US3638012A

US3638012A - Lighting fixture

Info

Publication number: US3638012A
Application number: US881086A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert E Lenz; Stephen J Wargo
Original assignee: Forsyth Industries Inc
Current assignee: Forsyth Industries Inc
Priority date: 1969-04-21
Filing date: 1969-12-01
Publication date: 1972-01-25
Anticipated expiration: 1989-01-25

Abstract

A lighting fixture housing having a lower portion for mounting a light source therein. A spot light assembly is mounted in the upper portion of the housing and is concealed by a housing cover having a plurality of opaque sidewalls and an opening in one of the sidewalls. The spotlight assembly is adjustably mounted for linear and pivotal movement in both a vertical and a horizontal plane to permit the passage of an optimum amount of light rays through the opening onto an intended object located at various elevations and angular positions.

Description

United States Patent Lenz et al.

1451 Jan. 25, 11972 1541 LIGHTING FIXTURE [72] Inventors:

[73] Assignee:

[22] Filed:

Robert E. Lenz, Snyder; Stephen J. Wargo, Buffalo, both of NY.

Forsyth Industries, Inc., East Aurora, N.Y.

Dec. 1, 1969 21 Appl.No.: 881,086

52 u.s.c1 ..240/25,240/61.6,240/61.12,

. 240/67 511 1m.c1 ..F2lsl/00,F2ls3/00 [58] Field oiSearch ..240 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 11.2, 20,

[ 56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,555,659 9/1925 Gough ..248/226 1,656,457 l/l 928 Vanderveer. ...240/6l. l 2 1,884,603 10/1932 Dina ....240/44 Pennow ..240/1 .2

2,541 ,883 2/1951 Morgan ..240/44 2,642,522 6/1953 McDowell et al ..240/48 2,977,461 3/1961 Jones 240/78 3,034,098 5/1962 Clasen 240/81 3,096,031 7/1963 Feldman et a1. ..240/44.2 3,160,349 12/1964 Kent ..240/52 3,162,378 12/1964 Zillmer ...240/44.2 3,365,570 1/1968 Hansen ..240/11 Primary ExaminerRichard C. Queisser Assistant Examiner--John Whalen Att0rneyCh1'istel & Bean [5 7] ABSTRACT A lighting fixture housing having a lower portion for mounting a light source therein. A spot light assembly is mounted in the upper portion of the housing and is concealed by a housing cover having a plurality of opaque sidewalls and an opening in one of the sidewalls. The spotlight assembly is adjustably mounted for linear and pivotal movement in both a vertical and a horizontal plane to permit the passage of an optimum amount of light rays through the opening onto an intended object located at various elevations and angular positions.

9 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures PATENTED JANZS I972 SHEET 1 OF 2 INVENTOR.

@hfl g ATTORNEYS.

F ber-f Elev/z 556795271. 1 wa 7190 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a lighting fixture and, more particularly, to a combination decorative postlight and spotlight or floodlightfixture.

Lighting fixtures have been popular for some time for the purposes of illuminating drives, walks and patios of private residences and have also become popular for use along public highways and walks in residential areas, parks, and the like. Generally, these lighting fixtures are mounted on posts and their purpose is to provide illumination in dark areas. Also, in recent years there has been an increasing demand for lighting fixtures that provide concentrated or face" lighting for various residential and public buildings, churches, advertising displays and the like. For example, it might be desirable to illuminate the front of a building, the front of a garage, a doorway, a church steeple, or to concentrate the light on a path leading to a building, or an attractive shrub in a park area. While such spot or floodlights admirably serve the purposes for which they were designed, they present certain disadvantages. For example, they are generally mounted near the ground and are susceptible to abuse and vandalism. Also, they are normally exposed so that they are not pleasing to the eye. In those instances where the spotlight is mounted is a housing, they do not provide optimum illumination because of the limits of the open area imposed by the structure of the housmg.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION lower portion 14 suitably mounted on the upper end of an upstanding support post 15 as by an encircling sleeve l6, and a cover I7 releasably mounted on lower portion 14.

Lower housing portion 14 comprises a base support, generally designated 18, having a flat base 20 of substantially square shape in plan terminating in an upstanding rim 22 inclined outwardly at a slight angle. Base 20 supports a removable socket mounting 24 and is formed integral with sleeve 16 adapted to encircle the upper end of support post 15.

