WO2023019696A1

WO2023019696A1 - Retractable light assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2023019696A1
Application number: PCT/CN2021/121603
Authority: WO
Inventors: Junqiang Zhang; Tianhua Huang
Original assignee: Shenzhen Pvison Technology Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2021-08-17
Filing date: 2021-09-29
Publication date: 2023-02-23
Also published as: CN215862976U

Abstract

A retractable light assembly (10) is provided. The retractable light assembly (10) comprises a plurality of lighting members (3) electrically connected by electric wires (4) and a pair of retractable brackets (1) arranged oppositely, each retractable bracket (1) comprises a plurality of rail units (11, 12) retractably and slidably connected in sequence; the plurality of rail units (11, 12) is slidable back and forth along a length of the retractable bracket (1) to retracting the bracket or extending the bracket; the multiple lighting members (3) are installed in parallel and supported between the pair of retractable brackets (1) with opposite ends of each lighting member (3) connected to the pair of retractable brackets (1) respectively, whereby the lighting members (3) are guided to be folded to a retracted state or extended to an extended state under an external force by means of the plurality of rail units (11, 12) sliding back and forth along the length of the retractable bracket (1).

Description

RETRACTABLE LIGHT ASSEMBLY

Technical Field

The present invention lies in the field of lighting device, and particularly relates to a retractable light assembly which is portable.

Background Art

The existing foldable lamp devices have complicated structure, are bulky and heavy even after being folded, which are inconvenient for transportation or storage.

Technical Problem

The present invention aims to provide a retractable light assembly, which has simple structure with a lighter wight, and can be easily retracted into a desirable size for transportation or storage.

Technical Solution

The present invention provides a retractable light assembly, comprising: a plurality of lighting members electrically connected by electric wires and a pair of retractable brackets arranged oppositely, each retractable bracket comprises a plurality of rail units retractably and slidably connected in sequence; the plurality of rail units is slidable back and forth along a length of the retractable bracket to retracting the bracket or extending the bracket; the multiple lighting members are installed in parallel and supported between the pair of retractable brackets with opposite ends of each lighting member connected to the pair of retractable brackets respectively, whereby the lighting members are guided to be folded to a retracted state or extended to an extended state under an external force by means of the plurality of rail units sliding back and forth along a length of the retractable bracket.

In accordance with some embodiments, each retractable bracket is linear or straight, comprises a receipt rail unit and one or more sliding rail units retractably connected to one end or opposite ends of the receipt rail unit; accordingly, the pair of retractable brackets comprise a pair of opposing receipt rail units and one or more pairs of opposing sliding rail units; the pair of opposing receipt rail units and each pair of opposing sliding rail units are used for mounting one or more lighting members therebetween.

In accordance with some embodiments, the receipt rail unit is a linear or straight rail section, defines one or two sliding grooves extending along a length thereof; the sliding groove is used for accommodating the sliding rail units therein in a retracted state when the sliding rail units sliding into the sliding groove; the receipt rail unit is C-shaped or E-shaped.

In accordance with some embodiments, the receipt rail unit is an aluminum or aluminum alloy extruded section with a C-shape or E-shape.

In accordance with some embodiments, the sliding groove extends through the whole length of the receipt rail unit; two sliding grooves are parallel and used for accommodating the sliding rail units connected opposite ends of the retractable rail unit respectively.

In accordance with some embodiments, there is at least one lighting member with opposite ends thereof respectively mounted on groove edges of the pair of receipt rail unit; the sliding rail units slide into the sliding groove and guide other lighting members close to the at least one lighting member and are folded between the pair of receipt rail units in a retracted state.

In accordance with some embodiments, the sliding rail unit is tubular or C-shaped with an elongated groove therethrough; the sliding rail units are adapted to be slidably connected with each other in a retractably socketed way, and are slidable along and accommodatable in the sliding groove of the receipt rail; each sliding rail unit is straight.

