WO2019051578A1

WO2019051578A1 - Payload suspension device

Info

Publication number: WO2019051578A1
Application number: PCT/CA2018/000160
Authority: WO
Inventors: Malcolm Bisiker
Original assignee: Malcolm Bisiker
Priority date: 2017-09-15
Filing date: 2018-08-30
Publication date: 2019-03-21
Also published as: CA2979441A1

Abstract

A device for suspending a payload from a support including a retraction assembly, an electrical connection component, and a payload connector assembly. The retraction assembly includes storage and output drum spools, and a constant torque spring on the storage drum applying torque at a constant level to the output drum. When opposite torque exceeding the constant level is applied to the output drum, the spools rotate and the spring unwinds from the storage drum onto the output drum. A cable is on another spool connected to the output drum spool so rotation of the output drum causes rotation of the cable spool. The cable attached to the payload connector assembly extends through an opening in the enclosure and an opening in the electrical connection component. When no additional downward force is applied to the cable, the electrical connection component is maintained so that power is provided to the payload.

Description

PAYLOAD SUSPENSION DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to suspension devices used to suspend, pull down and fix a payload, such as a light fixture, to or close to the ground level. This invention relates to non-motorized retractable systems that allow people to easily access the attached payload to perform installation or maintenance work.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Suspension devices are employed in a wide variety of applications, such as for suspending light fixtures above ground while enabling them to be lowered toward the ground for servicing. Such devices typically employ electric motors. However, this increases the cost of the devices relative to devices that are purely mechanical.

[0003] For suspending a payload that requires electricity to operate, suspension devices generally employ a cable configured to connect to the payload that is wound on a spool and can be unwound to allow the payload to be moved towards the ground. The cable, or cable assembly, generally includes a retractable electrical cord that provides electricity to the device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention is an improvement to the torque spring assembly where a constant torque spring provides for a rapid and immediate torque curve ramp up, and the steady and predictable constant torque curve which is less severe than other spring types.

[0005] The invention provides an improved form of suspension devices where a male-female electrical coupling system eliminates the need to use a retractable electrical cord and provides an immediate electrical shut-off to the attached payload, such as a light fixture. The electrical coupling system contains a female electrical contact plate mounted to the device itself, while the other complementary male plate is attached to the light fixture (payload). When the light fixture is in a suspended position above ground level, the electrical coupling system is engaged to allow the supply of electricity to the object (e.g. a lighting fixture). When the light fixture is in a pulled down position, the electrical coupling system is disengaged such that there is no supply of electricity to the object. Therefore, a person can safely perform work on the object without the risk of electrical shock.

[0006] The design of the electrical coupling system allows for self-guidance of electrical components to establish a correct and predictable electrical connection alignment. Furthermore, a centrifugal pawl and a ratchet braking system is preferably employed to allow adjustment and locking of the lighting fixture at different heights, thus allowing a person to easily access the lighting fixture. The device is compatible with a wide variety of lighting fixtures utilizing standard electrical connection, thus allowing use in commercial, industrial or retail applications.

[0007] Other advantages of the invention include reliability in performance and adaptability to a variety of payload objects and sizes, such as pot lights, street lamps, signs, wireless modems, security cameras, and ceiling fans. The invention reduces the risk to the person performing work on the payload object by eliminating the need to use ladders or hoists to reach the payload object.

[0008] The invention provides a suspension device for suspending a payload from a support positioned above ground level. The suspension device includes a cable retraction assembly, an electrical connection component attached to the bottom of the cable retraction assembly, and a payload connector assembly. The cable retraction assembly includes an enclosure that is attachable to the support, and also includes a storage drum spool and an output drum spool, both spools being enclosed in and rotatably attached to the enclosure. It also includes a constant torque spring attached to and wound on the storage drum spool and connected to the output drum spool so that the constant torque spring applies torque at a relatively constant level to the output drum spool. When an opposite torque greater than the constant level is also applied to the output drum spool, the spools rotate and a portion of the constant torque spring is unwound from the storage drum spool and wound onto the output drum spool. The cable retraction assembly includes a cable wound on a cable spool inside the assembly, where the cable spool is connected to the output drum spool so that rotation of the output drum spool causes rotation of the cable spool. [0009] The electrical connection component is connected to a power source and has a first electrical connector. The payload connector assembly includes a payload connector configured to attach to the payload and electrically connect to the payload and a second electrical connector. An end of the cable extends through an opening in the bottom of the enclosure and through an opening in the electrical connection component, and is attached to the payload connector assembly.

[0010] The constant torque spring is configured so that the constant torque level is greater than opposing torque applied to the output drum spool by the load on the cable when the payload is attached to the payload connector and suspended above the ground level. When no additional downward force is applied to the cable, the constant torque level maintains the electrical connection component in contact with the payload connector assembly so that the first electrical connector and second electrical connector are connected and electrical power is provided to the payload.

[0011] The opening in the electrical connection component may be a vertical bore.

[0012] The cable retraction assembly preferably also has a centrifugal pawl and a ratchet braking system connected to the output drum spool.

[0013] The cable is preferably sufficiently long that, when the enclosure is attached to the support, the payload is attached to and suspended by the payload connector, and additional downward force is applied to the cable so that the opposite torque on the output drum spool exceeds the constant level, causing the payload connector and payload to move downward and break the electrical connection between the electrical connection component and the payload connector so that electrical power is no longer provided to the payload, as the constant torque spring winds onto the output drum spool, the payload moves downward until it is near the ground level. The cable retraction assembly preferably also includes a centrifugal pawl and a ratchet braking system connected to the output drum spool, where the centrifugal pawl and a ratchet braking system are configured to releaseably lock the cable spool when the additional downward force is applied to the cable is discontinued so that the payload is maintained at a fixed distance from the ground level. [0014] The first and second electrical connectors may be a radial alignment electrical coupling. The first and second electrical connectors may encircle a portion of the cable. The payload connector may include a cylindrical upper tube bore and the electrical connection may include a lower cable tube bore with a tapered end configured to enter the cylindrical upper tube bore so that the cable passes though both the upper tube bore and the lower cable tube bore. Then, when the lower cable tube bore is fully inserted in the upper tube bore, an electrical connection is made between the first and second electrical connectors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the device.

[0016] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the device with the upper and lower cones separated, not showing the lid on the retraction enclosure.

[0017] Figure 3 is a top view of a preferred embodiment with no lid on the retraction enclosure.

[0018] Figure 4 is a perspective view of key components of a preferred embodiment of the device, not showing the constant torque spring, inside the retraction enclosure and wiring enclosure, not showing the electrical wiring zone lid.

[0019] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the ratchet and pawl containment ring.

[0020] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the upper and lower cone assembly inside the wiring enclosure, not showing the electrical wiring zone lid.

[0021] Figure 7 is a perspective view of key components of a preferred embodiment of the device in an opposite perspective to that in Figure 4.

[0022] Figure 8 is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the device without side panels showing the interior components of the device.

[0023] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the device without side panels showing the interior components of the device.

4

RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91.1 ) [0024] Figure 10 is a perspective bottom view of a preferred embodiment of the device with the upper and lower cones separated.

[0025] Figure 1 1 is a perspective view of the upper cone (electrical connection component) of a preferred embodiment of the device.

[0026] Figure 12 is a bottom view of the upper cone of a preferred embodiment of the electrical connection component.

[0027] Figure 13 is a top view of the upper cone of a preferred embodiment of the device.

[0028] Figure 14 is a perspective top view of the lower cone, which is a preferred embodiment of a payload connector assembly, of a preferred embodiment of the device.

