US2980419A

US2980419A - Device for use in installing fluorescent light fixtures

Info

Publication number: US2980419A
Application number: US816258A
Authority: US
Inventors: David H Bass
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1959-05-27
Filing date: 1959-05-27
Publication date: 1961-04-18
Anticipated expiration: 1978-04-18

Description

April 18, 1961 D. H. BASS 2,980,419

DEVICE FOR USE IN INSTALLING FLUORESCENT LIGHT FIXTURES Filed May "27, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

DAVID H. BASS Ema-MM;

A TTORNEY April 18, 1961 D. H. BASS 2,980,419

DEVICE FOR USE IN INSTALLING FLUORESCENT LIGHT FIXTURES Filed May 27, 1959 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. DAVID H. BASS A TTORNE Y DEVICE FOR USE IN INSTALLING FLUORESCENT LIGHT FIXTURES David H. Bass, 423 Cashua Drive, Florence, S.C.

Filed May 27, 1959, Ser. No. 816,258

2 Claims. (Cl. 269-140) This invention relates to a device for use in installing fluorescent light fixtures, and the like.

A primary object of the invention is to provide a simplified and inexpensive device to greatly facilitate the installation of various types of fluorescent light fixtures on ceilings.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device of the above-mentioned character, the use of which will enable a single workman to install fluorescent light fixtures upon high ceilings, in an expeditious manner and with a minimum of labor.

A further object is to provide a device of the abovementioned character which is readily adjustable through a wide range to accommodate various types and sizes of fluorescent light fixtures, and to facilitate installing the same upon ceilings of varying heights.

A further and more specific object is to provide a fluorescent light fixture installing device, including adjustable means to grip and hold the light fixture and extensible means to support the light fixture in contact with the ceiling, and stationary, so that the workman may readily complete the installation of the fixture.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent during the course of the following detailed description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this application and in which like'numerals are employed to esignate like parts throughout the same 7 V Figure 1 is a side elevation of a device for use in installing fluorescent light fixtures accordingto the invention, and showing the device in use. V

Figure 2 is a further side elevation of the device in a retracted and folded condition. p

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation taken from the left-hand side of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the upper portion and adjustable clamping parts of the device.

Figure 5 is a further fragmentary perspective view, partly exploded, showing the upper portion of the device.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of-the device showing one support arm in a partly folded position.

Figure 7 is a fragmentary perspective view of the lower portion of the device. A

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary" vertical section taken on line 8-8 of Figure 3.

Figure 9 is a similar'section taken on line 9-9 of Figure 3.

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention, the numeral 10 designates an elongated straight bar or standard, preferably square in cross section, and being of considerable length, such as eight feet. The length of the standard 10 is not critical however and may be varied somewhat as found desirable to conform to the use of the device for installing fluorescent light fixtures at various ceiling heights.

A flat base plate 11 is provided, and this base plate Patented Apr. 18, 1961 has a pair of spaced upstanding apertured lugs 12 rigidly secured thereto, and between which the lower extremity of the standard 10 is pivotally secured by means of a bolt 13, or the like.

An elongated tube 14, square in cross section, engages telescopically and slidably over the standard 10 as shown in the drawings, and this tube is somewhat shorter than the standard 10 and may be approximately six and onehalf feet long, although this length is not critical and may be varied somewhat.

Near its upper and lower ends, the tube 14 carries

clamping set screws

15 and 16, operable to releasably secure the standard 10 and tube 14 in selected longitudinally adjusted positions. The inner ends of the set screws are adapted to bear against one side of'the standard 10 for locking the same to the tube 14, as shown, and the

set screws

15 and 16 are equipped with relatively large handles to facilitate operating them, as shown.

A support plate 17 is rigidly secured by welding or the like to one side of the rectangular tube 14 at its upper end, and the support plate 17 projects outwardly of the tube and standard at right angles thereto. A stiffening gusset 18 may be provided beneath the support plate 17 and welded thereto and to the adjacent side of the tube 14, as shown. The support plate 17 is arranged so that it does not obstruct the top open end of the tube 14, through which the upper portion of the standard 10 may project as shown in Figures 2 and 3.