In accordance with some embodiments, one end or both ends of the receipt rail unit are slidably connected with one or more sliding rail units; the sliding rail units are slidably connected end to end with each other and are accommodatable in one another; the sliding rail unit is able to be sequentially received in an adjacent sliding rail unit and to be received in the sliding groove of the receipt rail unit in a retracted state; a first sliding rail unit has one end thereof connected to the receipt rail unit, inserted or socketed in one end of the receipt rail unit and is slidable inwards or outwards along the sliding groove of receipt rail unit for retracting or extending; the first sliding rail unit has the other end available to be connected with one or more sliding rail units with smaller diameters in sequence to form a retractable multi-section structure which is slidable inwards or outwards each other or along the sliding groove for retracting or extending.

In accordance with some embodiments, the retractable brackets are made from hard materials; each retractable bracket comprises multi tubular sections or multi groove sections which are slidably connected for extracting or extending the lighting members.

In accordance with some embodiments, the retractable brackets are aluminum or aluminum alloy extruded sections or tubes.

In accordance with some embodiments, the lighting members are vertically connected to the pair of retractable brackets.

In accordance with some embodiments, each rail unit is set with one or more connecting seats; the pair of opposing brackets correspondingly provide two or more pairs of opposing connecting seats; and each pair of opposing connecting seats are used to mount opposite ends of one lighting member respectively.

In accordance with some embodiments, each connecting seat has set with electronic components for the lighting member; an electric wire connected between adjacent lighting members extends along the retractable bracket; opposite ends of each electric wire electrically connect the electronic components set in the connecting seats for electrically connecting the lighting members; and are fixed at the adjacent connecting seats; the connecting seats are attached to the retractable bracket by fasteners; the end of the lighting member is mounted in the connecting seat by clamping means or fastening means.

In accordance with some embodiments, adjacent connecting seats are connected with a steel wire to limit a retracting or extending position of the sliding rail units.

In accordance with some embodiments, adjacent lighting members are connected by electric wires for connecting the lighting members with a power source; the electric wires are flexible cables, and are folded up between the adjacent lighting members in a retracted state, or extended along the receipt rail units or sliding rail units in an extended state.

In accordance with some embodiments, the pair of retractable brackets are tightly supported by the lighting members connected therebetween; the receipt rail units and sliding rail units with lighting members attached thereto are supported or positioned under a tension or friction.

In accordance with some embodiments, the sliding rail units and the receipt rail units are engaged by restricted structures set therein so as to limit the retracting or extending position of the sliding rail units.

In accordance with some embodiments, the light member is in a strip shape.

Advantageous Effects

The retractable light assembly in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention comprises a pair of retractable brackets for mounting opposite ends of each lighting member; each retractable bracket comprises a plurality of rail units retractably and slidably connected in sequence; the plurality of rail units is slidable back and forth along a length of the retractable bracket to retracting the bracket or extending the bracket; multiple lighting members are installed in parallel between the pair of brackets, and can be folded close into a small size by sliding the rail units, which is portable and convenient for transportation or storage. The retractable light assembly can be retracted into a desirable size using the pair of retractable brackets, which has a light weight and simple structure.

These and other objects, advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent upon review of the following specification in conjunction with the drawings.

Description of Drawings

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a retractable light assembly in an extended state in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the light assembly in a retracted state in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of one retractable bracket in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one retractable bracket without connecting seats of FIG. 3.

Mode for Invention

The following is a detailed explanation of the invention in combination with the drawings and embodiments; and the embodiments are only better modes of the invention and do not limit the protection scope of the invention.