[0029] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the device with the upper and lower cones separated, not showing the lid on the retraction enclosure, with a payload attached to the payload connector.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] The invention is a device that suspends a payload, being a suspended object, that enables a user to pull down the suspended object, such as a light fixture or a powered sign, from a suspended position above the ground or floor, down to near the ground or floor, permitting work to be performed on the object by a person or persons standing on the ground. The term "near the ground" or "near ground level" as used herein means that the bottom of the payload is between zero and about six feet above ground level. The term "ground" herein means a surface on which people can stand. The device also facilitates retracting the light fixture back to its suspended position afterward. The device is mounted to a support above the ground, the support typically being a vertical or horizontal overhead surface such as a ceiling, joist, subfioor, wall or other surface.

[0031] A preferred embodiment of the device, shown in Figure 1, comprises a non-motorized cable retraction system consisting of a cable retraction assembly and an electrical connection component [0032] The cable retraction assembly employs an enclosure 100 housing a constant torque spring assembly that drives rotation of a cable spool 201 as the constant torque spring is wound and unwound from a storage drum spool and an output drum spool in the cable retraction assembly. Retraction is subject to a centrifugal pawl and a ratchet braking system, which immobilizes the fixture during pull-down to enable the user to perform work on a stationary object. Figure 2 shows the device of Figure 1 with the lid on the retraction enclosure 100 removed. The incorporation of a constant torque spring 200 is suited to the application due to its rapid and immediate torque curve ramp up, and the steady and predictable constant torque curve.

[0033] The suspension device also employs an electrical connection component attached to the bottom of the cable retraction assembly ("bottom" in this context" meaning a suitable lower portion of the cable retraction assembly through which the cable can extend). The electrical connection component has a housing 101 and is connected to a power source and includes a first electrical connector configured to mate and electrically connect with a second electrical connector in a payload connector assembly 107 which has a payload connector for attachment to the payload. Figure 15 depicts the suspension device with a cubic payload 1500 attached to the payload connector in the payload connector assembly 107, where the payload 1500 has been lowered below the electrical connection component. A lower perspective view where the payload connector assembly 107 has been lowered below the cable retraction assembly, breaking the electrical connection, is shown in Figure 10. A lower perspective view of an embodiment of the electrical connection component is shown by itself in Figure 1 1 , and in a bottom view in Figure 12.

[0034] Side and perspective views of the cable retraction assembly and electrical connection component without the side panels are also shown in Figures 8 and 9, where the internal elements are shown.

[0035] A radial alignment electrical coupling is employed in the depicted preferred embodiment (i.e. the first and second electrical connections comprise corresponding circular terminals). The coupling is capable of being affixed and wired to a variety of different types of commercial or residential lighting fixtures, thus providing power to the lighting fixture. Incorporation of the radial alignment electrical coupling eliminates the need in prior art devices to incorporate a retractable power supply cord. Immediate disengagement of the electrical coupling during fixture pull-down shuts off electrical supply to the fixture, thus eliminating risk of electrical shock during the performance of work on the fixture. The device is designed as a universal device compatible to function with most types of light fixtures.

[0036] A preferred embodiment of the invention has a vertical axle orientation such that the device enclosure and function becomes vertically oriented, enabling the device to be retrofitted to pre-existing surface light fixture installations, e.g. a ceiling. The light fixture does not need to be incorporated into the device design. However, a light fixture could be incorporated into the design, for example to create a retractable recessed lighting device (e.g. a retractable "pot light"), or a retractable streetlamp (for example using a modified orientation of the critical inventive components of mechanical retraction, electrical coupling system, and the centrifugal pawl and ratchet braking system).

[0037] A preferred embodiment of the device employs a rectangular box shaped enclosure constructed from plastic or metal. The retraction enclosure 100 houses a constant torque spring 200 mounted on a storage drum spool 300 and connected to an output drum spool 301 , which can be seen in the top view depicted in Figure 3 which shows the components of the cable retraction assembly. The components are also shown without the enclosure in Figure 7. The storage drum spool 300 is mounted to a storage drum axle 103, and the output drum spool 301 is mounted to an output drum axle 104. The axles are supported by a series of axle pushnuts inserted through the walls of the retraction enclosure 100, or by adjacent walls located within the enclosure 100. The axles may be aligned horizontally or vertically with a minimum space between the axles sufficient to accommodate movement of the constant torque spring 200 between the output drum spool 301 and the storage drum spool 300. The output drum spool 301 and storage drum spool 300 have flange sidewalls, as any common spool. The flange sidewalls are of sufficient height and thickness to constrain undesired lateral movement or misalignment of the constant torque spring 200 on the spool drums (300 and 301). [0038] The shape and size of the retraction enclosure 100 may vary depending on the size and configuration of the components, or the intended environment for the device. For example, a heavier load may necessitate a larger constant torque spring 200, or the axles (103 and 104) may be aligned vertically or diagonally thus changing the layout of components and the shape of the retraction enclosure 100. Further elments may also be located in the enclosure 100, such as in a retractable streetlamp system embodiment discussed below. The enclosure is not necessarily a single box, as depicted in the figures. For example the enclosure may include a streetlamp arm or post.

[0039] At least one of the walls of the retraction enclosure 100 contains at least two retraction enclosure surface mounting brackets 102 placed in such positions that the retraction enclosure 100 can be affixed by screw or bolt to an adjacent vertical surface such as a joist or wall, or affixed vertically to a horizontal surface such as a ceiling or subfloor.

[0040] The constant torque spring 200 is wound in its natural coiled state around the storage drum spool 300. Both of the outer ends of the spring are affixed by mechanical means such as spring attachment set screw(s), or specially shaped spring end to the hub of the output drum spool 301 and the storage drum spool 300 respectively. When a rotational force is applied to the output drum spool 301 causing it to rotate in a direction, the constant torque spring 200 is pulled out from the storage drum spool 300 and reverse wound on to the output drum spool 301, thereby storing up torque energy within the constant torque spring 200. When the rotational force on the output drum spool 301 is released or sufficiently lessened, the constant torque spring 200 will unwind from its reverse wound state and revert to its natural coiled state on the storage drum spool 300 by rotating in the opposite direction. Thus, a rotational torque force is created.

[0041] A cable spool 201 is attached to the flange sidewall of the output drum spool 301 either by manufacture or by mechanical means, and located adjacent to and coaxially along the output drum axle 104 such that the output drum spool 301 and the cable spool 201 will rotate together around the same axle, and such that any rotational torque force created on the output drum spool 301 will drive rotation of the cable spool 201. The output drum spool 301 and cable spool 201 assembly may be held in place on the axle by the use of axle-shaft retaining rings which may be positioned along the output drum axle 104 at either one or both of the exterior flange sidewalls.

[0042] The purpose of the cable spool 201 is to support, coil, and uncoil a retraction cable 303 of sufficient strength and load rating to support the load of the lighting fixture. The retraction cable 303 is of sufficient length to span from the ceiling mounted position of the device, and may have additional surplus length of retraction cable for safety purposes (for example, where the ceiling height is multiplied by a factor of 1.3). Alternately, the length of the retraction cable 303 may be determined by the length of the constant torque spring 200 such that the retraction cable 303 has less length than the constant torque spring 200 so that when the retraction cable 303 is fully extended from the cable spool 201 , an amount of surplus constant torque spring will always remain wound on the storage drum spool 300, thus ensuring that the constant torque spring 200 is never fully wound out. The retraction cable 303 is orientated such that when it is pulled out from the cable spool 201 , the output drum spool 301 rotates pulling the constant torque spring 200 into a reverse wound state on the output drum spool 301. When the force (i.e. the load) on the retraction cable 303 is sufficiently lessened or released, the constant torque spring 200 will unwind, reverting to its natural state on the storage drum spool 300 and causing the output drum spool 301 and cable spool 201 to rotate in the opposite direction, thus retracting the retraction cable 303 and the suspended object (the payload).

