other fixture, such as for illustration as that shown in Fig. 5, wherein two unit A fixtures are secured at right angles. to a unit B fixture midway of the length thereof, the connection is effected by the same clamping members 9!, and is best shown in- Fig. 6. In this instance the panels from the two A sections are removed and the two middle panelsof unit B are removed and the unit A fixtures are secured to unit B by the said clamping members 9!. The clamping members 9| are positionedlike that shown in Fig. 6, with the body of the clamp extending longitudinally of the length of. the fixture unit B and the bolt transversely thereof. The two fixtures are secured adjacent each other by a plurality of clamping members engaging the vertical walls, as well as the horizontal top and bottom Walls of the framework ofthe two adjoining fixtures positioned at right angles to each other. The relationship of the clamping members to the walls of the framework is similar to that described previously with respect to the end to end consemen. By tightening the. nut 96 on the. bolt, the fixturesare secured firmlyin position at right angles. to each other. The shape of the clamping members and the angular borders of the frame- Work. r t sli n of he amp he e r Furthermore, with the two adjoining panels removed, the fixtures are in communication interiorly, as best shown in Figs. 5, 6 and 8. This will permit the passage of light from one fixture to another and thereby avoid any dark spots caused by the joining of the fixtures.

For the purposes of illustrating some of the almost unlimited arrangements possible that may be formulated by the use of these fixtures, there is illustrated in schematic form in Figs. 22 to 28 several combinations of lighting arrangements. In Fig. 21, the perspective boxed illustrations A, B, C and D illustrate the fixture units referred to in the application by the same letters, and the vertical dividing lines of fixtures B and C corresponding to the panel sections of said fixtures.

In Fig. 22, a unit A fixture is secured in a straight line position to the opposite ends of the unit B fixture. It will be noted when the fixture is viewed from either of the sides that five equally sized panel sections are visible, with one panel at each opposite end. When viewed from under the fixture, the louvre assembly of Fig. 2 bounded by two squared louvre. assemblies. of Fig. 1 is'seen. Inall appearances thefixtures appear as an integral unitand do not appearas fixtures which have. been joined'together.

In Fig. 23 the unit, A fixtures, are, secured. at right angles to the opposite sides of theB unit.

In Fig. 24 a B unit. is secured to a, C-unit' in a straight line, with D-units secured to the ends thereof, and an A unit is secured; at: right angles to the D unit at one end and at-the. Opposite end at right angles to the last panel-of the-C-unit.

Fig. 25 shows a cross arrangement with B-units secured to each of the sides and-endsofa'Dunit.

Fig. 26 illustrates a C unit with A units; connected at right angles to the second and fourth panel sections of the C- unit and a connectedB and A unit secured to thetwoA units.

Fig. 27 shows a plan of an irregularshaped room with an arrangement of fixtures in accordance with this invention, following the irregular outline of the room.

Fig. 28 is-a View showing; five, unit- C fixtures arranged side by side.

The foregoing are just a few of the unlimited number of lighting arrangements and combinations possible with this-invention, and while there is shown a few combinations. of design, it-will, be understood that1 this invention is susceptible. to numerous-others. v

With applicants arrangement, applicant has provided a liqhtingun-it which may. be considered as a basic unit, namely. unit A, and correspondingly has increased. the... size, of thesother-fixture units. in, multiples of unit A, either! three, times as in unit B, or six times. as. in, unit. C, an providedthe means whereby merely by. the addition and. arrangement of: unitsv any lighting design arrangement is possible. While applicant has shown the size of units B. andC to. be three and six times, respectively that of unit A, it will be. understood that the units may be made in other sizes, aslong as. they are multiples of the basic unit.

It will be understoodthat variouschanges and modificat ons may e made wit out departi Qm, the spi it ands one. .Qf invention I cla m 7 .1. A. fluorescent. lighting system, comprising in combin t on a, plurality. of indepcndent'selfa ed ht n xture. nits an fix ur ha n a p ir of sockets for supporting efl l ffi t tu e. sa d co binat on, nc udin at east t i h n fi tureumts mined. ei er leee i a d nit being substant l y s uar in P n. an h v ng ubst n ia ly den ical meager. s and end Walls, and each provided with similar sized and shaped openings to receive interchangeable light transmitting panels, the second unit being substantially rectangular in plan and having end walls corresponding substantially in size to the side and end walls of said first unit and being complemental thereto, said second unit having substantially rectangular side walls constituting a multiple of said side and end walls of said first unit and being divided into sections each complemental to the end walls of said first unit, the end walls and sections of said second unit provided with openings similar in size and shape to said first unit to receive said 11' interchangeable panels and whereby said units may be selectively joined in abutting relation adjacent any of said openings after removal of adjacent panels.