Referring to FIGS 1-4, a retractable light assembly 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, comprises a pair of retractable brackets 1 arranged oppositely and multiple lighting members 3 installed in parallel between the pair of retractable brackets 1. Each lighting member 3 has opposite ends thereof connected to the pair of retractable brackets 1 respectively. The retractable light assembly 10 are retracted or extended by retracting or extending the pair of retractable brackets 1. Each lighting member 3 are electrically connected by electric wires 4 therebetween. The retractable light assembly further comprises a plug for connecting a power source, or comprises a power source such as rechargeable battery, and may further comprises a power adapter for connecting power source. The power source or plug or power adapter is electrically connected with the wires 4 for supplying electric power to each lighting member 3. The retractable light assembly further comprises a pair of mounting chains (not shown) connected to the retractable brackets for installing the retractable light assembly to a fixed object such as a wall or pole, or for easily carrying. In the present invention, each retractable bracket 1 comprises a plurality of rail units 11,12 retractably and slidably connected in sequence; the plurality of rail units 11, 12 is slidable back and forth along a length of the retractable bracket 1 to retracting the bracket 1 or extending the bracket 1. The lighting assembly 10 or the lighting members 3 are guided to be folded to a retracted state or extended to an extended state under an external force by means of the plurality of rail units 11, 12 sliding back and forth along a length of the retractable bracket 1. The external force may be a pulling force or a pushing force or dragging force by a user. The user can drag or pull the outmost lighting member 3, then the lighting members can be expanded sequentially which is guiding by means the rails units 11, 12 sliding forth along a length of the retractable bracket 1. Otherwise, the user can push the outmost lighting member 3, then the lighting members 3 can be retracted sequentially which is guiding by means the rails units 11, 12 sliding back along a length of the retractable bracket 1. The wire 4 adopts a flexible high-strength cable, which is fixedly connected to two adjacent lighting members 3, and is arranged along the outer wall of the rail units 11, 12. The wires 4 can be expanded or folded together with the lighting assembly 10 being expanded or retracted; are used to withstand the external forces, specifically the dragging or pulling force; and limit the lighting members to extend within a predetermined distance without separating from each other.

Preferably, each retractable bracket 1 is a linear or straight bracket, can be linearly retracted or extended. The pair of retractable brackets 1 are parallel to each other, and located opposite sides of the retractable light assembly for mounting opposite ends of each lighting member 3, can take the lighting members 3 close to each other to fold the lighting assembly 10 or take the lighting members 3 far away from each other to expand the lighting assembly 10. The pair of retractable brackets 1 arranged oppositely, each retractable bracket 1 comprises a plurality of rail units 11,12 retractably and slidably connected in sequence. The retractable bracket 1 obtains a retracted state or extended state by means of the plurality of rail units 11, 12 sliding back and forth along a length of the retractable bracket 1. The pair of retractable brackets 1 are made from hard materials such as metal. Hard plastic or other hard materials maybe used in some embodiments. In some embodiments, the pair of retractable brackets 1 are made from aluminum or aluminum alloy, and generally are aluminum/ aluminum alloy extruded sections or tubes. The pair of retractable brackets 1 have the same structures. The retractable light assembly 10 in this embodiment are symmetrical in a rectangular configure. Each retractable bracket 1 has multi tubular sections or multi-groove sections slidably connected to form a linear or straight structure. The retractable bracket 1 or a plurality of rail units 11,12 of each retractable bracket 1, comprises a receipt rail unit 11 and one or more sliding rail units 12 retractably connected to one end or opposite ends of the receipt rail unit 11. Accordingly, the pair of retractable brackets 1 comprises a pair of opposing receipt rail units 11 and one or more pairs of opposing sliding rail units 12. Each pair of opposing receipt rail units 11 or opposing sliding rail units 12 are used for mounting one or more lighting members 3 therebetween.

The receipt rail unit 11, is a linear or straight rail section, C-shaped or E-shaped, defines one sliding groove 110 extending along a length thereof to form a C-shape, or defines two sliding grooves 110 along a length thereof to form an E-shape. The sliding grooves 110 are used for accommodating the sliding rail units 12. The sliding groove 110 extends a whole length of the receipt rail unit 11. Each sliding groove can accommodate the connected sliding rail units 12 from one end of the retractable rail unit 11. Two parallel elongate sliding grooves 110 of the retractable rail units 11 can accommodate the connected sliding rail units 12 from opposite ends of the retractable rail unit 11. The pair of receipt rail units 11 have one side open to form such sliding groove 110, the end the lighting member 3 is mounted to this open side, or mounted to edges of the sliding groove 110, or mounted to the inner wall of the sliding groove, so that the sliding rail units 12 slide into the groove 110 and carry the lighting members 3 close to each other and being received between the pair of receipt rail units 11.