[0043] Prior to operating, the spring is permanently pre- wound to the output drum spool 301 by a number of rotations for safety. Consequently, even when the device is in the fully retracted position (i.e. incapable of further retraction) an amount of reverse wound spring will remain on the output drum spool 301 , thus ensuring an ever present retraction force is asserted on the retraction cable 303 and the suspended object.

Consequently, the suspended object will always have a retraction force exerted upon it in its fully retracted position. This force helps to ensure that a good electrical connection is maintained in the electrical coupling.

[0044] The constant torque spring is selected and configured so that the constant torque spring applies torque at a relatively constant level to the output drum spool and, when no additional opposite torque is applied to the output drum spool, the electrical connection is maintained.

[0045] A locking feature is incorporated to secure the device while in a fully retracted state. One or more spring pull pins or striker latches (not shown in drawings) are inserted to protrude outward through the main exterior vertical sidewall of the lower cone 107 (which is an embodiment of a payload connector assembly) such that each retractable pin head or striker latch faces outward. The shaft of each pull pin or striker latch is attached to a compression spring and the head of the retractable pin or striker latch may have a tapered or chamfered face such that it is caused to compress the spring and retract and will not jam when it strikes a surface laterally. A horizontal groove divots and encircles the interior of the main vertical wall in the upper cone 106 which has a width and depth sufficient to receive insertion of the retractable pin head or striker latch and into which the retractable pin heads or latches insert and lock at the point of full retraction of the device. The upper cone is an embodiment of first electrical connector which is part of the electrical connection component. A lock-release cable (not shown in drawings) is attached to the actuating end (i.e. the non-retractable end) of the pull-pin or striker latch (not shown in drawings) and extends downward past the lighting fixture mounting strap 900 or lower cone rim flange 1002 such length that a user may engage the looped end of the cable with an extension pole. Release of the pull- pin locking mechanism is actuated by the user pulling down on the looped end of the cable thereby compressing and retracting the spring pinheads or latches from the groove in the upper cone 106 (not shown in drawings). In addition to providing additional consumer safety, the locking feature also helps to ensure a robust electrical connection is maintained while the invention is in full retraction.

[0046] In use, a maximum weight restriction on the load of a suspended object can be specified which is sufficiently less than the torque force of the constant torque spring 200, so that the constant torque spring 200 will always be greater than the downward force of the payload. Consequently, the lighting fixture will remain in a constant state of retraction as long as the constant torque spring 200 is reverse wound to the output drum spool 301. Similarly, by specifying a minimum weight restriction on the usage load of an attached object, the speed of the cable retraction process of the suspended object can be similarly controlled.

[0047] At least one centrifugal pawl 601 is mounted either to the outside surface of the exterior flange sidewall of the output drum spool 301 or the outside surface of the exterior flange sidewall of the cable spool 201 (or both). The pawl(s) 601 is mounted on a mounting pin 602 which is inserted through the end of the pawl that does not engage the ratchet 600, such that the free end of the pawl(s) 601 will pivot concentrically around the mounting pin 602, flying in or out by the centrifugal forces created by the rotation of the flange sidewall upon which the pawl(s) 601 is mounted.

[0048] A ratchet 600 containing at least one unidirectional ratchet tooth 603 is mounted to the retraction enclosure 100 wall, concentric to the same axle as the pawl(s) 601. The ratchet 600 is mounted opposite and adjacent the pawl(s) 601, and the orientation functionally corresponds to the orientation of the pawl(s) 601 such that the pawl(s) 601 will engage the ratchet 600 while the constant torque spring 200 is unwinding from the output drum spool 301 to its natural state on the storage drum spool 103, and the retraction cable 303 is in a state of retraction.

[0049] A slowing of the rate of rotation of the underlying spool flange sidewall sufficient to reduce or eliminate the centrifugal force acting on the pawl(s) 601 will cause the pawl(s) 601 to fall in to orbital alignment with the ratchet 600 and engage the unidirectional ratchet tooth 601. By engaging the ratchet 600, the pawl(s) 601 arrests the unwinding of the constant torque spring 200 to its natural state on the storage drum spool 300 thus preventing the retraction cable 303 (and lighting fixture) from further retraction, thereby immobilizing the lighting fixture in mid-retraction. This enables the user to perform work on a stationary object.

[0050] The orientation of the unidirectional ratchet tooth 603 and pawl(s) 601 within the retraction enclosure 100 is such that the pawl(s) 601 must engage the unidirectional ratchet tooth 603 when the output drum spool 301 rotates in the direction of retraction (i.e. when the constant torque spring 200 is unwinding from its reverse wound state on the output drum spool 301 to its natural state on the storage drum spool 300). The ratchet tooth 603 is unidirectional meaning that the tooth shape has only one side designed to engage the pawl(s) 601 when the pawl(s) 601 strikes it, limiting engagement between the pawl(s) 601 and unidirectional ratchet tooth 603 to a single direction of rotation (i.e. while the retraction cable 303 is in a state of retraction).

[0051] The opposite side of the unidirectional ratchet tooth 603 has a radius surface and no sufficient angle or protruding edge for the pawl(s) 601 to latch on to, or jam against. Thus it is designed never to engage the pawl(s) 601 when the pawl(s) 601 strikes it. Consequently, when the constant torque spring 200 is being pulled from the storage drum spool 300 to a state of reverse winding on the output drum spool 301 and the retraction cable 303 is extending, the pawl(s) 601 will slide over the radius face of the unidirectional ratchet tooth 603 and not engage the ratchet 600.

[0052] The pawl(s) 601 may have a specified weight such that when rotation of the flange sidewall of the output drum spool 301 or cable spool 201 upon which the pawl(s) 601 is mounted slows below a certain rate of rotation, centrifugal force will be insufficient to cause the pawl(s) 601 to fly out and the pawl(s) 601 will fall in to orbital alignment with the unidirectional ratchet tooth 603. Likewise, the centrifugal force resulting from a faster rate of flange sidewall rotation will cause the pawl head to pivot around its pawl mounting pin 602 and "fly" out over the unidirectional ratchet tooth 603, thus not engaging the tooth until the rate of rotation slows sufficiently for the pawl to fall back into orbital alignment with the unidirectional ratchet tooth 603.

[0053] The pawl(s) 601 are enclosed by a containment ring 202 consisting of a horizontally protruding circular-shaped wall which is concentric to the output drum axle 104 and which protrudes from the lateral wall of the retraction enclosure 100 encircling both the ratchet 600 and the pawl(s) 601. An embodiment of a containment ring 202 is shown in Figure 5. The purpose of the containment ring 202 is to restrict the motion of the pawl(s) 601 during rotation in either direction ensuring that the pawl(s) 601 remains properly aligned and orientated such that the pawl(s) 601 will not over-rotate on the pawl mounting pin 602 and flip over, thus becoming orientated in the wrong direction to the ratchet 600 and unable to properly engage the unidirectional ratchet tooth 603.

[0054] To retract the retraction cable 303 (and lighting fixture) in operation, the user must release the pawl(s) 601 from engagement with the unidirectional ratchet tooth 603. To do this, a user will pull down the retraction cable 303 or the lighting fixture slightly, thereby rotating the cable spool 201 and output drum spool 301 and releasing the pawl(s) 601 from engagement with the unidirectional ratchet tooth 603. In the same motion the user will then allow the retraction force of the constant torque spring 200 to reverse the direction of the retraction cable 303 and lighting fixture thus retracting the fixture upwards at a steady and controlled rate, which is fast enough to generate sufficient centrifugal force for the pawl(s) 601 to "fly" out around the unidirectional ratchet tooth 603 thus avoiding engagement. In operation, should rotation of the underlying spool flange sidewall slow and the pawl(s) 601 unintentionally engage with the ratchet 600 during a retraction, the user simply repeats the pawl release procedure allowing the fixture to continue retracting to its suspended height at full retraction.

