US3127114A - Light fixture - Google Patents

Description

March 31, 1964 G. SHAW LIGHT FIXTURE Filed Oct. 25, 1961 FIG.1

FIG.6

MAN I.

INVENTOR. George Shaw ATTORNEY United States Patent Ofiice 3,127,114 Patented Mar. 31, 1964 3,127,114 LIGHT FIXTURE George Shaw, 67-G2A 186th Lane, Fresh Meadows 65, N.Y. Filed Oct. 23, 1961, Ser. No. 146,956 4 Claims. ((31. 240-4) This invention relates to a light fixture, and more specifically to an improved adjustable light fixture particularly adapted for use with or as a music rack, book stand, easel and the like, for illuminating sheet music, a book, painting and the like, supported thereon.

The known music rack or stand constructions, e.g. the music rack of a piano, are not provided with suitable lighting facilities for illuminating the sheet music supported thereon. Consequently in a dimly lighted room, a piano player or musician would have considerable difficulty in reading the notes of the sheet music during practice or a performance. Consequently proper lighting of the sheet music or the like without detracting from the mood of the music or performance can be a discerning problem.

Therefore, an object of this invention is to provide a lighting fixture which is particularly adapted for use on a music stand and the like whereby a light is directed on the music sheet only.

Another object is to provide a lighting fixture which is rendered readily adjustable to accommodate varying sizes of sheet music and/or the eye level of a particular musician.

Another object is to provide an improved lighting fixture which is rendered readily detachable from the music stand or the like.

Still another object is to provide a novel clip construction by which the improved light fixture of this invention may be rendered vertically adjustable and/or detachably connected to a suitable support with a minimum of effort and in certain forms thereof without the use of any tools.

A feature of this invention resides in the provision that the improved lighting fixture may be utilized as a rack or holder for sheet music, a book or paintings with particular provision for illuminating the sheet music, book, painting and the like supported thereon to the degree desired by a particular individual.

Another feature resides in the provision that the fixture of the instant invention is relatively simple in structure, easily producible for mass production, and positive in operation.

Other features and advantages will become readily apparent when considered in view of the following description and drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of the improved light fixture of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1 and illustrating several adjustable positions of the lamp.

FIG. 3 is a perspective detail view of the clip by which the fixture is rendered adjustable.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a modified form of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary detail side view of a modified clip.

FIG. 6 is a detail side view illustrating still another modified clip construction.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, there is illustrated one form of the improved light fixture construction 10 in accordance with this invention, In these figures the light fixture It) is illustrated as applied to the music rack 11 of piano. Generally the music rack 11 of a piano consists of a back plate 12 and a connected, forwardly extending supporting ledge 13 on which the sheet of music is placed. As a rule, the back plate 12 and connected ledge 13 are tilted slightly to facilitate positioning and maintaining the sheet music in place thereon.

The improved lighting fixture 10 is constructed and arranged so as to be detachably connected to the back plate 12 of the music rack 11. As shown the fixture 10 comprises a top, bottom and connecting side members 14A, 14B and 14C to define an open frame structure. An intermediate strut 15 extends between the top and bottom frame members 14A, 14B. Connected at the top 14A of the frame is a lamp assembly 16 adjustably hinged thereto.

The lamp assembly 16 includes a lamp shade 16A which has its end portions 163 pivotally connected to the side frame member 14C at the top 14A thereof. Thumb screws 17 disposed on each side of the shade 16A form both the pivot therefor and the means to secure the lamp shade 16A to the frame in adjusted position. By tightening the thumb screws 17 the lamp shade may be fixed in any of several adjustable positions as seen in FIG. 2. One end of the shade has connected thereto a socket 18 for receiving a light bulb 19.

For rendering the light fixture 10 vertically adjustable, and readily detachable with respect to the music rack 11, the central strut 15 is provided with a plurality of vertically spaced slots 20, each slot 20 being inclined at an angle of approximately 45. While a 45 angle is preferred, the angle is not in any Way critical as any practical angle may be provided. As shown, each slot 20 inclines upwardly from its open end, or conversely downwardly from its closed end.

According to the invention a novel clip 21 is provided to cooperate with the spaced slots 20 for rendering the fixture 1d vertically adjustable and readily detachable with respect to the rack 11. As best seen in FIGS. 1 to 3, the clip 21 has a straight intermediate portion 22 which is adapted to be disposed in contiguous relationship with the back of the strut 15. The lower end of the clip portion 22 is provided with a reverse bend to define a hook 23 which is readily receivable in any of the notches 20. The other end of the clip portion 22 is provided with a reversely bent hook 24 that is adapted to slip over the top of the back plate 12 of the music rack 11. As shown, the top of the hook 24 is rendered fiat by right angle bends B1 and B2, and the depending leg portion 24a of the book may be bent inwardly to provide a spring-like grip by which the clip 21 is frictionally secured to the back plate 12 of the music rack 11.

