US3539801A

US3539801A - Light fixture

Info

Publication number: US3539801A
Application number: US628004A
Authority: US
Inventors: Mitchell Bobrick
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1967-04-03
Filing date: 1967-04-03
Publication date: 1970-11-10
Anticipated expiration: 1987-11-10

Description

M. BQBRICK LIGHT FIXTURE Nov., l0, 1970 `2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Fiied April s, 1s s-f New. W, W7@ M. BoBRlcK 3,539m

` LIGHT FIXTURE Filed April 3, 1967 2 SheetS-Sheet 2 /A/ VEA/'role M/ YCHELL BOER/CK MAHONEY HORA/BAKER A oPA/e YS Patented Nov. l0, i970 3,539,801 LIGHT FIXTURE Mitchell Bobrick, 605 Erskine Drive, Pacific Palisades, Calif. 90272 Filed Apr. 3, 1967, Ser. No. 628,004 lnt. Cl. F21s 1/.06

U.S. Cl. 2410-78 7 Claims ABSTRACT F THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to a light fixture and, more particularly, to a light fixture forming what may be termed a cluster light wherein a plurality of individual light bulbs are operably mounted in a single light fixture housing, said light fixture being particularly adaptable for surface mounting on room ceilings and the like. Even more particularly, this invention relates to a light fixture of the foregoing character incorporating a unique form of electrical distribution means therein and a unique form of multiple bulb receiving sockets therein, all integrated to provide a highly efiicient light fixture construction.

Various prior forms of light fixtures have been provided wherein two and sometimes three light bulb receptacles are mounted in a single fixture for the simultaneous lighting of bulbs received in said receptacles upon the transmission of electrical power to said fixtures. Each of the prior fixtures will normally include some form of housing having a single reflector means associated therewith and with the multiple receptacles for the transmission of light generated by the bulbs from one face of the fixture. Furthermore, such one face of the fixture will usually be covered by a translucent or transparent diffuser in an attempt to soften the brightness of the individual bulbs.

One of the major difficulties with the prior multiple bulb fixtures has been the inefficiency of light production thereof for a particular bulb Wattage. This light production inefficiency is occasioned by the fact that where two or three relatively large size bulbs are involved in a single fixture, it is difiicult to provide efficient light reflection means therefor, While still maintaining the overall cost of the fixture at a reasonable level. As previously stated, the light reflection means has usually been of a singular form and not properly concentrated in association with each of the individual light bulbs so that it is necessary to use bulbs of increased wattage in order to provide the desired intensity of light from a particular fixture.

The foregoing difficulty with the prior light fixtures of the type herein involved and the manner of solution thereof by the provision of light bulbs of higher wattage has still further magnified an additional major problem with the prior fixtures and that is one of providing sufficient illumination from the fixture, While still maintaining such illumination of a soft and glare-free nature. The necessity of using light bulbs of relatively large wattage has resulted in the light fixtures being required to have a diffuser of major light shielding qualities in order to eliminate individual bright spots created by the individual bulbs, or to have a diffuser of lesser light shielding qualities and provide a fixture having apparent bright spots from the individual bulbs. Also, where bulbs of relatively large wattage are required in order to produce the illumination desired from a single fixture, problems of heat concentration at the individual bulbs are encountered with the consequent difiiculties thereof.

It is an object of my invention, thereof, to provide a light fixture constructed for receiving a relatively large number of light bulbs therein, said number far exceeding that of the usual two or three light bulbs of the prior light fixtures of similar type. Each of the light bulbs of a single fixture may be of reduced wattage and each may have an individual reflector so as to more evenly distribute the light source throughout the extent of an individual fixture, while still providing the capacity of illumination desired. Such not only eliminates the problem of bright spots of the fixture and permits the use of a diffuser of less light shielding qualities, but also reduces the problem of heat concentration Within the fixture presented previously in the prior constructions by the higher bulb Wattage.

It is another object of my invention to provide a light fixture of the foregoing type having a unique bulb socket construction therein and a unique electrical distribution arrangement between said sockets. The electrical distribution may be accomplished by several, individually integrated, planar circuits spaced apart by insulating sheet means, said circuits preferably being of a stamped or printed form. Furthermore, the sockets may be formed by simple openings in the insulating sheet means, having tab-like contacts projecting into interference with the socket openings and forming both the bulb threadable reception means necessary in each socket, as well as the single contact in said sockets.