[0055] The wiring enclosure 101 houses the upper cone 106 of the electrical coupling and the upper cone electrical wiring (not shown in drawings) to the local supply. The wiring enclosure 101 provides a contained enclosure which isolates the electrical components from the components of the retraction enclosure 100 above. The wiring enclosure 101 is positioned below the output drum spool 301 and the cable spool 201 of the retraction enclosure 100, on the exterior of the retraction enclosure 100.

[0056] In general, the wiring enclosure 101 may have different shapes, including a cubic, octagonal or cylindrical shape. The wiring enclosure 101 is made of plastic or metal, and may be manufactured as a single piece integrated with the retraction enclosure 100, or as a separate component mounted to the retraction enclosure 100 by a screw, bolt, or other mechanical means.

[0057] The base of the wiring enclosure 101 is open and has no wall (or has a sufficient opening) to permit insertion of the upper cone 106 of the electrical coupling into the wiring enclosure 101, where it is mounted and affixed. At least two wiring enclosure mounting flanges (not shown in drawings) are protruding either inward or outward from the bottom rim of the wiring enclosure 101, each containing a mounting set screw hole (not shown in drawings) for affixing the upper cone 106 to the wiring enclosure 101 after insertion. [0058] At least one of the lateral walls of the wiring enclosure 101 contains at least one wiring enclosure wiring aperture 105 sufficiently sized to allow for electrical wiring from the local supply to pass through in order to be connected to the upper cone electrical wiring (not shown in drawings).

[0059] The retraction enclosure cable aperture 304 is an opening located below the cable spool 201 in the base of the retraction enclosure 100, thus allowing the cable to pass from the retraction enclosure 100 down in to the wiring enclosure 101. An opening in the top center of the wiring enclosure 101 is the wiring enclosure cable aperture 203 which aligns to the retraction enclosure cable aperture 304 above, and which has approximately the same diameter enabling the retraction cable to pass through the wall(s) in to the wiring enclosure 101.

[0060] At least one of the walls of the wiring enclosure 101 may also have a series of at least two small wiring enclosure surface mount holes (not shown in drawings) intended for screws or bolts to pass through in order to provide an alternate or backup installation mounting attachment support for the device in a wall or joist mount environment, such as when an installer may not have access to the retraction enclosure surface mount brackets 102 located on the exterior of the retraction enclosure 100, or when a reinforcement or backup means of installation mounting support is required.

[0061] In general, the electrical coupling system consists of two parts: an upper cone 106 and a lower cone 107, both of which contain electrical wiring and conductors. Both the upper cone 106 and the lower cone 107 have the overall shape of a truncated cone including a flat top surface on the top of each truncated cone (not shown in drawings). Both are hollow in the center below the top surface in the interior of the respective truncated cones, and both have a radial flange protruding from the bottom rim at the base of the lateral walls of the respective truncated cones.

[0062] In operation, the upper cone 106 remains stationary, mounted within the wiring enclosure 101 and wired to the local electrical supply, while the lower cone 107 is attached and wired to the lighting fixture, thus travelling up and down during the extension and retraction process. Electrical coupling is established when the lower cone 107 is retracted into the upper cone 106, and the three lower cone electrical conductor rings (i.e. neutral inner conductor ring 800, line outer conductor ring 801, and ground conductor ring 1400) make contact with the three upper cone electrical conductors (i.e. neutral conductor 605, line outer conductor 604, and ground conductor 606). This occurs when the lower cone 107 is fully retracted and nested inside the upper cone 106.

[0063] A radial alignment guidance system is incorporated to the upper cone 106 and lower cone 107 which employs a two-part nesting mechanism that provides self- correcting alignment of the coupling during retraction.

[0064] Once the lower cone 107 is in the fully retracted position, there is additional constant torque spring 200 reverse wound on the output drum spool 301. Consequently, a torque force continues to retract the lower cone 107, even as the device is in the fully retracted position. This residual retraction force on the lower cone 107 whilst in the fully retracted position ensures a robust electrical connection between the lower cone 107 and the upper cone 106.

[0065] The purpose of the upper cone rim flange 1000 is to enable mounting to the wiring enclosure 101. The upper cone rim flange 1000 has at least two counter-bored set screw holes (i.e. the upper cone rim flange mounting holes 1001) extending vertically through it. The mounting holes in the upper cone rim flange 1000 are counter- bored so as to sink any protruding screw or bolt heads within the flange and thus avoid potential interference with the coupling.

[0066] The purpose of the lower cone rim flange 1002 is to attach the lighting fixture mounting strap 900, or other standard electrical fixture mounting accessory or hangers such as an electrical extension ring, electrical junction box, electrical octagon box, swivel or flexible fixture hanger, stationary fixture hanger, ceiling pan, electrical cover, or other mounting accessory. The lower cone rim flange 1002 has at least two set screw holes extending vertically through it (i.e. the lower cone rim flange fixture strap mounting holes 1003) which allow the full insertion of a typical standard sized machine screw.

[0067] The upper cone 106 is inserted in to the wiring enclosure 101 and affixed using the upper cone mounting set screws (not shown in drawings) which are inserted through the upper cone rim flange mounting holes 1001, located in the upper cone rim flange 1000, and into the set screw holes in the wiring enclosure mounting flanges (not shown in drawings), located on the rim of the wiring enclosure 101.

[0068] Extending vertically through the center of the top exterior surface of the upper cone 106 is a cylindrical-shaped, hollow tube bore (not shown in drawings). The section of the tube-bore which is above the top surface of the upper cone 106 is herein referred to as the upper cable tube-bore 400, which can be seen in the view of Figure 4, and the section which is below the top surface of the upper cone in the interior of the upper cone 106 is herein referred to as the lower cable tube-bore 803. The purpose of the tube bore is to quarantine the retraction cable 303 as it passes from the retraction enclosure 100 down through the electrical area of the device.

[0069] The top opening of the upper cable tube-bore 400 is approximately the same shape and diameter as the wiring enclosure cable aperture 203 and/or the retraction enclosure cable aperture 304 above. The upper cable tube-bore 400 is positioned so as to align with the wiring enclosure cable aperture 203 and retraction enclosure cable aperture 304 when the upper cone 106 is inserted in to the wiring enclosure 101. The upper cable tube-bore 400 is of sufficient height to make contact with the rim of the wiring enclosure cable aperture 203, or similarly the rim of the retraction enclosure cable aperture 304, thus sealing off the retraction cable 303 inside the upper cable tube- bore 400 from the surrounding electrical components.

[0070] The lower cable tube-bore 803 extends vertically from the top surface of the upper cone 106 into and through the interior of the upper cone 106 (hereinafter referred to as the coupling chamber 1 100), and has such a length that it extends slightly past the upper cone rim flange 1000. The lower cable tube-bore 803 continues to quarantine the retraction cable 303 as it passes through the electrical section of the device, and also serves as the upper section of the radial alignment nesting guidance system which ensures proper alignment of retraction and insertion of the lower cone 107 in to the upper cone 106. The lower cable tube-bore 803 has a conical or tapered shape, narrowing as it extends down from the top of the coupling chamber 1100. The base of the lower cable tube bore 803 is open. [0071] The lower cone 107 has a tapered opening through its center, the guidance bore 806, which is the reciprocal shape of the lower cable tube-bore 803 such that on retraction the lower cable tube-bore 803 inserts and nests inside the guidance bore 806 when the lower cone 107 is in the fully retracted position. The angle of the taper of the lateral walls of the guidance bore 806 reciprocates the angle of the lateral walls of the lower cable tube-bore 803, narrowing as the opening descends through the lower cone 107. The bottom of the guidance bore 806 is may be open.