A pair of relatively long bracket arms or bars 19 and 2%) are provided, and the inner end portions of these bars overlie the support plate 17 and are permanently hingedly secured thereto by means of

suitable hinges

21 and 22. The

arms

19 and 20 may be approximately twenty inches long, although this length may be varied somewhat as found desirable. The

arms

19 and 20 are freely swingable upon the

hinges

21 and 22 between positions at right angles to the standard 10, Figures 1 and 4, and positions parallel thereto, Figure 2. When the

arms

19 and 20 are separated and extending at right angles to, the standard, their inner end portions bear upon the rigid support plate 17, which plateserves as a positive stop to prevent the

arms

19 and 20 from swinging below the horizontal, Figure 4.

At their outer ends, the

arms

19 and 20 have stationary clamp elements or plates 23 rigidly secured by welding or the like to their sides remote from the standard lfl. Slotted bars 24 have corresponding ends permanently rigidlysecured to the clamp plates 23 and extend at right angles to the

arms

19 and 20, beyond corresponding sides thereof, as shown. The slotted bars 24 may be approximately nine inches long, although this length may be varied somewhat as found desirable. As shown in Figure 4, the slotted bars. 24 are horizontally disposed when the

arms

19 and 20 are horizontal and the standard 10 is arranged vertically. The slotted bars are bodily carried by the arms 19 and 20.;

Adjustable clamp plates 25 are provided, and each clamp plate 25 has a screw-threaded stud 26 rigid therewith, engagable within a screw-threaded nut 27, having a handle 28. w

Each adjustable clamp plate 25 extends above one of the slotted bars 24 at right anglesthereto and has its screw-threaded stud 26 engaging'slidablythrough the longitudinal slot 29 of the-particular bar'24. Each nut 27 has screw-threaded engagement withthe stud 26 below the bar 24, and each nut bears against the lower side of the bar 24. The lower transverse edge of each clamp plate 25 slidably contacts the upper face of the bar 24, as shown in the drawings. may be interposed between the nut 27 and the bottom of the slotted bar 24, upon the stud 26 if desired. The

A flat washer 36, Figure 5,

slot '29 of each bar 24 extends throughout the major portion o'tthe length of'the bar 24, as shown. The arrangement is such that each adjustable clamp plate 25 may be treleas'ably,secured inlthe selected adjustedposit ionv l n itudinal y. the r-p24 in s a e p rela ion of each clamp plate 25 is obtainedthrough manipulation of the clamping nut 27 having the handle 2b, as shoiild be obvious j M p 'lnuse, the tube 1*4 isinitially loweredon the standard '10 and assumes the position shown generally in Figure 2. The

arms

19 and 20 are swung outwardly to their positions shown in Figures 4 andjSarid'the clamping nuts 27 are loosened. The fluorescent light' fixture 31 to be installed upon the ceiling 32 is now brought to :rest

,iip'on' the-b'ars' 24 and preferably centered with respect to the standard as shownin Figure 1.' "Thesides of the fixture 3 1, Figure 3, are disposedibetweenthe fixed and movable clamp plates 23 and .25. The clamp plates 25 are now moved'int'oclampingengagement with the outer side of the' lixture 31 and locked in thevclamping position by tightening of'the nuts 27 This' serves to securely hold the .fixture 31'between the

pairs ofclampplates

23 and 25, and "the fixture is firmlysupported from below by the bars 24.

2 'The basevplate ll is now-placed upon the'fioor 33, aud thetube :14 is shifted upwardly for elevating the horizo'ntalfix'ture 31 intofcontact with the ceiling 32. By

manipulation of the device, the fixture 31is located in substantially the exact spot where his to be installed upon ithe'ceiling; -The clamping setsc'rews Hand 16 are now'tightened to firmly secure the tube 14 in the adjusted elevatedposition, with the fixture 31 hearing against the ceiling. The device may now be left unattended and will serve to adequately support the fixture 31 untilthe work; man upon ailadder or the like completes the installation of the same, after which the clamp plates 25 are merely released from grippingenga gement with the'fixture and .i.

the tube 14 is lowered.