The sliding groove 110 in the receipt rail unit 11 is configured adapted to receive the sliding rail units 12 therein. Preferably, the receipt rail unit 11 is an aluminum/ aluminum alloy extruded section with one or two elongated grooves 110 therethrough, the aluminum/aluminum alloy extruded section is C-shaped for defining one sliding groove, or the aluminum/ aluminum alloy extruded section is E-shaped for defining two sliding grooves 110. The end of the lighting member 3 is mounted to the inner wall of the sliding groove or mounted to an edge of the sliding groove. In one embodiment, one or more lighting members 3 are vertically connected between the pair of receipt rail units 11. In this embodiment, one lighting member 3 is vertically connected to the middle length of the pair of receipt rail units 11.

The sliding rail unit 12 is tubular or C-shaped with an elongated groove therethrough, and also is linear or straight, has a diameter adapted to connected in a retractably socketed way, and are configured to be slidable along the groove 110 and received in the groove 110 of the receipt rail unit 11.

The diameters of the connected sliding rail units 12 are smaller or decrease sequentially, which can be retracted into sliding groove 110 of the receipt rail unit 11 or can be retracted into the adjacent rail unit respectively so as to form a multi-layer socket structure when the light assembly 10 is retracted. In one embodiment, the retractable bracket 1 can be retracted from or extended to opposite ends, the receipt rail unit 11 is a middle section of the extended linear bracket 1, opposite ends of the receipt rail unit 11 are retractably and slidably connected with one or more sliding rail units 12, and can be retracted into the receipt rail unit 11. Specifically, a first sliding rail unit 12 has one end thereof connected to the receipt rail unit 11, and inserted or socketed in one end of the receipt rail unit 11, and can slide into or outwards the sliding groove 110 for retracting or extending. The first sliding rail unit 12 has the other end can retractably and slidably connected next sliding rail unit 12 with smaller diameters, and so on, more sliding rail units 12 can be retractably and slidably connected to form a retractable multi-section structure.

In other embodiment, the retractable bracket 1 can be retracted from or extended to one end, the receipt rail unit 11 is located at one end of the extended bracket 1, and sliding rail units 12 with smaller diameters are end-to-end connected to one end of the receipt rail unit 11 and can be retracted into the receipt rail unit 11. Sliding rail units 12 with smaller diameters can be retracted into the sliding groove 110 of the receipt rail unit 11 and received therein. The sliding rail units 12 can be sequentially received in adjacent rails and finally received in the sliding groove 110 of the receipt rail unit 11 in a retracted state. The sliding rail units 12 take the lighting members 3 close to each other, and preferably, the lighting members 3 can be folded in parallel between the pair of receipt rail unit 11 for the smallest folded size.

One or more connecting seats 2 are provided on each receipt rail unit 11 and sliding rail unit 12, and correspondingly, two or more pairs of opposing connecting seats 2 are formed to the pair of opposing brackets 1. Each pair of opposing connecting seats 2 are used to mount opposite ends of one lighting member 3 respectively. The connecting seat 2 has set with PCB, electric connectors, switch or other electronic components for the lighting member 3. The electric wire 4 connected between two adjacent lighting members 3 extends along the bracket 1. Opposite ends of each electric wire 4 are electrically connected with the PCB or connectors set in the adjacent connecting seats 2 for electrically connecting the lighting members 3, and are fixed at the adjacent connecting seats 2. The connecting seats 2 can be fixed on the retractable bracket 1 by fasteners, are mounted to the inner wall of groove or tube of the receipt rail unit 11 or sliding rail unit 12, or mounted to the outer wall of the sliding rail unit 12, or mounted to the groove edge of the receipt rail unit 11 or sliding rail unit 12. The opposite far ends of the pair of brackets 1 have set connecting seats 2.