[0072] In operation, the retraction cable 303 retracts the lower cone 107 (which is attached to the lighting fixture, or to a standard electrical fixture mounting accessory) pulling the guidance bore 806 onto the lower cable tube-bore 803 until the guidance bore 806 is fully nested over and around the lower cable tube-bore 803, and the lower cone 107 is fully inserted in to the upper cone 106. During retraction, on initial contact between the rising guidance bore 806 and the lower cable tube-bore 803, the mouth of the guidance bore 806 engages the bottom rim of the lower cable tube bore 803. The internal diameter of the mouth of the guidance bore 806 opening is sufficiently wider than the external diameter of the bottom rim of the lower cable tube-bore 803, thus providing a tolerance for any misalignment between the lower cone 107 and upper cone 106 which may exist due to the lateral movement of the retraction cable 303 and lighting fixture during retraction.

[0073] As the cable continues to retract pulling the guidance bore 806 further on to the lower cable tube-bore 803, the nesting between the guidance bore 806 and lower cable tube-bore 803 progresses tightening the fit between the guidance bore 806 and the lower cable tube-bore 803 and so forcing the electrical conductors of the two cones to come in to radial alignment. By the stage of retraction when the lower cone conductor rings (i.e. inner neutral conductor ring 800 and outer line conductor ring 801) are entering in to the upper cone conductor cavity-rings (i.e. inner conductor cavity ring 804 and outer conductor cavity ring 805) located at the top of the coupling chamber 1100, the lower cable tube-bore 803 has guided the lower cone 107 into alignment ensuring proper electrical coupling. Thus, the guidance system self-corrects any horizontal radial misalignment between the lower cone 107 and upper cone 106 during the retraction process. [0074] Note that because the design of the lower cone conductor rings (i.e. inner neutral conductor ring 800 and outer line conductor ring 801) and upper cone conductor cavity-rings (i.e. inner conductor cavity ring 804 and outer conductor cavity ring 805) are radial, and the guidance system is based on a nesting tube-bore design which is also radial, any rotation of the lower cone 107 around the vertical axis of the retraction cable 303 is not relevant and does not impact the alignment of the electrical coupling. No rotary alignment is required to ensure proper electrical coupling and the lower cone conductor rings will successfully couple with the upper cone conductors as long as there is horizontal alignment of the two cones which is ensured by the nesting of the guidance bore 806 onto the lower cable tube-bore 803.

[0075] There are three electrical wires on the upper cone 106, as typically found in a standard electrical device (i.e. positive, negative and ground). Each of the upper cone electrical wires (not shown in drawings) is permanently affixed to its

corresponding upper cone conductor 604-606 by terminal connector clip (not shown in drawings).

[0076] The upper cone electrical wiring line and neutral wires (not shown in drawings) connect the upper cone conductors 604-605 to the building or local electrical supply using traditional means such as twist-on wire connectors (not shown in drawings), commonly known as "Marrettes". Once the upper cone electrical wiring is connected to the local supply, the wires and twist-on wire connectors may be inserted in to the wiring enclosure 101 through the wiring enclosure wiring aperture 105 such that the electrical connections are contained within an enclosure. Alternately, the connectors may be housed in a separate mounted electrical junction box, for example in a commercial or industrial environment.

[0077] The upper cone electrical ground wire (not shown in drawings) is wired from the upper cone ground conductor 606 to the terminal ground screw 802 located on the ceiling of the wiring enclosure 101, next to the wiring enclosure cable aperture 203. Then, the upper cone electrical ground wire (not shown in drawings) runs from the terminal ground screw 802 to its terminal end, which is then connected to the local supply ground wire by twist-on wire connector (not shown in drawings). [0078] The upper cone electrical wiring (not shown in drawings) and upper cone conductors 604-606 are mounted to the upper cone wiring platform (not shown in drawings) which is located on the top surface of the upper cone 106, adjacent to the upper cable tube-bore 400. The upper cone conductors 604-606 are affixed to the upper cone wiring platform by mechanical means such as by flanges (the upper cone conductor attachment flanges (not shown in drawings)) which may protrude from the sides of the upper cone conductors 604-606 and are bent downward and inserted in to corresponding openings (the conductor attachment flange mounts (not shown in drawings)) in the upper cone wiring platform (not shown in drawings) so as to permanently affix them to the upper cone wiring platform.

[0079] Additionally, each conductor may be bent or formed across its length so as to form a triangular shape, thereby creating a 'spring' or 'lever'-like property in the conductor. Thus, when pressure is applied at the conductive end of the conductor by the contact of the lower cone conductor rings 800-801 , the upper cone conductors 604-606 will slightly recoil helping to compensate for any minor vertical misalignment between the upper and lower conductor sets, as well as ensuring a robust electrical contact.

[0080] The upper cone wiring platform (not shown in drawings) consists of a series of isolation walls 1300 that protrude vertically from the top surface of the upper cone 106 and which delineate and segregate the three separate wiring zones (i.e. line wiring zone 500, neutral wiring zone 501 and ground wiring zone 502) for mounting the individual upper cone electrical wires (not shown in drawings) and their upper cone conductors 604-606. The isolation walls 1300 of the upper cone wiring platform (not shown in drawings) are designed so as to divide each wiring zone from the adjacent wiring zone(s). The purpose of the isolation walls is to prevent unintentional contact and conduction between the mounted electrical wiring and conductors.

[0081] Additionally, a plastic or metal upper cone electrical wiring zone lid 401 is affixed over top of the wiring zones 500-502 to prevent undesirable contact or conduction between the upper cone electrical wires (not shown in drawings), the upper cone electrical conductors 604-606, the local supply wires, and in particular with the upper cone electrical ground wire (not shown in drawings). The upper cone electrical wiring zone lid 401 is affixed by mechanical means, (e.g. snap on or set screw), or by manufacturing (e.g. epoxy or ultrasonic weld).

[0082] The upper cone wiring platform (not shown in drawings) is designed corresponding to the layout of the coupling chamber 1100 located below in the interior of the upper cone 106, and in to which the upper cone conductors 604-606 pass. Thus, each of the three wiring zones 500-502 contains an opening in the top surface of the upper cone 106, the upper cone conductor apertures (i.e. line conductor aperture 607, neutral conductor aperture 608 and ground conductor aperture 609), through which the upper cone conductors 604-606 are inserted in order to pass through in to the coupling chamber 1100 below. Two of the wiring zones (neutral and line) and corresponding conductor apertures are positioned so as to be aligned with the underlying upper cone conductor cavity-rings 804-805 which are located at the top of the coupling chamber 1 100.

[0083] The upper cone conductor apertures 607-609 have a radial shape which overlays a section of the radial shape of the upper cone conductor cavity-rings 804-805 below. The upper cone conductor apertures 607-609 are of sufficient length and width to allow the upper cone conductors 604-606 to pass through them.

[0084] The upper cone ground conductor 606 passes from the upper cone wiring platform (not shown in drawings) in to the interior of the lower cable tube-bore 803. Thus the wiring zone ground conductor aperture 609 is located at the base of the upper cable tube-bore 400 (i.e. where the upper cable tube-bore 400 meets the upper cone wiring platform (not shown in drawings)) so as to permit insertion of the upper cone ground conductor 606 into the lower cable tube bore 803. On the inside of the lower cable tube-bore 803 there is a vertical, tunnel-shaped chamber (the lower cable tube-bore ground conductor chamber (not shown in drawings)) inside of which the upper cone ground conductor 606 descends inside the lower cable tube-bore 803.