Lower housing portion 14 is formed of a metal frame structure having four similar sides 28, which can be angle members, welded or otherwise fixedly secured at their bottom ends to the exterior of rim 22 and as illustratively depicted in the drawings is substantially frustopyramidal in shape with its larger cross-sectional dimension upward. Each side 28 of the frame structure is trapezoidal in outline and has a trapezoidal opening therein for receiving a complimentary shaped translucent or clear panel 30. Suitable mounting brackets 31 (FIGS. 2 and 3) are provided at each corner within lower housing portion 14 to secure panels 30 in place.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a combination postlight and spotlight or floodlight fixture for effecting decorative and concentrated illumination.

It is another object of this invention to provide the foregoing postlight and spotlight fixture with a housing which serves to conceal the spotlight source.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide the spotlight mounting with adjusting means for optimum positioning of the spotlight relative to the housing to allow complete utilization of the illuminating rays emitting therefrom.

The lighting fixture of the present invention is characterized by the provision of a spotlight or floodlight in combination with a decorative light mounted in a common housing atop an upstanding post. The spotlight is concealed in the upper portion of the housing by the opaque sides thereof and is adjustable in horizontal and vertical planes to allow unobstructed passage of the light rays through a transparent side of the housing upper portion for concentrated or face lighting purposes.

The foregoing and other objects, advantages and characterizing features of the present invention will become clearly apparent from the ensuing detailed description of an illustrative embodiment thereof, taken together with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference characters denote like parts throughout the various views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE RAWINGS FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a lighting fixture constructed according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken about on line 2--2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a horizontal sectional view taken about on line 3 3ofFIG. l;and

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view on an enlarged scale taken about on line 4-4 of FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now in detail to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. I a lighting fixture, constructed in accordance with this invention, comprising a metal frame housing, consisting of a The lower housing portion 14 is adapted to receive a light source of any suitable type for decorative or illuminating purposes. To this end, a socket 32 projects upwardly from mounting 24 for receiving a light source 33 which can be suitably threaded into socket 32. The illustrative light source 33 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings is an electric lightbulb of a configuration simulating a burning flame. However, the light source can be any electric lamp suitable for the particular application and can be used for decorative purposes or for the illumination of streets, drives, walks and the like, as desired.

A horizontally extending ledge 40 is provided adjacent the upper end of lower housing portion 14 and is secured thereon by welding to the upper ends of frame members 28 or otherwise fixedly secured thereto. Ledge 40 is supported on the upper terminal edges 42 of sides 28 and has a depending skirt 44 inclined inwardly and disposed against the inner surface of sides 28. Ledge 40 also has an upstanding rim 46 projecting upwardly from the marginal edges thereof for supporting fixture cover 17.

Cover 17 forms the upper portion of the light fixture housing and comprises a four-sided metal frame structure of generally frustopyramidal shape having its smaller cross-sectional dimension upwards. Each side 52 of the frame structure is trapezoidal in outline with one of said sides 52 having a trapezoidal opening 53 therein for receiving a complimentary shaped, transparent panel 54 secured in place by suitable mounting brackets 56 disposed at opposite ends of panel 54. Thus, cover 17 is substantially closed concealing the spotlight assembly mounted therein with one open or transparent side for permitting the passage of light rays therethrough. Although the frame and the cover of the housing are preferably formed of metal, it should be understood that these structural members can be formed of plastic or any other suitable material, as desired.

The lower end of cover 17 is provided with an outwardly extending peripheral flange 56 supported on upstanding rim 46 of platform 40 and having a depending skirt 58 disposed about the exterior of rim 46. Thus, cover 17 can be easily tilted by merely lifting the front of such cover upwardly to provide access to the interior of the housing for servicing and relamping the same.

Mounted on top of cover 17 is a cupola 60 having a conical dome 62 mounted thereon by means of an elongated screw 64 threaded into a suitable socket 66 provided at the apex of dome 62. A photoelectric detector cell assembly (not shown) is mounted within cupola 60 and is provided with a photocell, also not shown, mounted in an embossment 68 projecting from a lateral surface of cupola 60. An opening 70 (FIG. I) is provided in the face of embossment 68 to permit the light from the exterior to reach the photocell mounted therein. Although not shown, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the photoelectric detector cell assembly can be of any suitable known type and is connected to a suitable source of electrical power by appropriate wiring to turn the floodlight assembly and/or the light source on and off in accordance with outside visibility. Alternatively, a similar photoelectric detector cell arrangement, generally designated 72, can be mounted in the upper end of post and sleeve 16, if desired.