The arms '19 and 20 are readily foldable to extend parallel'to the standard and tube 14 as shown in Figure 2, and whenthe tube 14 is fully-lowered, the upper porsupport, said arms engagipgthe upper facerofthesupport'plate so that said'supportplate supports said arms when they are swung to the iouterfsubstantially horizontal position; bars mounted upon the outer ends of said arms and extending transversely-thereof and'being horizontally arranged when said arms are horizontal, said secondnamed bars having longitudinal slots;'clamp plates secured tothe outer ends of the arms adjacent to theinner ends *of said second-named barsfadjustable elamp plates mounted uponthe uppertaces' ofsaid second-named bars; screw-threaded elements carried by the adjustable clamp plates 'and extending throughthe longitudinal slots of said second-named bar's; and c'lam'ping elements arranged beneath the second-named bars and engaging the screwthreaded elements. V I

2. 'A' devicefor' use in installing" fluorescent light fixtures on a ceiling; said 'device comprising a single substantially vertical support, said support including a bar,

'a sleeve slidably mounted upon the bar, said sleeve being shorter than 'thelb'ar so that the iupper end'of the sleeve may be positioned beneath the upper end of the bar when the sleeve is in the lowered position, adjustable means to clamp the; sleeve .upon the bar; a baseplate secured'to the lower end of the bar to engagethe floor;'a'horizontal support plate rigidly secured tothe upper end of the" sleeve and arranged entirely upon one side ofthe sleeve so that thesupport plate may assume a position below thenpper tion of the standard 10 extends between

thefolded arms

19 ,and 20; This arrangement renders the device compact and easy to transport. a

The-arrangement of the arms v19.-and 20, the slotted bars 24 and adjustable clamp plates 25 renders the device tirely practical for only one workmanto completely 'manipulate vand install a fluorescentlight, fixture ,upona high ceiling.

end of said bar; arms arranged in end-to-end relation when-in the open position'and having their inner ends arranged above the horizontal support plate; hinges connecting the inner ends' of the arms with the support plate so that the arms may be collapsed toextend longitudinally of said support, said arms engaging the upper face of the supportplate so that said support plate supports said arms .adaptableto a wide variety of types andsizes of fluorescent light fixtures. The use of the device makes ,it enwhen they are swung to-the outer substantially horizontal position; 'bars mounted'uponthe outer ends of said arms and extending transversely thereof and being horizontally arranged when said arms are horizontal, said secondnamed bars having longitudinal slots; clamp plates secured to the outer ends of the arms adjacent to the inner ends of said second-namedbars; adjustableclamp plates I mounted upon .theupper faces .oflsaid second-named "I'he pivotal connection at 13 between the base plate 11 and standard 10 compensates for irregularities .in the floor or lackof parallelism between the floor and ceiling. The entiredevice is extremely simplified, relatively light weight, rugged and durable, easyto adjust and inexpensiveto build. Its usegreatly simplifies the installation of [ceiling light fixtures of the fluorescent type and also greatly reduces the expense of the installation. 7

It is to beunderstood'thatthe formof .thezinvention herewith shown and described is ,tq'be .taken as a pre the shape,size and arrangement of parts may beresorted to, withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention for thescope of the subjoined claims. K

T Having'thus described my invention, I claim:

' ferred example of the same and thatvarious changesin 15A device 'for, use in installing fluorescent lightifixe turejspn a ceiling; said device comprising a singlesubbars; screw-threaded elements carried by. the adjustable clamp plates :and extending through the longitudinal slots of said second-namedfbars; and, clampingelements arranged beneath thesecondenamed bars and'engagin the screw-threaded elements.

g v References in file 'of -this patent UVNITEDYSTATES'PATENTS 1,283,795