[0085] The upper cone ground conductor 606 descends down approximately three-quarters of the way on the inside lateral wall of the lower cable tube-bore 803 before bending out through an opening in the lateral wall of the lower cable tube-bore (the lower cable tube-bore ground aperture 1101). Thus, the conductive end of the upper cone ground conductor 606 protrudes through the exterior lateral wall of the lower cable tube-bore 803 and makes contact with the lower cone ground ring when the guidance bore 806 is pulled on to the lower cable tube-bore 803.

[0086] The coupling chamber 1 100 consists of two 360-degree radial-shaped cavities (the inner conductor cavity-ring 804 and the outer conductor cavity-ring 805) which are located on the ceiling of the coupling chamber. The inner and outer conductor cavity-rings 804-805 encircle and are concentric to the lower cable tube-bore 803 which protrudes down vertically through the center of the inner conductor cavity-ring 804. Below the conductor cavity-rings 804-805 there is sufficient space surrounding the lower cable tube-bore 803 to permit the lower cone 107 to insert and nest.

[0087] Each of the inner conductor cavity-ring 804 and the outer conductor cavity-ring 805 houses one of the upper cone conductors 604-605. The inner and outer conductor cavity-rings 804-805 are circular in shape and concentric to the lower cable tube-bore 803. The outer conductor cavity-ring 805 has a larger diameter than the inner conductor cavity-ring 804, and encircles it. Both the inner and outer conductor cavity- rings 804-805 have a vertical depth and extend up toward the ceiling of the interior of the upper cone 106 where an arch is formed at the top of each of the cavity-rings. The depth of the conductor cavity-rings 804-805 is approximately 15 millimeters, or a fraction relative to the overall depth of the upper cone 106, sufficient to permit the lower cone conductor rings 800-801 to fully insert inside so as to reach almost to the top of the arch of the cavity-rings 804-805, but to provide sufficient extra tolerance so as to avoid a zero tolerance fit between the lower cone conductor rings 800-801 and the surface at the top of the arch of the conductor cavity-rings 804-805.

[0088] As stated, the inner and outer conductor cavity-rings 804-805 radiate concentrically to the lower cable tube-bore 803. Thus, the uppermost section of the exterior lateral wall of the lower cable tube-bore 803 forms the inside lateral wall of the inner conductor cavity-ring 804. Thus, the top arch of the inner conductor cavity-ring 804 is a horizontal extension of the top of the outside lateral wall of the lower cable tube-bore 803 which, moving outward, then curves back down vertically to form the outside lateral wall of the inner conductor cavity-ring 804. At the base of the outside lateral wall of the inner conductor cavity-ring 804, the wall forms a small horizontal edge surface and then bends back up vertically to form the inside lateral wall of the outer conductor cavity-ring 805. At the top of the inside lateral wall of the outer conductor cavity-ring 805 the wall arches horizontally to form the top arch of the outer conductor cavity-ring 805 before bending back down vertically to form the outside lateral wall of the outer conductor cavity-ring 805. Thus are formed the inner and outer conductor cavity-rings. The conductive ends of the upper cone conductors 604-605 are positioned sufficiently deep inside the conductor cavity rings 804-805 so as to ensure that no errant or accidental contact can be made with them.

[0089] The lower cone inner neutral conductor ring 800 and the lower cone outer line conductor ring 801 are mounted to the top surface of the lower cone 107. The inner and outer conductor rings 800-801 are formed from a thin strip of electrically conductive material into a circular-shaped ring which when mounted protrudes approximately 10 millimeters from the top surface of the lower cone 107. The inner and outer conductor rings 800-801 may be affixed to the top surface of the lower cone 107 by mechanical means such as by a series of at least one lower cone conductor ring attachment flanges (not shown in drawings) which extend from the bottom edges of the inner conductor ring 800 and the outer conductor ring 801 and are inserted and bent inside the lower cone conductor ring attachment flange mounts holes (not shown in drawings) which are located in the top surface of the lower cone 107. The lower cone conductor ring attachment flanges (not shown in drawings) protrude through the lower cone conductor ring attachment flange mounts (not shown in drawings) into the interior of the lower cone 107 sufficiently to permit the respective lower cone electrical wires (not shown in drawings) to be attached and affixed to at least one of the conductor ring attachment flanges (not shown in drawings) on each of the inner and outer conductor rings 800-801.

[0090] The lower cone ground ring 1401 is mounted to the inside of the guidance bore 806. It is formed into the same shape as the inside lateral wall of the guidance bore 806 such that when mounted to the inside of the guidance bore its surface is flush to the inside lateral wall of the guidance bore. The lower cone ground ring 1401 may be affixed to the inside lateral wall of the guidance bore 806 by mechanical means such as by lower cone ground ring attachment flanges (not shown in drawings) which extend from the top and bottom edges of the lower cone ground ring 1401 and are inserted and bent inside the lower cone ground ring attachment flange mount holes (not shown in drawings) located in the inside lateral wall of the guidance bore 806 in such a position so as to align with the lower cone ground ring attachment flanges (not shown in drawings). Thus, the upper cone ground conductor 606 makes contact with the lower cone ground ring 1401 each time that there is full retraction of the lower cone 107 in to the upper cone 106 and resultant coupling of the live electrical components.

[0091] The lower cone electrical wires (i.e. line and neutral wiring) (not shown in drawings) are mounted in the interior of the lower cone 107. The lower cone electrical wires (i.e. line, neutral and ground) (not shown in drawings) are attached by terminal connector clip (not shown in drawings) to the lower cone conductor ring attachment flanges (not shown in drawings) which protrude through the top surface of the lower cone 107 down in to the interior of the lower cone 107. The lower cone electrical wires (i.e. line and neutral wiring) (not shown in drawings) are connected to the lighting fixture electrical wires by standard traditional means such as by twist-on wire connector (not shown in drawings). Once the electrical wires are connected, the connectors may be tucked in to the interior of the lower cone 107, housed within an attached electrical accessory box, or concealed within a decorative canopy.

[0092] Similarly, the lower cone ground wire (not shown in drawings) is connected to at least one of the lower cone ground ring attachment flanges (not shown in drawings), which protrude through the lateral wall of the guidance bore 806 into the interior of the lower cone 107. Similarly, the ground wire of the lighting fixture (not shown in drawings) is attached to the lower cone ground wire (not shown in drawings) by traditional means such as twist-on wire connector (not shown in drawings). Once the ground wires are connected, the connector ends may be tucked into the interior of the lower cone 107, housed within an attached electrical accessory box, or concealed within a decorative canopy.

[0093] The lower cone rim flange 1002 has at least two lower cone rim flange mounting screw holes 1003 which are spaced according to standard dimensions used in electrical mounting accessories such that a typical fixture mounting strap, junction box, extension ring, octagon box, flexible, fixed or swivel fixture hanger, or electrical cover can be mounted. The lower cone rim flange mounting screw holes 1003 provide a range of attachment options for attachment of various types of lighting fixtures which rely on the support of lighting fixture mounting accessories and standard spaced screw hole dimensions, such as are used in the majority of commercial and industrial lighting fixtures.

[0094] There are two holes in the lateral walls of the guidance bore 806 which are opposite each other (the retraction cable mounting bolt holes (not shown in drawings)), and through which the retraction cable mounting bolt 810 may be inserted. The end of the retraction cable 303 may have a machine fixed or stamped eyelet, loop, or other sufficiently rated means of mechanical attachment permanently affixed to it, or alternately it may be formed into a retraction cable attachment loop 81 1 and a retraction cable crimp 812 or other type of mechanical clamp sufficiently rated to bear sufficiently in excess of the specified weight load is applied to the retraction cable attachment loop 811 to secure the retraction cable 303 to itself. The retraction cable attachment loop 81 1 is inserted down into the guidance bore 806 so that as the retraction cable mounting bolt

810 is inserted through the retraction cable mounting bolt holes (not shown in drawings), the retraction cable mounting bolt 810 will pass through the retraction cable attachment loop 811, and then through the other mounting bolt hole where it is locked in place. The retraction cable mounting bolt 810 is located so as not to interfere with the lower cone 107 nesting over the upper cone 106, and so as not to interfere with the attachment of a standard electrical accessory to the lower cone rim flange 1002.