A significant feature of the present invention is to provide a mounting for accommodating a spotlight or floodlight assembly in the upper portion or within cover 17 of the housing. The mounting is provided with means for linearly and pivotably adjusting the spotlight assembly in both vertical and horizontal planes to permit the passage of the maximum amount of light through opening 53 or transparent panel 54 onto an object which may be disposed at various vertical levels and angular positions. To this end, an elongated mounting bracket 76 of generally inverted U-shaped cross-sectional configuration is adjustably mounted horizontally relative to lower housing portion 14. Bracket 76 has extensions 78 at opposite ends thereof supported on opposite sides of ledge 40 in the space provided between flange 56 and ledge 40 by rim 46, as shown in FIG. 3. Extensions 78 are provided with elongated slots 80 (FIG. 3) in registry with laterally aligned apertures 82 provided along opposite sides of ledge 40, respectively. As shown in FIG. 4, a rivnut 84 is afiixed to the bottom of ledge 40 in registry with each aperture 82. Screws 86 are inserted through slots 80, apertures 82 and threaded into nuts 84 for securing bracket 76 in a selected position along ledge 40. Thus, bracket 76 can be positionally adjusted by sliding relative to ledge 40 by means of slots 80 toward or away from opening 53, as desired.

An angle member 90 having

legs

92 and 94 is mounted on bracket 76 and is provided with an elongated slot 96 in leg 94 in registry with an opening 98 in bracket 76 for receiving a bolt 100. Angle member 90 can be linearly adjusted and/or rotated relative to bracket 76 and fixed in any desired horizontal angular relation thereto by tightening a wingnut 102 on the distal end of bolt 100.

An upright channel member, generally designated 104, is welded or otherwise fixedly secured at its base 106 to leg 92 of angle member 90. Channel member 104 comprises a pair of parallel sidewalls 108 terminating in outwardly extended flanges 110. Elongated slots 112 are provided in sidewalls 108 and extend substantially lengthwise thereof, vertically in the housing.

Socket means in the form of a housing 116 is provided with a suitable threaded bore for receiving a light source of the floodlight or spotlight type, hereinafter referred to as a spotlight assembly and generally designated 118. Spotlight assembly 118 is provided with a reflector shield 120 and a suitable lens 122, as is well known in the art. Socket 116 is carried by a U-shaped bracket 117, and a pair of threaded studs 124 project laterally outwardly from the opposite legs of bracket 117 and extend through slots 112. Housing 116 and the associated spotlight assembly 118 can be adjusted vertically linearly relative to channel member 104 and/or pivoted about studs 124 to any angular orientation desired and fixed in place by means of wingnuts 126 tightly threaded onto studs 124.

It should be understood that the lamp employed in spotlight assembly 118 can be an incandescent lamp, a mercury vapor lamp or any of the self-firing gas-type lamps. The type of lamp used would be dictated by the duration of lamp life desired and the intensity of light required or desired. A terminal strip (not shown) could be provided on ledge 40 for changing the circuitry for the different types of lamps. All wiring passes downwardly through post 15 and is effectively concealed thereby. Light source 33 and spotlight assembly 118 can be incorporated in a common circuit or separate circuits, as desired, and used simultaneously or independently with or without a photoelectric detector cell arrangement.

ln use, assume that it is desired to concentrate light on a church steeple. With fixture cover 17 displaced from lower housing portion 14, wingnuts 126 are loosened allowing socket housing 116 and bracket 117 to be lowered relative to channel member 104 by means of the stud and slot arrangement 124, 112. Bracket 76 is brought forwardly toward opening 53 by means of the screw and slot arrangement 86, and if required, spotlight assembly 118 can be further moved forwardly by means of bolt and slot arrangement, 100, 96. Screws B6 are then inserted in the aligned openings and threaded into nuts 84 to secure bracket 76 in place. With socket housing 116 and spotlight assembly 118 adjusted vertically downwardly on channel member 104 to the selected position and forwardly by means of the horizontal linear adjustments, bracket 117 and socket housing 116 can be tilted upwardly to direct spotlight assembly 118 at the proper angle upwardly from a horizontal plane. Nuts 126 are tightened to fix the orientation of spotlight assembly 118. If necessary, channel member 104 can be pivoted horizontally about the vertical pivot axis defined by bolt to angularly orient the spotlight assembly 118 in a horizontal direction as required. These linear and pivotal adjustments in both a vertical and a horizontal direction are effected in such a manner that with cover 17 firmly seated on lower housing portion 14, spotlight assembly 118 will be positioned at the optimum orientation for focusing its light beam on the intended object while directing such beam through opening 53 or transparent panel 54 without interference from or obstruction by the frame structure of cover 17.