The electric wires 4 connected between two adjacent lighting members 3 are flexible cables, and can be folded up between two ends of adjacent lighting members 3 in a retracted state of the lighting assembly 10, or extended along the receipt rail units 11 or sliding rail units 12 in an extended state. Preferably, the electric wires 4 adopt the electronic cable with high toughness and strength, such as flexible flat cable, specifically YFFB. Each electric wire 4 connects between two lighting members 3, not only used for electrically connecting the lighting member 3 and the power source, but also used for withstanding the pulling force when expanding the lighting members 3. Preferably, each rail unit 11 or 12 sets a connecting seat 2, that’s, each pair of rail units 11 or 12 set a pair of connecting seats 2, one lighting member 3 is mounted between the pair of rail units 11 or 12 with opposite ends of the lighting member 3 respectively mounted in the pair of connecting seats 2. Two adjacent lighting members 3 are connected by one wire 4 for electrically connecting and for sliding position restriction. The wire 4 is set on outer wall of the rail unit 11 or 12, and extends along a length of the rail unit. The lighting members 3 are connected in series by the wires 4 to form a series circuit.

The light member 3 can be a lamp tube, a lamp board, or a combination of a lamp board and a heat dissipation module or the like. Preferably, the light member 3 is in a shape of a strip. In one embodiment, the light member 3 is a lighting strip, and comprises a light tube and a reflector housing the light tube; opposite ends of the light tube are mounted in a pair of connecting seats 2 so as to mount the light member 3 between the pair of brackets 1, and electrically connect the wires 4 for connecting a power source. In other embodiment, light member 3 in a strip shape comprises a LED board and an outer housing; the LED board comprises a PCB and LEDs set on the PCB, a heat dissipation may be further set.

The pair of opposing brackets 1 are tightly supported by the lighting members 3 connected therebetween, therefore, the receipt rail units 11 and sliding rail units 12 with lighting members 3 attached thereto can be supported or positioned at any length of the bracket 1 under a tension or friction.

The connected ends of the rail units 11,12 or the adjacent rail units 11, 12, are engaged by restricted structures set in the grooves of the receipt rail units 11 or in tubular inner wall of the sliding rail units 12 so as to limit the retracting or extending position of the sliding rail units 12. Further, each wire 4 connected between adjacent connecting seats 2 are also used to limit the retracting or extending positions of the sliding rail unit 12.

For an exemplary embodiment, one lighting member 3 is mounted between the pair of opposing receipt rail units 11. Both ends of each receipt rail unit 11 are respectively connected with two or more connected sliding rail units 12, one lighting member 3 is mounted between each pair of sliding rail units 12. The sliding rail units 12 can slide into receipt rail unit 11 one by one and are fitted in the sliding groove 110.

Two or more connected sliding rail units 12 forms an extending straight rail to retractably connect one end of the receipt rail unit 11. One end of the receipt rail unit 11 connected with the extending straight rail, and the sliding rail units 12 of the extending straight rail can be sequentially retracted into the sliding groove 110 of the receipt rail unit 11. Opposite ends of the receipt rail unit 11 can respectively connect such extending straight rail; and the sliding rail units 12 of each extending straight rail can be sequentially retracted into one sliding groove 110 of the receipt rail unit 11. Therefore, the lighting members 3 can be folded between the pair of receipt rail unit 11 in a folded/retracted state, which has the smallest size and is convenient for transportation or storage. The retractable lighting assembly 10 of the present invention has simple structure with a lighter weight and can be folded to the smallest size by using only a pair of retractable brackets 1, and the retractable bracket is tubular or hollow therein, thus the weight is reduced.

Changes and modifications in the specifically described embodiments can be carried out without departing from the principles of the present invention, which is intended to be limited only by the scope of the appended claims, as interpreted according to the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