It is still a further object of my invention to provide a light fixture having a unique simplicity of construction, economical to fabricate on a production line basis. The foregoing multiple light bulb reflectors may be formed integral from a single stamped sheet, permitting a multiple choice of fabrication materials. The unique socket constructions and electrical distribution arrangement are obviously adapted to mass production fabrication so that the overall light :fixture construction makes possible the provision of a unique and advantageous light fixture far superior over the prior constructions, yet at a reduced unit cost.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification and the accompanying drawings which are for the purpose of illustration only, and in which:

FIG. l is a perspective view showing a light fixture embodying the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, vertical, sectional view taken along the broken line 2 2 in FIG. l and showing the light fixture surface mounted on the ceiling of a building structure;

FIG. 3 is a horizontal, sectional View taken along the broken line 3 3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view taken along the broken line 4 4 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken along the broken line 5 5 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary, sectional View taken along the broken line 6 6 in FIG. 4 and showing the end contact of an individual light bulb socket;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, sectional view taken along the broken line 7 7 in FIG. 4 and showing the combination bulb base receiving means and side contacts for an individual bulb socket;

FIG. 8 is a reduced, fragmentary, sectional view similar to FIG. 6, but showing another form of end contact integrated in a network of said end contacts for a series of bulb sockets; and

FIG. 9 is a reduced, fragmentary, sectional view similar to FIG. 7, but showing the side bulb base contacts of a single bulb socket integrated in a network of said bulb sockets.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 7 of the drawings, an embodiment of the light fixture of the present invention is generally indicated at 10 and includes a housing or pan 12, hollow cylindrical in configuration and having a circular base portion 14 surface mounted on a ceiling 16 through securement by mounting screws 18 to a typical electrical outlet box 20 recessed within said ceiling in the usual manner. The pan 12 may be of any usual rigid material, such as metal or plastic, and is provided with an annular side flange 22 preferably integral with the base portion 14 and laterally peripherally enclosing the pan. Furthermore, the pan 12 in the mounted position shown, opens downwardly and telescopically receives a shouldered end portion 24 of a similarly peripherally flanged light diffuser 26 formed of the usual translucent or transparent plastic or glass, said diffuser in assembled position downwardly closing the pan 12 and being removably secured thereto in any usual manner.

A series of overlying sheets of electrical insulating material, including a lower sheet 28, an intermediate sheet 30 and an upper sheet 32, are mounted within the pan 12, said sheets substantially conforming to the circular configuration of the pan base portion 14. The upper sheet 32 abuts the interior surface of the pan base portion 14 and the lower sheet 28 faces downwardly well recessed within the pan 12 and the side flange 22 thereof. Also, the multiple sheet 28 through 32 are formed with a series of preferably equally spaced socket openings 34 preferably completely therethrough, said openings at the lower sheet 28 being of reduced size and increasing in size through the intermediate and

upper sheets

30 and 32, as shown.

A series of laterally adjacent light reflectors 36, equal in number to the socket openings 34, are mounted against the lower face of the lower sheet 28, said reflectors being substantially identical of dished configuration and having central bulb openings 38 aligned with the socket openings 34 so that there is on reflector for each socket opening. In fabrication the reflectors 36 for an individual light fixture 10, it is prefererd to form all of said reflectors from a single sheet, with all of said reflectors being integrally connected, as best seen in FIG. 2, for economy of fabrication, handling and assembly, with the face coniigurations of the individual reflectors being hexagonal, as best seen in FIG. 3, or other usual shapes, depending on the effect desired.

In the preferred form shown in FIG. 3, however, the hexagonal shape of the individual reflectors 36 permits the straight perimetrical edges of the hexagonal perimeters thereof to be positioned mating similar edges of adjacent reflectors forming an integral cluster of individual reflectors separated by straight joining lanes. The reflectors 36 may be formed of any usual materials, such as drawn and polished steel or aluminum, metalized plastic, or aluminum foil covered plastic or metal.

As best seen in FIGS. 2` and 4 through 7, for electric distribution and supply to and from the individual socket openings 34, a first network layer 4t) of conducting material is sandwiched between the lower and

intermediate sheets

28 and 30, extending linearly between the socket openings 34 and having a contact ring 42 at and surrounding each of said socket openings. A plurality, preferably a pair of oppositely depending, tab-like contacts 44 are secured to each of the first network contact rings 42 projecting laterally into and into interference with each 0f the Socket openings 34. Said contacts 44 terminates laterally spaced apart within the socket openings 34 and form lateral contact and receiving means for threadably receiving bases 46 of electric light bulbs 48, said bulb bases being retained within said socket openings by said contacts, with the remainder of said bulbs projecting downwardly through the reflectors 36.