lt should be appreciated that by effecting various mounting adjustments, the light rays emitting from spotlight assembly 118 can be directed downwardly through opening 53 or panel 54 to focus or concentrate the light on a display adjacent a ground surface, for example. Thus, spotlight assembly 118 can be adjusted linearly and pivotally in horizontal and vertical planes to concentrate light on any desired object located at various heights with the spotlight source substantially concealed within the three opaque sides of cover 17 for presenting a pleasing esthetic appearance while permitting the optimum amount of light to pass through an opening in one side of the cover onto the intended object. At the same time, light source 33 can be illuminated for decorative purposes or for illuminating drives, walks and the like.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that the objects of the present invention have been fully accomplished. As a result of this invention, an improved lighting fixture has been provided which combines a spotlight assembly with a decorative spotlight in a common housing to provide concentrated or face lighting" along with decorative illumination. By the provision of a housing cover having three opaque sides and an open or transparent side, the source of the spotlight remains substantially concealed while permitting the passage of light through the open side. By the provision of an adjustable mounting arrangement for the spotlight assembly, the optimum amount of light can be directed through the open side of the cover without obstruction thereby and focused on an intended object located at various elevations and positions.

A preferred embodiment of this invention having been disclosed in detail, it is to be understood that this has been done by way of illustration only.

We claim:

1. A light fixture comprising a housing having a cover, said cover having a plurality of opaque sidewalls and an opening in one of said sidewalls, a spotlight assembly including a lens facing said opening, means for mounting said spotlight assembly in said housing, said mounting means including means for adjusting said spotlight assembly linearly and pivotally in a generally vertical plane, and means for adjusting said spotlight assembly linearly and pivotally in a generally horizontal plane whereby the optimum amount of light rays pass through said opening without obstruction onto an intended object, said housing including a lower portion having sidewalls provided with light transmitting openings through the major portions thereof, and a second light source mounted in said housing lower portion for general illumination through the sidewalls thereof.

2. A light fixture as set forth in claim ll wherein said means for adjusting said spotlight assembly linearly and pivotally in a generally vertical plane comprises an upright member having opposite sidewalls with elongated slots extending lengthwise thereof, a socket assembly for receiving said spotlight assembly and pivotal fastening means extending laterally outwardly from opposite sides of said socket assembly through said slots for securing said socket assembly in a selected position on said upright member. 1

3. A light fixture as set forth in claim 1 wherein said lastmentioned means comprises a mounting bracket having transversely extending slots at opposite ends thereof, said housing having a ledge with a pair of diametrically opposed openings therein, said mounting bracket being movable on and relative to said ledge to a selected position thereon, and fastening means insertable in said slots and said openings to secure said bracket in place.

4. A light fixture as set forth in claim 3 including an angle member mounted on said bracket for linear movement related thereto and for pivotal movement in a generally horizontal plane, and means connecting said spotlight assembly to said angle member.

5. A light fixture as set forth in claim 1 wherein said cover opening is covered with a transparent panel.

6. A light fixture as set forth in claim 1 wherein said light transmitting openings in said housing lower portion are covered with translucent panels.

7. A light fixture as set forth in claim I wherein said light transmitting openings in said housing lower portion are covered with clear panels.

8. A combination postlight and spotlight or floodlight comprising a housing having a lower portion of polyhedral form and a cover portion of complimentary polyhedral form, said lower portion having a bottom wall engageable with a mounting post and a plurality of upwardly diverging sidewalls each having a light transmitting opening through the major portion thereof, a first light source mounted in said housing lower portion for general illumination through the sidewalls thereof, said cover portion having a top wall and a plurality of downwardly diverging sidewalls, one of said cover portion sidewalls having a light transmitting opening through a major portion thereof, the remainder of said cover portion walls being substantially opaque, a directional second light source, and means mounting said second source in said housing cover portion for illumination through said one cover portion sidewall, said mounting means being adjustable to selectively position said second source toward and away from said one cover portion sidewall and to selectively vary the angle of illumination therethrough.

9. A combination post and spot or floodlight according to claim 8 wherein said mounting means is adjustable to selectively position said second source vertically relative to said cover portion.

Claims

2. A light fixture as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for adjusting said spotlight assembly linearly and pivotally in a generally vertical plane comprises an upright member having opposite sidewalls with elongated slots extending lengthwise thereof, a socket assembly for receiving said spotlight assembly and pivotal fastening means extending laterally outwardly from opposite sides of said socket assembly through said slots for securing said socket assembly in a selected position on said upright member.

3. A light fixture as set forth in claim 1 wherein said last-mentioned means comprises a mounting bracket having transversely extending slots at opposite ends thereof, said housing having a ledge with a pair of diametrically opposed openings therein, said mounting bracket being movable on and relative to said ledge to a selected position thereon, and fastening means insertable in said slots and said openings to secure said bracket in place.

7. A light fixture as set forth in claim 1 wherein said light transmitting openings in said housing lower portion are covered with clear panels.