2. A fluorescent lighting system comprising in combination a plurality of individual fixture units, each fixture unit having a skeleton framework within which are located the parts, sockets and lighting tubes to permit same to operate as an independent lighting unit, the skeleton framework of each fixture unit having connecting side and end walls, all of said fixture units having end walls of uniform size and some of said fixture units having side walls in multiple lengths to said end walls but divided into sections equal to the end walls. said end walls and sections each provided with similar sized and shaped openings to receive interchangeable light transmitting panels, said end walls and sections permitting said individual fixture units to be selectively positioned in any complemental relation and combination adjacent any of said openings, and means for securing said fixtures together in such relation and combination.

3. A fluorescent lighting system comprising in combination a plurality of individual skeleton frames, each supporting sockets and parts to permit same to operate as an independent lighting unit, each of said frames provided with similar sized and shaped end walls and having side walls with said walls having openings therein to receive interchangeable light transmitting panels, some of said side walls of said frames being in multiple lengths to said end walls but divided into sections substantially equal to the size and shape of said end walls and having openings similar in size and shape to said end walls to receive said interchangeable panels and to permit said frames to be selectively positioned in any complemental relation and combination adjacent any of said openings after removal of said adjacent panels, and means for securing said frames in such relation and combination.

4. A lighting system comprising in combination a plurality of individual lighting units, each having a skeleton framework comprising side and end walls and each supporting sockets and parts to permit same to operate as an independent lighting unit, the end walls of all of said frameworks being of equal size and shape and having identical openings to receive interchangeable light transmitting panels, the side walls of certain of said frameworks being of a multiple length to said end walls but divided into sections, each of which sections is substantially equal in size and shape to said end walls and having openings similar to said end walls to receive said interchangeable panels and to permit said frameworks to be selectively positioned in any complemental relation and combination adjacent any of said end and side wall openings after removal of 12 adjacent panels, and means for securing said frameworks in such relation and combination.

5. A lighting system as defined in claim 4 wherein the interchangeable panel is formed of a flexible plastic material and inserted in any of said openings by compressing same slightly.

6. A fluorescent lighting system as defined in claim 4 wherein the inerchangeable panel is formed of a flexible plastic material having a beveled surface and a front positioned forwardly of the front of the framework and inserted in any of said openings by compressing same slightly.

7. A fluorescent lighting system comprising in combination a plurality of individual skeleton frames, each supporting sockets and parts to permit same to operate as an independent lighting unit, one of said frames having a square shape with equal sized end and side walls, another of said frames having a rectangular shape with the end walls thereof the same size as any of the walls of the square shaped frame and the side walls thereof in multiple lengths to said end walls, but divided into sections substantially equal to the size and shape of said end walls, all of said walls of said square frame and the end walls and sections of said rectangular frame having similar sized and shaped openings to receive interchangeable light transmitting panels and to permit said frames to be selectively positioned in any complemental relation and combination adjacent any of said openings, and means for securing said frames in such relation and combination.

HERMAN L. GOEBEL.

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

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,963,218 Wakefield June 19, 1934 1,992,973 Sweet Mar. 5, 1935 2,309,059 Friend Jan. 19, 1943 2,313,131 Elias Mar. 9, 1943 2,316,404 Carter Apr. 13, 1943 2,411,952 Biller Dec. 3, 1946 2,426,534 Trautner Aug. 26, 1947 2,454,243 Wiedenhoeft Nov. 16, 1948 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 652,390 France Oct. 22, 1928 794,792 France Dec. 26, 1935 OTHER REFERENCES The Magazine of Light, November 25, 1940, page 16, fixture in upper left relied upon.

Efcolite Catalog No. H, Jan. 1940, page 7.

Guth Catalog No. 44 A, Feb. 1, 1947, pages 5, 15, 17 and 19 relied upon.

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