A second network layer 50 of electrical conducting material is sandwiched between the intermediate and

upper sheets

30 and 32, extending linearly between said socket openings 34 and similarly having contact rings 52 surrounding each of said socket openings. The second conducting network 50 is, therefore, electrically insulated from the first conducting network 40 by the intermediate sheet 30. Furthermore, preferably a single, tab-like, spring contact 54 is secured to each of the second network contact rings 52, projecting laterally into interference with the socket openings 34, said contacts 54 being located for providing the end electrical contact with the bulb bases 46 when said bases are threadably engaged by the first network contacts 44, as previously described.

The first and second conducting

networks

40 and 50 are preferably integrated, stamped metal, such as copper, but could be of the usual printed form, with each extending in the single plane, as shown. In the configuration of the embodiment of the light fixture just described and as best seen in FIG. 3, each of said first and second conducting

networks

40 and 50 have the

respective contact rings

42 and 52 linearly connected to one other of said Contact rings of said network, with one side of the first conducting network 40 being connected through a usual insulated lead 56 and the opposite side of the second conducting network 40 being connected through usual insulated lead 58 into the electrical outlet box 20 for connection thereof to a usual source of electricity.

Thus, due to the unique formation of the light reflectors 36, preferably from a single sheet, and the unique composite formation of the light bulb sockets by the combination of the bulb openings 38y in the sheets 28 through 32 and the first and

second network contacts

44 and 54, as well as the electrical distribution by said networks, the light fixture of the present invention readily lends itself to efficient mass production fabrication. After the unitized fabrication of each of the various components, the first and second conducting

networks

40 and 50 are assembled as layers between the various lower, intermediate and

upper sheets

28, 30 and 32, the sheet of the reflectors 36 assembled therewith and the entire assembly inserted into the pan 12. All of said components may be retained in said assembled position within the pan 12 by the same mounting screws 18 previously pointed out and securing the pan 12 to the electrical outlet box 20.

A modified form of the first and second conducting networks is illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, wherein said networks are similarly formed, but each of

contact rings

60 and 62 of

respective conducting networks

64 and 66 are linearly connected laterally to all surrounding of said contact rings. As a result, the respective conducting

net works

64 and 66 are more completely connected and more stable for production handling, although requiring a greater amount of conducting material for the fabrication thereof. Said conducting

networks

64 and 66 `will function substantially the same and serve the same purpose as previously described.

The light bulbs 48, due to the relatively large plurality or cluster thereof may be of relatively low wattage, for instance, in the order of 10 watts, with the total number capable of providing a major intensity of light emission. At the same time, due to the low wattage of the individual light bulbs 48, the heat concentrations may be maintained at a minimum. Where conditions warrant, however, and the size of the particular light fixture is adequate, the light bulbs 48 may be of relatively large wattage and the construction will still provide the consequent advantages of heat distribution.

Thus, I have provided, according to the principles of the present invention, a unique form of cluster light fixture `wherein the light emission thereof is evenly distributed throughout said fixture, as is the heat resulting from the light bulbs supplying said light emission. In addition, I have provided a light xture having a unique form of re- Hector, bulb socket and electrical distribution fabrication and assembly, having maximum simplicity and lending said fabrication and assembly to production line procedures and equipment.

I claim:

1. In a light figure, the combination of: a pan having a perimetrical side llange defining the lateral extremities thereof; a series of juxtaposed light reflectors laterally within said pan side flange; bulb socket means including an electric bulb socket at each reilector for the reception of an electric light bulb therein and the direction of electric power therethrough; electric supply means operably connected to said sockets, said electric supply means including at least two layers of electrical conducting material with one overlying and spaced from the other, each of said layers being an integral layer and extending between each of said bulb sockets, each `of said sockets being connected to at least one other of said sockets by both of said conducting layers; and said bulb socket means including insulating sheet means having a certain part thereof between said conducting layers of said electric supply means, an opening in said sheet means at each of said reiiectors, talb-like contact means operably connected to and extending from each of said conducting layers of said electric supply means into interference with each of said sheet means openings, one of said contact means at each of said sheet means openings threadably receiving said light bulbs and the other of said contact means contacting said light bulbs, said sheet means openings and contact means cooperating to form said bulb sockets.

2. A light lixture as defined in claim 1 in which said electric supply means includes two networks of said electrical conducting material, each of said networks being a coplanar, integral network extending linearly between said sockets, each of said sockets being electrically connected to at least one other of said sockets by each of said conducting material networks; and in which said bulb socket means includes said tab-like contact means being at least two tab-like contacts operably connected to and extending laterally from one of said conducting networks into interference with each of said sheet means openings for the threadable reception of said light bulbs and at least one tab-like contact operably connected to and extending laterally from the other of said conducting networks into interference with each of said sheet means openings for contacting said light bulbs.