To prevent relative movement between the frame structure 10 and the clip 21, the latter is provided with a U-shaped brace 25 which has its web portion 25A riveted to the straight portion 22 of the clip at a suitable intermediate point. The arms 25B of the brace extend forwardly, and there are spaced so as to embrace the side of the strut 15. Thus the brace functions to prevent lateral movement of the frame relative to the clip. If desired, a felt pad 26 may be disposed between the clip 21 and the piano rack 11.

To further prevent lateral rocking of the frame 10 a fiat bar 27 extending transversely of the clip 21 is connected to the top portion 22A of hook 24. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flat bar 27 in the operative position rests on the top of the rack 11. Since the frame 10 is supported at its mid-point only, the flat bar 27 enhances stabilization of the frame structure 10 when placed on the music rack 11.

Thus in operation, it will be apparent that the frame 7 19 can be readily adjustable vertically by selectively positioning the lower hook portion 23 of the clip 21 in any one of the notches 20. With the clip 21 and frame 10 carried thereby connected, the frame 10 is readily supported to the back plate 12 of a piano rack by slipping the hook 24 over the top of the rack 11 as shown.

Thus the light fixture It) becomes part of the music rack 11, the music sheet being supported on the rack beneath the light assembly 16. To adjust the frame vertically, the frame 10 may be readily separated from the clip 21 by a pull or force applied in the general direction of the inclined slots 20, and the frame repositioned by placing the bent hook 23 of the clip 21 in another of the notches by a converse movement.

FIG. 4 illustrates a modified construction which differs from the structure described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, only by a modified lamp assembly 30, and a frame ledge 31 connected to the bottom of the frame 10A. Thus in this form the structure 10A comprises a combination light fixture and rack construction for supporting sheet music, a book, painting or the like thereon.

The frame 16A and clip 32 are constructed in the manner hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. Therefore further description thereof is not warranted. In this form of the invention, however, the lamp assembly includes a U-shaped bracket 33 having its web 33A connected to the top frame member. The legs 33B of the bracket 30 extend forwardly of the frame 10A a substantial distance.

As seen in FIG. 1 the lamp shade 34 is connected between the extended arms 33B. To render the lamp shade 34 adjustable relative to the frame 10A, the arms of bracket 33B are provided with elongated slots 35 for receiving the end pivots of the lamp assembly. As shown the lamp shade 34 is free to slide in slots 35, and suitable lock screws 36 are provided to fix the lamp shade 34 in adjusted position therein. A suitable lamp 37 is carried Within the shade 34. The clip 32 in this form of the invention is structurally and functionally similar to that described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

In order to render the lamp fixture of FIG. 1 or 4 attachable to an upright supporting wall or the like, whereby it may be utilized as an illuminated picture or painting support, a modified clip construction 40 may be provided. As shown in FIG. 5, this clip construction 40 comprises a straight portion 41 which is adapted to be disposed contiguous to the back of the central strut 42 of the frame 10B of a light fixture. The lower end of the clip straight portion 41 is bent to define the hook portion 46 which is receivable in one of the notches 43 of the central strut 42. The other end of the clip 40 has an offset portion 44 and a connected depending leg 45 portion. As shown in FIG. 5, the leg portion 45 is adapted to be fastened to an upright wall 47 by suitable fastening means, such as screws 48. While the straight portion 41 of the clip is shown bent at an angle relative to the wall 48, it will be understood that the angle or incline of the frame structure 10B may be varied by merely bending the straight portion 41 relative to the offset portion 44 to assure the desired position for the most suitable viewing of the article supported thereon. In this form, the straight portion 41 is provided with a brace 49, for the reason hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 6 illustrates a simplified modification of the clips 50 for securing the light fixture ltlC directly to an upright wall 51. In this form the frame structure 10C, as herein described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, or 4, is supported by a clip which comprises merely an upright or vertical portion 50A, terminating at its lower edge only in a reversely bent hook 50B adapted to engage the notch 52 on the back of the central strut 53 of the frame 10C.

The upper end of the clip straight portion 59A is provided with holes through suitable fasteners 54, such as screws are inserted for securing the clip 50A to an upright wall 51. This form of clip, is likewise provided with a U-shape brace constructed to embrace the sides of the central strut 53, as hereinbefore described. Thus to adjust the fixture 10C vertically, the frame struc' ture is merely pulled off the hook end 503 of the clip,

and the frame rendered adjusted vertically upwardly or downwardly by repositioning the hook end 50B of the clip in another notch.

From the foregoing description, it will be noted that the frame is supported in a positive manner by a novel clip construction. Each is relatively simple in construction, yet positive in operation. The rack is rendered readily adjustable vertically of the rack 11 or supporting wall structure. Further, while the light fixture 10 is centrally supported by a relative small clip, it is nevertheless stable and sturdily supported thereby.