[0095] Alternately, a metal or plastic cap (not shown in drawings) containing a hook or pin is attached to the bottom surface of the guidance bore 806. The hook, loop or pin is inserted in to the guidance bore so as not to interfere with the lower cone 107 nesting over the upper cone 106, and so as to enable the retraction cable attachment loop

81 1 to be affixed to the hook, loop, or pin.

[0096] Thus, the retraction cable 303 is affixed to the lower cone 107 and the lower cone 107 is the support fulcrum for attachment of the lighting fixture or electrical mounting accessory (which supports the lighting fixture) to the retraction device. [0097] Alternately, a lighting fixture mounting strap 900 may be attached to the bottom surface of the lower cone rim flange 1002, and is also individually attached to the retraction cable 303 and the lighting fixture. Therefore, the lighting fixture mounting strap 900 is the support fulcrum for attachment of the lighting fixture to the retraction device. The lighting fixture mounting strap 900 is fabricated from plastic or metal and is at least the length of the diameter of the outside rim of the lower cone rim flange 1002. Thus, the lighting fixture mounting strap 900 may be of rectangular, ovular, or circular shape, or a variant thereof. Thus, the lighting fixture mounting strap 900 may be of unique design, but may also be a standard universal lighting fixture mounting strap used for the attachment of standard lighting fixtures to a standard ceiling box or octagon box.

[0098] The lighting fixture mounting strap 900 has at least two set screw holes (the lighting fixture mounting strap set screw holes (not shown in drawings)) at both ends of the strap which are located so as to align with the lower cone rim flange mounting holes 1003 in the lower cone rim flange 1002, thus enabling the lighting fixture mounting strap 900 to be affixed to the lower cone rim flange 1002.

[0099] In the center of the lighting fixture mounting strap 900 there is a standard size female-threaded nipple aperture 808. A standard male-female adaptor nipple 807, containing a male-threaded end and a female-threaded end, is inserted into the female- threaded nipple aperture 808 with the male-threaded end up. The male-threaded end protrudes up through the female-threaded nipple aperture 808 such that when the lighting fixture mounting strap 900 is mounted to the lower cone rim flange 1002, the male-threaded end protrudes up in to the lower cone 107.

[00100] There are two holes in the lateral walls of the protruding female-threaded end of the male-female adaptor nipple 807 which are opposite each other (the retraction cable mounting bolt holes (not shown in drawings)), and through which the retraction cable mounting bolt 810 is inserted. The end of the retraction cable 303 is formed into a retraction cable attachment loop 811 and a retraction cable crimp 812 or other type of mechanical clamp sufficiently rated to bear the specified weight load is applied to the retraction cable attachment loop 811 to secure the retraction cable 303 to itself The retraction cable attachment loop 81 1 is inserted down into the male-female adaptor nipple 807 so that as the retraction cable mounting bolt 810 is inserted through the retraction cable mounting bolt holes (not shown in drawings), the retraction cable mounting bolt 810 will pass through the retraction cable attachment loop 81 1, and then through the other mounting bolt hole where it is locked in place. Thus, the retraction cable 303 is affixed to the lighting fixture mounting strap 900.

[00101] The female-threaded end of the male-female adaptor nipple 807 extends downward vertically from the lighting fixture mounting strap 900 providing a range of attachment options for various types of lighting fixtures including for the attachment of a male or female threaded metal stem, a chandelier "hickey" and decorative canopy plate, or a simple hook or loop capable of supporting a variety of fixtures including standard fixture attachment means such as HID hooks, aircraft cable, or jack chain. Additionally, there are at least two lighting fixture bolt holes (not shown in drawings) on the lighting fixture mounting strap 900 located on either side of the female-threaded nipple aperture 808, thus permitting the lighting fixture mounting strap 900 to bolt mount to a variety of standard ceiling-mounted lighting fixtures.

[00102] Certain lighting fixtures such as standard 4-foot or 8-foot fluorescent lighting fixtures may require a tandem setup whereby two retraction devices are employed to support the lighting fixture. In such a setup, electrical supply is only connected to one of the retraction devices while the other retraction device limits its function to supporting the lighting fixture with extension/retraction. Metal stems, jack chain, aircraft cable or other means of suspension are affixed to either end of the standard fluorescent lighting fixture and connected to the lighting fixture mounting straps 900 (or other fixture mounting accessory) on the respective retraction devices. The lighting fixture electrical wiring is affixed to one of the vertical metal stems and connected to the lower cone electrical wiring (not shown in drawings).

[00103] An embodiment of the invention is a retractable recessed lighting system (i.e. retractable pot lights) whereby a constant torque spring retraction assembly is located in a retraction enclosure which is horizontally adjacent to the recessed lighting dome. The retraction enclosure is conjoined to the recessed lighting chamber dome by a metal arm and affixed to each. A retraction cable extends horizontally inside a conduit from the retraction enclosure to the recessed lighting chamber dome where it is then redirected to a vertical orientation by an axle-mounted pulley wheel. The retraction cable descends into the recessed lighting chamber dome through a cable tube-bore inside the upper-cone. The upper cone and lower cone electrical coupling system is scaled down and adapted to fit inside the recessed lighting chamber dome, and the lower cone is adapted with a standard electrical lamp-holder socket which will bear standard pot-light bulbs. A standard trim is mounted to the lower rim of the recessed lighting chamber dome. The trim contains a mechanism to engage the bulb and lower cone in order for a user to pull down. A ratchet and pawl system for braking may or may not be

incorporated.

[00104] An embodiment of the invention is a retractable streetlamp system whereby a constant torque spring retraction assembly is located in a streetlamp enclosure which is adjacent to the streetlamp wiring, ballast & capacitor enclosure and lighting dome. One or more retraction cables extend through the streetlamp wiring inside a conduit and a tube-bore, and is then attached to an electrical coupling system. The electrical coupling system is adapted to bear a standard street lamp light fixture and related electrical componentry. On fixture pull-down, the ballast & capacitor enclosure as well as the lighting dome are pulled down to the desired height for maintenance. A locking system is incorporated to the invention to eliminate the risk of tampering, for mechanical safety, and to ensure a robust electrical connection. The locking system can be released from the ground using a specialized pole. A centrifugal pawl and ratchet are incorporated to the invention to enable immobilization of the streetlamp on fixture pulldown. An alignment guidance system is incorporated to ensure correct alignment during retraction of the fixture. A means for attachment of a hook pole or other reaching device is incorporated. Sufficient weather proof sealing is incorporated to the invention in parts which may be vulnerable to water penetration, condensation, or other exterior environmental conditions such as changes in temperature.

[00105] In an embodiment of the invention, the constant torque spring assembly of the retractable streetlamp system is located within the streetlamp arm or post. [00106] In an embodiment of the invention, there is a vertical axle orientation. The retraction enclosure 100 will have a vertical box or barrel shape (i.e. which may be rectangular or cylindrical). The wiring enclosure 101 will be positioned on the bottom side of the retraction enclosure 100. The output drum spool 301 and cable spool 201 assembly is mounted to the output drum axle 104 and the retraction cable 303 extends vertically downward from the cable spool 201 through the retraction enclosure cable aperture 304 and into the wiring enclosure 101. However, a means for redirecting the retraction cable 303 is necessary in the base of the retraction enclosure 100 in order to guide the cable through the retraction enclosure cable aperture 304 which is located in the center of the bottom of the retraction enclosure 100. The configuration of the remainder of the device remains the same. The vertical axle orientation of the device may be useful to enable the device to be retrofitted in to pre-existing electrical octagon or junction box holes in ceilings which have a common diameter and require limited disruption to the surrounding ceiling surface.