3. In a light fixture, the combination of: insulating sheet means including a series of overlying sheets of insulating material; a cluster of laterally adjacent light reflectors mounted at one side of said insulating sheet means; a series of light bulb sockets formed in said insulating sheet means including an opening formed in each of said insulating sheets for each of said sockets, one of said sockets being aligned with and opening into each of said reflectors; each of said sockets including electric contact means for receiving and retaining the lbase of an` electric light bulb therein with said bulb extending into the associated reflector, said electric contact means being adapted for transmitting electric power through said light bulb base and said light bulb, said electrical contact means of each of said sockets including a plurality `of spaced tab-like contacts extending laterally from between certain of said insulating sheets into interference with said socket opening and forming thread engaging members for threadably receiving anl retaining said light bulb base and at least a single tab-like contact extending laterally into interference with said socket opening for contacting said light bulb base; and electric supply means operably connected to said contact means of each of said sockets for supplying electrical power thereto.

4. A light fixture as dened in claim 3 in which said at least single tab-like contacts of said electrical contact means at each of said sockets are spaced from said plurality of contacts by at least one of said insulating sheets and extending laterally into interference with said socket opening adapted for contact with said light bulb bases; in which said electric supply means includes two coplanar, integrated networks of electrically conducting material extending linearly between each of said sockets, one of said conducting networks extending between said certain insulating sheets and being electrically connected to each of said plurality of contacts of each of said sockets, the other of said conducting networks being spaced from said one conducting network by said at least one insulating sheet and being electrically connected to each of said at least one tabs at each of said sockets, each of said sockets being electrically connected to at least one other of said sockets by each of said conducting networks.

5. A light fixture as defined in claim 3 in which all of said reflectors are formed integral as a single sheet, each of said reflectors having a hexagonal perimeter with straight perimetrical edges mating with straight perirnetrical edges of adjacent reflectors forming an integral cluster of individual reflectors separated by straight joining lines.

6. In a light fixture, the combination of z a pan having a parametrical side flange delining; the lateral extremities thereof; a series of juxtaposed dished light reflectors laterally within said pan side ange, all of said rellectors being formed integral as a single sheet, each of said reflectors having a hexagonal perimeter with straight parametrical edges of adjacent reflectors forming an integral cluster of individual reflectors separated by straight joining lines; bulb socket means including an electric bulb socket at each reflector for the reception .of an electric light lbulb therein and the direction of electric power therethrough; electric supply means operably connected to said bulb socket means for the direction of said electric power to each of said sockets including two networks of electrical conducting material, each of said networks being a coplanar, integral network extending linearly between said sockets, each of said sockets being electrically connected to at least one other of said sockets by each of said conducting material networks; said bulb socket means including insulating sheet means, an opening in said sheet means at each of said reflectors, at least two tab-like contacts operably connected to and extending laterally from one of said conducting networks into interference with each of said sheet means openings for the threadable reception of said light bulbs, at least one tab-like contact operably connected to and extending laterally from the other of said conducting networks into interference with each of said sheet means openings for contacting said light bulbs, said sheet means openings and said contacts cooperating to form said bullb sockets.

7. In a light iixture, the combination of: a pan having a parametrical side flange defining the lateral extremities thereof; a series of juxtaposed dished light reflectors laterally within said pan side flange, all of said reectors lbeing formed integral as a single sheet, each of said reflectors having a hexagonal perimeter with straight parametrical edges mating with straight parametrical edges of adjacent reflectors forming an integral cluster of individual reflectors separated by straight joining lines; bulb socket means including an electric bulb socket at each rellector for the reception of an electric light bulb therein and the direction of electric power therethrough; electric supply means operably connected to said `bulb socket means for the direction of said electrical power to each of said sockets including at least two layers of electrical conducting material, with one overlying and spaced from the other, each of said layers being an integral layer and extending between each of vsaid bulb sockets, each of said sockets being connected to at least one other of said sockets by iboth of said conducting layers; said bulb socket means including insulated sheet means having a certain part thereof between said conducting layers of said electrical supply means, an opening in said sheet means at each of said rellectors, tablike contact means operably connected to and extending from each of said conducting layers of said electric supply means into interference with each of said sheet means openings, one of said contact means at each of said sheet means openings threadably receiving said light bulbs and the other of said contact means contacting said light bulb, said sheet means openings and said contact means cooperating to form said bulb sockets.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 8 7/1961 Roper 24U-8.16 11/1962 Madansky 240-8.16 7/1964 Strange 24U-8.16 11/1966 Feig 240-78 7/1968 Gardner 240-8.16 8/1928 Russell 24U-41.3 X

1/1950 Barber 240-41.36 X

4/1968 Dorman 24U-41.3

FOREIGN PATENTS 10/ 1967 Netherlands.

U.S. Cl. XR.