While the instant invention has been disclosed with reference to a particular method and a particular embodiment for practicing the same, it is to be appreciated that the invention is not to be taken as limited to all of the details thereof as modifications and variations thereof may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A music rack or the like comprising an open frame structure having connecting top, bottom and side frame members, a ledge connected to the bottom frame member for supporting thereon sheet music or the like, a central strut connected between said top and bottom frame members, said strut having a series of vertically spaced notches formed in the back thereof, each of said notches being inclined downwardly, a clip detachably connected with said strut for supporting said rack on a suitable support structure, said clip comprising a clip portion disposed contiguous with said strut, said clip portion terminating at its lower end in a forwardly and upwardly bent hook angled to be received in one of said notches in said strut, a U-shape brace connected to said clip portion intermediate its ends thereof, said brace having forwardly extending arm portions spaced to embrace the sides of said strut, means for connecting the other end of said clip portion to a supporting surface, a lamp assembly including a lamp shade pivotally mounted to the upper end of said side frame members.

2. An auxiliary rack adapted for attachment to a music rack or the like comprising an open frame structure having top, bottom and connecting side frame members, a central strut interconnected between said top and bottom frame members, said strut having a series of vertically spaced notches formed in the back thereof, each of said notches being inclined downwardly, a clip detachably connected with said strut for supporting said rack on a support, said clip including an upright straight portion adapted to be disposed contiguously to the back of said strut, said upright portion having its lower end bent forwardly and upwardly to define a hook angled to be received in one of said notches, a reversely bent hook portion formed integral with said straight portion at the other end thereof whereby said clip can be hooked over an edge of a support structure, a U-shaped brace having a web portion connected intermediate the ends of said upright clip portion, said brace having spaced arms extending forwardly of said web for embracing the sides of said central strut, and a transversely extending stabilizing strip connected to the top bend of said upper hook portion.

3. A light fixture adapted for attachment to a music rack or the like comprising a top, bottom and connecting side frame member to define an open frame structure, a lamp connected to the top of said frame structure, a control strut interconnected between said top and bottom frame members, said strut having a series of vertically spaced notches formed in the back thereof, each of said notches being inclined downwardly, a clip detachably connected with said strut for supporting said rack on a support, said clip including a straight portion disposed contiguous with the back of said strut, said straight portion having its lower end bent forwardly and upwardly at an angle to be received in one of said notches, and a reversely bent hook portion formed integral to the other end of said straight portion whereby said clip can be hooked over the edge of a support structure, a U- shaped brace having a web portion connected intermediate the ends of said straight portion, said brace having spaced arms extending forwardly of said web for embracing the sides of said strut portion, and a transversely extending stabilizing strip connected to the bend of said upper hook portion.

4. A combined light fixture and article support com prising an open frame structure having connecting top, bottom and side frame members, a lamp assembly connected to the top of said frame, a central strut connected between said top and bottom frame members, said strut having a series of vertically spaced notches formed in the back thereof, each of said notches being inclined downwardly, a clip detachably connected with said strut for supporting said rack on a suitable support structure, said clip comprising a strip portion disposed contiguous with said strut, said strip portion terminating in a forwardly and upwardly bent hook angled to be received with one References (Iited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 935,797 Leonard Oct. 5, 1909 1,113,771 Gardner Oct. 13, 1914 1,247,454 Rizer Nov. 20, 1917 1,256,377 Salles Feb. 12, 1918 1,401,554 Phillips Dec. 27, 1921 1,847,051 Zabach Feb. 23, 1932 1,949,289 Andersen Feb. 27, 1934 2,577,982 Traum Dec. 11, 1951 2,662,164 Murray Dec. 8, 1953 2,740,603 Woiford Apr. 3, 1956 2,743,023 Larson Apr. 24, 1956

Claims (1)

1. A MUSIC RACK OR THE LIKE COMPRISING AN OPEN FRAME STRUCTURE HAVING CONNECTING TOP, BOTTOM AND SIDE FRAME MEMBERS, A LEDGE CONNECTED TO THE BOTTOM FRAME MEMBER FOR SUPPORTING THEREON SHEET MUSIC OR THE LIKE, A CENTRAL STRUT CONNECTED BETWEEN SAID TOP AND BOTTOM FRAME MEMBERS, SAID STRUT HAVING A SERIES OF VERTICALLY SPACED NOTCHES FORMED IN THE BACK THEREOF, EACH OF SAID NOTCHES BEING INCLINED DOWNWARDLY, A CLIP DETACHABLY CONNECTED WITH SAID STRUT FOR SUPPORTING SAID RACK ON A SUITABLE SUPPORT STRUCTURE, SAID CLIP COMPRISING A CLIP PORTION DISPOSED CONTIGUOUS WITH SAID STRUT, SAID CLIP PORTION TERMINATING AT ITS LOWER END IN A FORWARDLY AND UPWARDLY BENT HOOK ANGLED TO BE RECEIVED IN ONE OF SAID NOTCHES IN SAID STRUT, A U-SHAPE BRACE CONNECTED TO SAID CLIP PORTION INTERMEDIATE ITS ENDS THEREOF, SAID BRACE HAVING FORWARDLY EXTENDING ARM PORTIONS SPACED TO EMBRACE THE SIDES OF SAID STRUT, MEANS FOR CONNECTING THE OTHER END OF SAID CLIP PORTION TO A SUPPORTING SURFACE, A LAMP ASSEMBLY INCLUDING A LAMP SHADE PIVOTALLY MOUNTED TO THE UPPER END OF SAID SIDE FRAME MEMBERS.

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