[00107] In an alternate embodiment, the axles are supported by a flange bushing, bearing bushing, or other means of axle support. In a further embodiment, the axle is inserted through a rotary damper.

[00108] In an alternate embodiment, there are at least two spring assemblies, increasing the torque retraction power of the device and providing spring power redundancy/back-up.

[00109] In an alternate embodiment, the constant torque spring assembly is replaced by a so-called recoil torque spring.

[00110] In an alternate embodiment, the device incorporates an additional spool drum (the belt brake spool) on to the output drum axle 104. A standard belt brake is wrapped over the spool drum and attached to a spring-bolt mechanism which is mounted in the base of the retraction enclosure 100. The belt brake enables a user to add or remove friction resistance to the spring's torque rotation, thereby providing a variable rate of retraction for the lighting fixture. The addition of a belt brake spool to the output drum axle increases the width dimension of the retraction enclosure 100. [001 1 1] In an alternate embodiment, the device incorporates an additional axle to accommodate one or more additional cable spools, gearings, or spring drums, consequently increasing the shape and size of the retraction enclosure 100.

[00112] In an alternate embodiment, the storage drum may be housed within a storage drum chamber containing a slit-shaped aperture from which the spring would protrude to attach to the output drum spool 301. The purpose of the chamber would be a cost effective substitute for the axle to control the movement of the spring during rotation.

[00113] In an alternate embodiment, the fixture mounting strap 900 and lower cone 107 incorporates a junction box to conceal terminal wire connections such as in the scenario where the invention is mounted to a ceiling.

[001 14] In an alternate embodiment, a conventional electrical socket is mounted directly to the lower cone 107.

[00115] In an alternate embodiment, an alternate form of payload mounting is attached to the lower cone 107.

[001 16] The payload may be a track lighting system.

[00117] In some embodiments, a magnet system is incorporated to the upper cone 106 and lower cone 107 in order to ensure robust electrical connection.

[00118] In some embodiments, an an alternate grounding system is incorporated to the invention.

[00119] In some embodiments, the wiring enclosure 101 is incorporated to the retraction enclosure 100.

[00120] In some embodiments, a twist-lock system is incorporated to the invention.

[00121] In some embodiments, a mechanical key locking system is incorporated to the invention to tamper-proof extension of the payload.

[00122] In some embodiments, a cover is incorporated to the spools in order to manage and constrain the constant torque spring 200. [00123] In some embodiments, a bevel gear is incorporated to the retraction assembly in order to change the direction of the rotational torque force.

[00124] In some embodiments, a tamper-proof system is incorporated to prevent access or undesirable usage of the invention.

[00125] Various means may be employed for pulling down a suspended payload attached to the payload connector, as will be evident to skilled persons. For example, a pole with a hook on one end may be employed where the hook can be engaged either with the payload or with the payload connector. In some embodiments, the payload connector may include a feature designed to be engaged by such a hook.

[00126] Where, in this document, a list of one or more items is prefaced by the expression "such as" or "including", is followed by the abbreviation "etc.", or is prefaced or followed by the expression "for example", or "e.g.", this is done to expressly convey and emphasize that the list is not exhaustive, irrespective of the length of the list. The absence of such an expression, or another similar expression, is in no way intended to imply that a list is exhaustive. Unless otherwise expressly stated or clearly implied, such lists shall be read to include all comparable or equivalent variations of the listed item(s), and alternatives to the item(s), in the list that a skilled person would understand would be suitable for the purpose that the one or more items are listed. Unless expressly stated or otherwise clearly implied herein, the conjunction "or" as used in the specification and claims shall be interpreted as a non-exclusive "or" so that "X or Y" is true when X is true, when Y is true, and when both X and Y are true, and "X or Y" is false only when both X and Y are false.

[00127] The words "comprises" and "comprising", when used in this specification and the claims, are used to specify the presence of stated features, elements, integers, steps or components, and do not preclude, nor imply the necessity for, the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[00128] It should be understood that the above-described embodiments of the present invention, particularly, any "preferred" embodiments, are only examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the invention as will be evident to those skilled in the art. That is, persons skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that such modifications and variations are, or will be, possible to utilize and carry out the teachings of the invention described herein.

[00129] The scope of the claims that follow is not limited by the embodiments set forth in the description. The claims should be given the broadest purposive construction consistent with the description and figures as a whole.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A suspension device for suspending a payload from a support positioned above

ground level, the suspension device comprising:

a cable retraction assembly comprising:

an enclosure having a bottom, the enclosure being attachable to the support;

a storage drum spool enclosed in and rotatably attached to the enclosure; an output drum spool enclosed in and rotatably attached to the enclosure; a constant torque spring attached to and wound on the storage drum spool and connected to the output drum spool so that the constant torque spring applies torque at a relatively constant level to the output drum spool, wherein when an opposite torque greater than the constant level is also applied to the output drum spool, the spools rotate and a portion of the constant torque spring is unwound from the storage drum spool and wound onto the output drum spool.

a cable;

a cable spool, wherein the cable is attached to and wound on the cable spool, and wherein the cable spool is connected to the output drum spool so that rotation of the output drum spool causes rotation of the cable spool;

an electrical connection component connected to a power source and attached to the bottom of the cable retraction assembly, the electrical connection component having an opening therethrough and having a first electrical connector;

a payload connector assembly comprising:

a payload connector configured to attach to the payload and electrically connect to the payload; and

a second electrical connector,

wherein an end of the cable extends through an opening in the bottom of the enclosure and through the opening in the electrical connection component, and is attached to the payload connector assembly,

wherein the constant torque spring is configured so that the constant torque level is greater than opposing torque applied to the output drum spool by the load on the cable when the payload is attached to the payload connector and suspended above the ground level,

wherein when no additional downward force is applied to the cable, the constant torque level maintains the electrical connection component in contact with the payload connector assembly so that the first electrical connector and second electrical connector are connected and electrical power is provided to the payload.

2. The suspension device of claim 1 , wherein the opening in the electrical connection component is a vertical bore.

3. The suspension device of claim 1, wherein the cable is sufficiently long that, when the enclosure is attached to the support, the payload is attached to and suspended by the payload connector, and additional downward force is applied to the cable so that the opposite torque on the output drum spool exceeds the constant level, causing the payload connector and payload to move downward and break the electrical connection between the electrical connection component and the payload connector so that electrical power is no longer provided to the payload, as the constant torque spring winds onto the output drum spool, the payload moves downward until it is near the ground level.

4. The suspension device of claim 1, wherein the cable retraction assembly further comprises a centrifugal pawl and a ratchet braking system connected to the output drum spool.

5. The suspension device of claim 3, wherein the cable retraction assembly further comprises a centrifugal pawl and a ratchet braking system connected to the output drum spool, the centrifugal pawl and a ratchet braking system being configured to releaseably lock the cable spool when the additional downward force is applied to the cable is discontinued so that the payload is maintained at a fixed distance from the ground level.

6. The suspension device of claim 1, wherein the first and second electrical connectors comprise a radial alignment electrical coupling.

7. The suspension device of claim 6, wherein the first and second electrical connectors encircle a portion of the cable.

8. The suspension device of claim 6, wherein the payload connector comprises a cylindrical upper tube bore and the electrical connection component further comprises a lower cable tube bore with a tapered end configured to enter the cylindrical upper tube bore, wherein the cable passes though both the upper tube bore and the lower cable tube bore, so that when the lower cable tube bore is fully inserted in the upper tube bore, an electrical connection is made between the first and second electrical connectors.