A retractable light assembly, comprising:

a plurality of lighting members electrically connected by electric wires; and

a pair of retractable brackets arranged oppositely, each retractable bracket comprising a plurality of rail units retractably and slidably connected in sequence;

wherein the plurality of rail units is slidable back and forth along a length of the retractable bracket to retracting the bracket or extending the bracket; the multiple lighting members are installed in parallel and supported between the pair of retractable brackets with opposite ends of each lighting member connected to the pair of retractable brackets respectively, whereby the lighting members are guided to be folded to a retracted state or extended to an extended state under an external force by means of the plurality of rail units sliding back and forth along a length of the retractable bracket.
The retractable light assembly of claim 1, wherein each retractable bracket is straight, comprises a receipt rail unit and one or more sliding rail units retractably connected to one end or opposite ends of the receipt rail unit; accordingly, the pair of retractable brackets comprise a pair of opposing receipt rail units and one or more pairs of opposing sliding rail units; the pair of opposing receipt rail units and each pair of opposing sliding rail units are used for mounting one or more lighting members therebetween.
The retractable light assembly of claim 2, wherein the receipt rail unit is a straight rail section, defines one or two sliding grooves extending along a length thereof; the sliding groove is used for accommodating the sliding rail units therein in a retracted state when the sliding rail units sliding into the sliding groove; the receipt rail unit is C-shaped or E-shaped.
The retractable light assembly of claim 2, wherein the receipt rail unit is an aluminum or aluminum alloy extruded section with a C-shape or E-shape.
The retractable light assembly of claim 3, wherein the sliding groove extends through the whole length of the receipt rail unit; two sliding grooves are parallel and used for accommodating the sliding rail units connected opposite ends of the retractable rail unit respectively.
The retractable light assembly of claim 3, wherein there is at least one lighting member with opposite ends thereof respectively mounted on groove edges of the pair of receipt rail unit; the sliding rail units slide into the sliding groove and guide other lighting members close to the at least one lighting member and are folded between the pair of receipt rail units in a retracted state.
The retractable light assembly of claim 3, wherein the sliding rail unit is tubular or C-shaped with an elongated groove therethrough; the sliding rail units are adapted to be slidably connected with each other in a retractably socketed way, and are slidable along and accommodatable in the sliding groove of the receipt rail; each sliding rail unit is straight.
The retractable light assembly of claim 1, wherein the retractable brackets are made from hard materials; each retractable bracket comprises multi tubular sections or multi groove sections which are slidably connected.
The retractable light assembly of claim 8, wherein the retractable brackets are aluminum or aluminum alloy extruded sections or tubes.
The retractable light assembly of claim 1, wherein the lighting members are vertically connected to the pair of retractable brackets.
The retractable light assembly of claim 2, wherein adjacent lighting members are connected by electric wires for connecting the lighting members with a power source; the electric wires are flexible cables, and are folded up between the adjacent lighting members in a retracted state, or extended along the receipt rail units or sliding rail units in an extended state.
The retractable light assembly of claim 11, wherein the electric wires adopt electronic cables with high toughness and strength; each electric wire connects between two lighting members, used for electrically connecting the lighting member for supplying an electric power, used for withstanding the external force when expending the lighting members away, used for bearing a weight of each lighting member, and further used for a sliding position restriction of the sliding rail unit.
The retractable light assembly of claim 12, wherein the electric wires are set on an outer wall of the rail unit, and extends along a length of the rail unit; the lighting members are connected in series by the electric wires to form a series circuit.
The retractable light assembly of claim 2, wherein each rail unit is set with one or more connecting seats; the pair of opposing brackets correspondingly provide two or more pairs of opposing connecting seats; and each pair of opposing connecting seats are used to mount opposite ends of one lighting member respectively.
The retractable light assembly of claim 14, wherein each connecting seat has set with electronic components for the lighting member; opposite ends of each electric wire electrically connect the electronic components set in the connecting seats for electrically connecting the lighting members; and are fixed at the adjacent connecting seats; the connecting seats are attached to the retractable bracket by fasteners; the end of the lighting member is mounted in the connecting seat by clamping means or fastening means.
The retractable light assembly of claim 2, wherein the pair of retractable brackets are tightly supported by the lighting members connected therebetween; the receipt rail units and sliding rail units with lighting members attached thereto are supported or positioned under a tension or friction.
The retractable light assembly of claim 2, wherein the sliding rail units and the receipt rail units are engaged by restricted structures set therein so as to limit the retracting or extending position of the sliding rail units.
The retractable light assembly of any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the light member is in a strip shape.